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NONPROFITS’ INSURANCE ALLIANCE OF CALIFORNIA (NIAC) CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF SERVING NONPROFITS
November 2, 2009. Santa Cruz, CA. The Nonprofits’ Insurance Alliance of California (NIAC), on November 1st celebrated 20 years of service to California nonprofits.
Pamela Davis proposed in her graduate school thesis at the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley that nonprofits could do a better job of providing liability insurance if they did it themselves. NIAC grew out of that idea and the liability insurance crisis in the mid-1980’s, when many nonprofits could not obtain insurance at any price. Started with low interest loans of $1.3 million from a consortium of foundations, led by the Ford Foundation, NIAC now insures more than 6,500 community-based nonprofits and has $167.1 million in assets. It is rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best. More than 400 insurance brokers from around the state actively place nonprofit business with NIAC.
NIAC has demonstrated that nonprofits are better than average liability risks which are often improperly evaluated and priced by the commercial insurance market. NIAC got nonprofits working together to gain control of this important financial service, save money, and stabilize product and pricing offerings. Most importantly, NIAC has developed and implemented valuable risk management tools to the benefit of the entire nonprofit sector. In addition to providing insurance, NIAC also offers member-insureds discounts on background checks, free on-line preventing sexual harassment training to meet the California requirements, free driver training and free access to legal assistance on all sorts of employment issues. To-date in 2009, NIAC’s labor and employment risk managers have handled more than 1,000 employment consults all free of charge to its members. Also in 2009, NIAC provided free driver training to more than 400 nonprofit employees and volunteers and trained thousands more through webinars, publications and in-person training.
In 1999 NIAC conducted a feasibility study, underwritten by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, to determine what it would take to expand NIAC's concept nationwide. The results of that study yielded the Alliance of Nonprofits for Insurance, Risk Retention Group (ANI-RRG), an affiliate now insuring more than 2,600 community-based nonprofit organizations in 23 states and DC. ANI-RRG is rated A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best.
Both NIAC and ANI-RRG are themselves 501(c)(3) nonprofits governed by their nonprofit member-insureds.
In 1994, the PBS series The Visionaries produced a half hour segment highlighting the accomplishments of Pamela Davis and NIAC and are currently in the process of doing an update that will be released in the spring of 2010.
For More Information:
Susan Bradshaw – 831-621-6041
sbradshaw@InsuranceForNonprofits.org
Pamela Davis – 831-621-6018 pdavis@InsuranceForNonprofits.org NONPROFITS’ INSURANCE ALLIANCE OF CALIFORNIA (NIAC)
BLUE SHIELD OF CALIFORNIA FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES $5 MILLION IN FOURTH QUARTER GRANTS
New funds will enable California prepare for health reform and help domestic violence organizations address rising demand for services
San Francisco, December 10, 2009 – Blue Shield of California Foundation (BSCF) today announced more than $5 million in fourth quarter grants to help to meet the opportunities and challenges of a changing policy and economic landscape. This brings the Foundation’s total grantmaking for the year to $28.9 million.
With Congress closer to passing comprehensive health reform than any time in the last 50 years, the Foundation’s fourth-quarter grantmaking includes more than $1.2 million to help California capitalize on new opportunities to expand coverage to uninsured families.
"No state has as much to gain from health reform as California," said Crystal Hayling, president and CEO of BSCF. "Leaders throughout our healthcare system have to be ready to work together if health reform passes – or risk wasting precious time and resources playing catch-up."
BSCF is also launching a major initiative to strengthen the capacity of domestic violence service providers at a time when many are suffering from serious budget challenges. In addition, the Foundation is enhancing its effort to prevent and address violence in military families.
Laying a Foundation for Health Reform
The latest BSCF grant awards reflect the belief that the state cannot afford to wait until the outcome of federal health reform legislation to plan for change. With that in mind, the Foundation is targeting new money for nonpartisan research and stakeholder outreach so that California has the information and the capacity to move forward effectively to adapt to a changing health policy landscape.
Among those new grants are the following:
- $665,000 to New America Foundation to continue educating policymakers and other stakeholders about strategies to improve health care in California, including state-level cost containment approaches and the implementation of federal health reform legislation.
