Making a Good Gift Better

NEW HAVEN — The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven will increase its matching grant program for certain basic needs providers from $75,000 to $225,000 in 2008 in response to the effects of the economic downturn on Greater New Haven residents.
Recognizing that 2008 presents a more difficult fund-raising climate, The foundation, in its "Making a Good Gift Better" program, will match all contributions to qualifying agencies, not just new and additional contributions as in prior years, agecny officials said in a statement.
"As much as everyone hopes to see the community’s support for basic needs increase this year, we also recognize that in this economic environment just reaching last year’s level may be a tall order," foundation CEO and President William W. Ginsberg said. "We want the foundation’s matching gift program to reflect this reality."
The foundation also recently created a new community web site www.GNHcommunity.org to ask nonprofits how the economy is affecting impacting the ability to provide services. The foundation acted on the feedback from the nonprofit agencies and other community leaders, the statement said.
Nonprofit organizations that have an operating budget of $3 million or less and that provide food, shelter, clothing, fuel or assistance with utility payments to Greater New Haven residents are eligible to apply. Deadline for submission of application is 5 p.m. Oct. 10. Applications and a complete list of eligibility criteria are available on the foundation’s Web site at www.cfgnh.org. For more information, contact Lee Cruz, Director of Community Outreach, at lcruz@cfgnh.org, or call (203) 777-7074.
The Making a Good Gift Better program is in its third year. It was created to encourage nonprofit organizations that provide food, shelter, and clothing to strengthen operational and development capacities and focus on increasing their resources by fundraising. Some agencies that received funding in the past are: AIDS Interfaith Network Inc. ALSO-Cornerstone, Beth-El Center, Christian Community Action, CitySeed, Inc., Community Soup Kitchen, Domestic Violence Services, Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen, Episcopal Church of St. Paul & St. James’ Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry and Clothing Closet, Fellowship Place, Inc., FISH of Greater New Haven, Liberty Community Services, Life Haven, Master’s Manna, Inc. and New Haven Diaper Bank.