Nonprofit Support Program

For many years, the Nonprofit Support Program (NSP) has been the Hartford Foundation’s key resource to help strengthen the organizational capacity of small to mid-sized nonprofits in our region. NSP provides executive directors and board members with the concepts and skills to ensure that agencies can effectively deliver services to the region’s residents. Agencies take advantage of high quality professional development programs and consultant assistance in the areas of strategic planning, financial management, human resources, fundraising, board development, and executive transition.

Half of the 96 grants awarded by NSP during 2008 were for strategic technology.

“Technology – including computer hardware and software, websites, data systems, even copiers and telephone systems – is critical to the functioning of every nonprofit organization,” said Annemarie Riemer, director of NSP.  “Efficient systems increase productivity, save money and improve services.”  

NSP’s support for technology is based on two principles, Annemarie said.  “First, technology is constantly evolving, and each new development makes the previous iteration obsolete.  Second, few, if any, funders in our region provide nonprofits with support for this critical need.” 

Agencies requesting technology grants must first participate in NSP’s strategic technology program, which consists of workshops and the development of a strategic technology plan with the aid of a technology consultant.  In 2008, 24 agencies participated. 

“Conducting an assessment of our organization’s technical needs with a qualified consultant was a valuable learning experience,” said the executive director of one nonprofit.  “We realized that ongoing assessments must become a significant component of our strategic, marketing and financial plans.”

During 2008, NSP highlights included:

• Seven workshops on key issues for nonprofits such as technology, legal issues and ethical decision-making for board members and directors from 120 agencies.
• A presentation by internationally renowned author and management consultant Peter Brinckerhoff on working with individuals from different generations for 220 executive directors, board members and consultants.
• Two new programs held in collaboration with the Hartford Public Library to help fledgling organizations understand nonprofit basics, with 100 individuals representing 86 nonprofits attending sessions on Building and Sustaining your Nonprofit, and 20 agency teams participating in a grantsmanship workshop.
• Completion of the initial year of the two-year Building Evaluation Capacity program for 12 agencies, and starting a new class for 11 nonprofits.  The program is comprised of technical support and workshop sessions that teach agency teams to develop and implement evaluation plans and report on their results.
  

In 2008, the Hartford Foundation awarded $1,592,194 in grants through NSP. For a full list of grantees or for more information about the Nonprofit Support Program, go to www.hfpg.org/nsp or call 860-548-1888.