In the current economy, accountability and transparency have become essential realities for many organizations, particularly in the non-profit sector. In an era when flat or declining budgets are often met with escalating demands, demonstrating impact is fundamental to survival. It’s a reality that Cathrine Schwartz, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, knows all too well.
Over the past few years, her organization’s annual campaign — which still raises $5 million annually — is down 15 percent. During that same timeframe, for instance, demand for food at the federation-supported Kosher Food Pantry in West Hartford is up 1,200 percent.
Those dual realities have forced the Jewish Federation, founded in 1945, to rethink and retool its allocation process to promote greater collaboration and efficiency, as the nonprofit seeks to fund a variety of Jewish organizations — from community centers and hospitals to schools and local synagogues.
In February, the organization — as part of its recently completed long term strategic plan — transitioned its allocation model from funding general operations to program-based support, a shift that Schwartz believes will allow the federation to better track and measure the impact of its charitable dollars.
“One of the primary reasons we adopted this new approach was to provide more transparency for donors,” Schwartz explained. “We want them to understand specifically what their philanthropy supports.”
For federation-supported organizations, that will mean more data-management, reporting and competition. “Organizations will now complete an application including a project description, expected outcomes and [quantifiable] metrics,” Schwartz said, noting that the federation typically has 30 Jewish organizations seeking support each year. She anticipates this year; her organization will receive 45 — 60 requests for program support.
The response from previously funded organizations has been mixed, according to Schwartz. “Obviously our new process involves more accountability, but some organizations have embraced it as a way to showcase the services they provide,” she said. That showcase will also offer the federation an opportunity to better engage volunteers — who will now be responsible for site visits, interviewing service recipients, and evaluating federation-funded programs.
“We used to make decisions based [almost exclusively] on budgets and presentations.” Schwartz noted. “Now it’ll be much more interactive and metrics-based.”
Schwartz hopes that her organization’s new approach will also foster more collaboration among organizations — and the federation itself is modeling the way. In fact, the organization worked closely with the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford — as part of developing its long-term plan — to align organizational priorities and funding criteria. Although they are separate organizations, Schwartz noted, both have similar goals of promoting Jewish education, heritage and culture.
“In general, we all need to work less in silos,” Schwartz said, “and be more open to everyone.” She’s betting her donors will agree, especially in the current economy.
Bourdon to chair board
Philippe Bourdon, vice president of technology at Webster Bank, has been appointed chair of the March of Dimes Connecticut Chapter’s Greater Connecticut Division board of directors. Bourdon, employed by Webster Financial Corp. since 2004, joined the local chapter’s Neonatal Action Committee at the University of Connecticut Health Center in 2005. He remains an active member of the committee today.
The March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Its local chapter is based in Glastonbury.
B of A grants available
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation is accepting applications from Hartford nonprofits and community leaders for grant funding through Bank of America’s grassroots philanthropic program, the Neighborhood Excellence Initiative. In 2011 alone, the bank will provide more than $400,000 through this program to revitalize the local economy and support nonprofits tackling critical social issues in the community.
Applications for the Neighborhood Builders (nonprofit organizations) and Local Heroes (community leaders) categories of the program are due by June 1. Two local nonprofits will each will receive $200,000 in unrestricted grant funding and participate in the bank’s strategic leadership training program. Also, five individuals who champion causes and inspire others to get involved through community service, each will direct a $5,000 contribution from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation to an eligible nonprofit of their choice.
Application information is available at www.bankofamerica.com/neighborhoodexcellence.
Epoch Arts gets boost
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts has provided Epoch Arts in East Hampton with a $7,980 grant to purchase new stage lights and risers for the theater group’s programming that serves at-risk youth.
The new equipment was unveiled recently at the organization’s “Brookside Nights” monthly music venue and a giant check was presented to symbolize the funding.
