Community Foundation Update (06/24/2023)

Community Foundation Update (06/24/2023)

Connecticut

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has announced 221 new scholarships totaling $437,790 to 189 students. By the end of the year, the foundation expects to award approximately $1.5 million in new and renewal scholarships to 460 students. In addition, the foundation has made investments to provide wraparound support services to students including access to mentoring, basic human needs, and transportation, all to increase persistence and completion of a postsecondary degree or credentialing.

Georgia

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta (CFGA) has announced grants totaling $648,865 during the first half of 2023. Eighteen organizations were funded through discretionary grants, informed by community needs and directed funding recommendations from CFGA donors. Grants also support the foundation’s TogetherATL blueprint for a collaborative approach to equity, working with community stakeholders and nonprofit partners to create solutions for the most complex challenges the region faces to build a thriving region. In keeping with CFGA’s commitment to racial equity, nearly 87 percent of organizations funded in this round are founded or led by Black, Indigenous, or other people of color. Recipients include Manga African Dance, Capital B News, Learn4Life, and Quality Care for Children.

Louisiana

In recognition of its centennial, the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) has announced the launch of the Next 100 Years Challenge, a $1 million regional competition designed to inspire and attract plans for community-centered and cost-effective infrastructure improvements, including nature-based solutions, in 13 parishes of southeast Louisiana that will address the threat of storms and other disasters. To that end, GNOF is asking collaborative teams of nonprofits, municipalities, and government agencies to develop ideas for resilient infrastructure. GNOF will award $100,000 each to 10 teams and provide additional assistance in applying for millions more in federal funding to build the projects.

Michigan

The Community Foundation of Greater Flint has announced the appointment of Lottie Ferguson as vice president of development and donor services, effective June 26. A Flint native, Ferguson most recently served as chief resilience officer for the city.

Nebraska

The Omaha Community Foundation has announced grants totaling $845,000 to 92 local nonprofits and neighborhood groups through its five Community Interest Funds, including the African American Unity Fund, Futuro Latino Fund, LGBTQIA2S+ Equality Fund, Refugee Community Grant Fund, and Omaha Neighborhood Grants. Recipients include A Mother’s Love, Jackson Boxing Club, ACLU of Nebraska, and Access Period.

New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation has announced the promotion of Simon Delekta to vice president for community engagement and impact. Delekta has served at the foundation since 2014, most recently as a senior program officer.

New Mexico

The Earthseed Black Arts Alliance and the Santa Fe Community Foundation have announced the establishment of the Earthseed Community Fund, an initiative dedicated to supporting Black life, arts, and culture in New Mexico. Through targeted grants, strategic partnerships, and an equitable approach to community philanthropy, the fund will work to foster Black artistic expression, preserve cultural heritage, and promote community development. Raashan Ahmad, founding member of Earthseed Black Arts Alliance, will provide leadership as the Earthseed Community Fund’s advisory committee chair.

Ohio

The Columbus Foundation has announced the 13 nonprofits and 13 fellows who were selected to participate in its 2023 Summer Fellowship Program. Each fellow has been matched with a nonprofit and will receive a $6,350 stipend for their work. Launched in 2010, the 10-week program provides college students, recent college graduates, and graduate students the opportunity for “real-world” experiences while building the organizational capacity of central Ohio nonprofits.

Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Foundation has announced grants totaling $150,000 to help five arts and cultural organizations invest in their programs and leadership. Awarded through the Rhode Island Expansion Arts Program—a partnership between the foundation, the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, and Rhode Island Council for the Humanities—the grants bolster organizations whose programs and missions center on the cultural practices and traditions of diverse communities in the state. This year’s recipients are the Andean Cultural Center of Rhode Island, the Cultural Society of East Bay, the PVD World Music Institute, the RAÍCES Rhode Island Folk and Cultural Association, and the Rhode Island Black Film Festival. In addition to funding, the program provides opportunities for group learning, direct technical assistance and intercultural collaboration, and tools and resources that can enhance the work of each organization.

"Hartford Foundation to award $1.5 million in scholarships to 460 Greater Hartford students in 2023." Hartford Foundation for Public Giving press release 06/20/2023. "Community Foundation announces nearly $650,000 in funding for nonprofits." Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta press release 06/21/2023. "The Next 100 Years Challenge update." Greater New Orleans Foundation press release 06/20/2023. "Lottie Ferguson named vice president of development of Community Foundation of Greater Flint." Community Foundation of Greater Flint press release 06/14/2023. "Omaha Community Foundation’s resident-led grant programs award $845K to 92 organizations." Omaha Community Foundation press release 06/11/2023. "Simon Delekta named VP for community engagement and impact." New Hampshire Charitable Foundation press release 06/14/2023. "Announcing the Earthseed Community Fund." Santa Fe Community Foundation press release 06/14/2023. "Columbus Foundation announces 2023 summer fellows." Columbus Foundation press release 06/16/2023. "Five arts and cultural organizations of color receive a total of $150,000 to invest in their programs and leadership." Rhode Island Foundation press release 06/19/2023.