- $575,000 to Center for Governmental Studies’ Insure the Uninsured Project to conduct and disseminate nonpartisan policy analysis that will help key stakeholders improve healthcare programs and coverage options at the state and county level.
Meanwhile, BSCF continues to find innovative ways to meet healthcare needs of an increasing number of low-income and uninsured Californians. One key strategy for expanding coverage will be restructuring and expanding the Health Care Coverage Initiatives created under the auspices of California’s existing Section 1115 Medi-Cal waiver. The waiver provides federal funds for the development and implementation of pilot programs in selected counties to expand services to low-income, uninsured adults not otherwise eligible for Medi-Cal. BSCF will provide $200,000 to Community Health Councils to support planning efforts to better integrate public and private healthcare delivery networks in south Los Angeles, including community clinics, in order to maximize the impact of future waiver funding.
Strengthening California’s Domestic Violence Field
"California’s economic and budget crises have taken a particular toll on the state’s network of domestic violence prevention organizations," said Hayling. "That has made it even more imperative to invest in strategies that enable those groups to survive today’s challenges and also thrive in the future."
The flagship program in that effort is Blue Shield Against Violence’s new "Strong Field Project," which is projected to be a four-year, $7 million commitment to build a stronger domestic violence field in California, by building a critical mass of organizations and leaders through leadership development, capacity grants, and network building.
Specific grants for this effort awarded in this quarter include:
- $670,000 over two years to CompassPoint Nonprofit Services to develop and implement a customized leadership program for domestic violence leaders.
- $1,902,442 over two years to Women’s Foundation of California to disburse up to 15 "organizational strength" grants to build stronger organizations and new models for the field.
Meanwhile, a grant of $155,000 to Nonprofit Finance Fund will provide tough times financial consulting to domestic violence organizations, and a grant of $110,975 to W.O.M.A.N., Inc. will plan for improving access to domestic violence crisis services.
Support for Military Families
In 2009, the Foundation identified an approach to prevent violence in the homes of military families, recognizing the large number of Californians providing service to our military and the challenge they and their families face after multiple tours of duty.
The Foundation announced three new grants in this quarter:
- $250,000 to Swords to Plowshares to provide training and resources to domestic violence advocates, police officers, and veterans’ service providers in order to raise awareness of and prevent family violence.
- $70,000 to Blue Star Families to facilitate a national dialogue for military family stakeholders, including the Obama administration, and to implement a family survey to examine the impact of deployment and combat stress on military spousal and partner relationships.
- $250,000 to National Center on Family Homelessness to pilot a sustainable intimate partner violence prevention model for veteran families in the Antelope Valley in Southern California, as part of a national prevention initiative.
About Blue Shield of California Foundation
Blue Shield of California Foundation is one of the largest healthcare grantmaking organizations in California. For more information, visit:
www.blueshieldcafoundation.org. The Foundation was formed by Blue Shield of California, a not-for-profit corporation with more than 3.4 million members, 4,700 employees and 20 offices throughout California. For more information about the company, please visit www.blueshieldca.com.
Sixth Marin Nonprofit Conference on October 29 - Registration Now Open
Keynote by Ephren W. Taylor, CEO of City Capital Corporation
San Rafael, CA (September 2009)– Registration is now open for the sixth Marin Nonprofit Conference, to be held Thursday, October 29, 2009 at the Marin Center in San Rafael. Entitled Rethinking Conventional Wisdom, this one-day conference will explore new and more effective strategies for meeting goals and transforming community.
Produced by the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership (Center), the conference offers sixteen breakout sessions, a keynote address, and a vendor exhibition. It is expected to attract over 400 people including nonprofit staff, board, and volunteers, as well as partners from the private and government sector.
Highlights include a keynote speech entitled Values, Mission, and the Unconventional Leader by Ephren W. Taylor II. Taylor is the youngest African-American CEO of any publicly traded company and was named by The Michigan Chronicle as one of 2007’s top ten people making a global difference. He is the CEO of City Capital Corporation and author of a bestselling book, Creating Success from the Inside Out.
