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Grants Aim to Increase Economic Stability of New Haven Families and Community

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Phone: 203.401.6955

New Haven, CT – Economists predict that Connecticut will lose up to 80,000 jobs by 2010 – a grim reminder that an increasing number of families will find themselves on the edge of economic peril. Yet, despite the tough economy, the Annie E. Casey Foundation/Casey Family Services today announced that it will increase funding to more than $300,000 for its annual grants program, which is open to community organizations that work with disadvantaged children, youth, and families in New Haven.

In 2009, the Foundation will award three grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 and eight grants ranging from $10,001 to $25,000. A collaboration grant of $75,000 will be awarded to two or more organizations that partner to provide eligible services designed to increase the financial stability of New Haven’s most vulnerable children and families.

“Nonprofit organizations across the country are concerned about their ability to serve the growing number of people who are seeking assistance,” says Douglas W. Nelson, president and CEO of the Foundation. “The Casey Foundation increased funding for the grants program this year because, now more than ever, people are turning to community organizations for temporary help paying bills, putting food on the table, finding jobs that pay a living wage, and adjusting to new economic realities.”

Last year, the Foundation awarded $290,000 to 13 nonprofit organizations in the New Haven community to provide citizens with access to programs and services, which included helping them to develop workplace and technology skills, providing academic assistance and leadership development opportunities to youth, and supporting treatment programs for individuals and families affected by mental health issues and domestic violence.

“Families are struggling to make ends meet, and it will take the whole community to ensure that every family and child has the supports they need to live healthy, productive lives,” says Raymond L. Torres, vice president of the Foundation and executive director of Casey Family Services. “Each year, we are energized by grantees’ creative approaches to enhancing the quality of life for families in New Haven, and we anticipate that this year’s grantees will demonstrate an even greater commitment to bringing together our collective resources to benefit families and inspire grassroots change.”

Organizations must submit a letter of intent for the direct services grants program no later than January 22, 2009. Full proposals are due by March 3, 2009. To be considered for the collaboration grant, applicants must submit letters of intent by January 30, 2009, and full proposals by March 23, 2009.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation is the nation’s largest private foundation devoted exclusively to improving the lives of disadvantaged children and families in the United States. It was established in 1948 by Jim Casey, one of the co-founders of UPS. In 1976, the Foundation established its direct service agency, Casey Family Services. Today, with headquarters in New Haven, Casey Family Services is helping children build lifelong families through a continuum of permanency services, including family preservation, family reunification, foster care, adoption, and post-adoption, throughout New England and in Baltimore, Maryland.

For more information, contact Casey Family Services at 203.401.6900 or visit the Web site at www.caseyfamilyservices.org.