"This is a rare opportunity for community leaders in Marin to learn, connect, and be inspired," states Melissa Breach, the Center’s Director of Programs. "We are pleased to have some exceptional thought leaders joining us throughout the day."
The conference is presented in partnership with Marin Community Foundation, with additional support provided by Autodesk, AT&T, Bank of Marin, and Bregante + Company LLP.
Registration fees range from $95 to $145. The price includes continental breakfast and lunch. For more details on the Marin Nonprofit Conference please call the Center at 415-479-5710 or visit
www.marinnonprofitconference.org
About the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership: The Center is located in San Rafael and seeks to enrich and strengthen volunteerism and nonprofit organizations in its mission to develop a vital and engaged community dedicated to building and sustaining quality of life.
Contact:
Linda Davis: ldavis@cvnl.org
Shobha Hiatt: shobhah@cvnl.org
(415) 479-5710
Ecology Communications, Inc.
A Green Initiative Non Profit Organization
(2009) Ecology Communications is seeking to partner with other California Non-Profits to create a synergistic partnership to deliver their message and their story to Southern California households and businesses through Ecology Communications four (4) fold venue, Radio, PSA’s, Outreach Speaking Engagements & One Stop Resource Website.
Ecology Communications, a Green Initiative California Non-Profit organization, is in a unique position….it has the only VOICE and VEHICLE to reach the everyday households and business owners with a message that helps them implement easy and simple ways to Save Energy-Save Money-Save the Planet™ and the California environment but can’t make a radical change in their lifestyle or the way they do business.
The "Green Energy Show", the first and only all Green Radio Show in Southern California heard every week is our main outreach VOICE to communicate to all of Southern California the message that is meaningful and important in an entertaining way. This show is a Non-Advertiser/Commercial Free one hour Talk Radio show featuring all energy related topics. By the end of this year, 2009, the "Green Energy Show" will be heard through most of California as we expand our reach.
The other 3 venues of outreach are One Stop Resource Website, Outreach Speaking engagements and PSA’s that are distributed to AM and FM radio stations are all part of the mix as well.
Ecology Communications Compelling Story, which is in the attached PDF version of our brochure, explains why this Vehicle - Ecology Communications is necessary and valuable. Coupled with the Executive Director’s many years of being a major California industry leader that has implemented successful major energy reduction programs and Ecology Communications – we provide a unique opportunity to communicate a message to Southern California unprecedented before.
Contact William C. Tauber, Executive Director for more information:
WCTauber@EcologyCommunications.org
www.EcologyCommunications.org
(714) 258-7504
Coastal Printworks, Inc. of North Hollywood, California joins CAN
Coastal Printworks, Inc. brings their 24 year history of Museum Quality screen-printing and embroidery to CAN members.
Los Angeles, Calif. (January 21, 2009) - Coastal Printworks, Inc. of North Hollywood California is proud to announce their recent acceptance as a Business Associate Member of CAN. Coastal Printworks is one of the most highly regarded screen-printing and embroidery firms in the business. We have been in the same North Hollywood location for 24 years and we serve an international portfolio of clients in a wide range of industries. Working with non-profits nationwide has been one of the cornerstones of our business since our beginning in 1985. Over the years we have been involved in supplying our non-profit clients with all manner of wearables, tote bags and hats for their membership drives, special events as well as their online stores in addition to outfitting staff for trade shows. As a Business Associate Member of CAN we will bring the same competitive pricing, high quality work and friendly manner of doing business to CAN members that we do for all of our clients. Please feel free to contact Jim Dorsey at 818.503.0781 x14 for a quote, a plant tour or for some 2009 Product Catalogs. It will be my pleasure to help you with your future projects. You can also visit our web site at www.coastalprintworks.com to learn more about who we are and what our mission here at Coastal Printworks is.
CONTACT:
Jim Dorsey
818.503.0781 x14
jim@coastalprintworks.com
www.coastalprintworks.com
DATE SET FOR THE CHRISTMAS COMPANY SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA, THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF ORANGE COUNTY’S SIGNATURE FUNDRAISER
Event to be held November 13-16 at the OC Fair & Event Center
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (September 2, 2008) – The Junior League of Orange County, California, Inc., (JLOCC) has set the date for The Christmas Company, its annual shopping extravaganza. The event will be held Thursday, Nov. 13, - Sunday, Nov. 16, at the OC Fair & Event Center located at Fair Drive and the 55 Freeway in Costa Mesa.
Sandra Thompson, Ph.D, is chairing this year’s event themed “A Holiday to Remember.” “In our 33rd year, The Christmas Company, a holiday shopping event, will have a contemporary new look,” says Thompson. “We’re planning an exciting fundraiser that incorporates new activities with long-standing traditions. We hope you’ll join us to share in our success!”
The Christmas Company attendees will have the opportunity to shop from over100 unique vendors from Orange County and across the United States. Many special events also will be included in The Christmas Company, which will kick off with a Preferred Shopping Breakfast ($35) 8-11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 13. The first night will feature a “Girls Night Out”($20) sponsored by Gallo Family Vineyards to be held 6-10 p.m.
An “Evening of Food & Wine” ($75) will be held 6-10 p.m., Friday, Nov. 14. Gallo Family Vineyard wines will be available along with small plate dishes provided by local restaurants and bakeries including Five Crowns, Bluewater Grill, Ovations, RA Sushi, Newport Rib Company, Five Sweets Bakery, and Pure Bliss.
Additional special occasions include a luncheon for the “Red Hat Ladies” ($20) celebrating Red Hat Society members at Noon, Saturday, Nov. 15. Book readings for children will be held Noon-2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 16.
Early Bird “Grab and Go” Shopping ($20) on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday begins at 8 a.m. Guests will enjoy a continental breakfast and shop before the event opens to the public. No baby strollers are allowed at the Preferred Breakfast and Early Bird events.
The Christmas Company general admission is $10 per person, which includes entrance to the shopping extravaganza and parking. General admission show hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13; 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday, Nov. 14; 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15; and 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 16. Tickets will be available for purchase online at www.jlocc.org or by calling (949) 263-3785.
Top sponsors of the event to-date include Gallo Family Vineyards; Panera Bread Company; Tigo Gifts, Inc.; Winchell Chiropractic; and Orange Coast Magazine.
Funds raised annually by the JLOCC directly impact the community through collaborative projects with partner organizations and support JLOCC’s mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community. This year’s projects include the Kinship Project and Bridges to Higher Education, both offered through Orangewood Children’s Foundation; Higher Education Mentoring Program (in partnership with the Orange County Bar Foundation); Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Emancipated Youth Program; and Bear Hugs, a JLOCC project supporting emancipated teens in Orange County.
About the Junior League of Orange County, California, Inc.:
The Junior League of Orange County, California, Inc., is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and the leadership of trained volunteers. JLOCC has contributed to Orange County by helping found organizations such as Orangewood Children’s Home and the Volunteer Center of Orange County. As a solely educational and charitable organization, the JLOCC’s trained volunteers actively support the community through collaboration with organizations that promote and support the health, safety and education of women and children. A 501(c)(3) organization, the JLOCC reaches out to women of all races, religions, and national origins. Originally founded in 1956 as the Newport Harbor Service League, the JLOCC is a member organization of the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. To learn more about the JLOCC, call (949) 261-0823 or visit www.jlocc.org.
CONTACT:
Susan Ballou
(949) 477-3070
susanballou@att.net
Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors
Christmas in July and August
Ventura, Calif. (September 8, 2008) -- FOOD Share extends our thanks to the Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors who have just completed their 3rd Annual Christmas in July, Food and Fund Drive. This drive is especially important because during the summer months children are at their highest risk of going hungry. During this time school breakfast and lunch programs are not available. We thank the Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors for hosting this drive to address this issue of childhood hunger in our county. This year, the effort was spearheaded by Sharon Young and Joey Siddens, who did a fantastic job! Working with their associates, we are thrilled to announce that $ 700.00 and almost 2,000 pounds of desperately needed food was collected and delivered to our warehouses for distribution to hungry children in our county. We applaud their efforts….remember save the date, July 2009 for our Fourth Annual Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors food and fund drive.
FOOD Share receives $10,000 check from Wells Fargo
Ventura, Calif. (September 3, 2008) --FOOD SHARE VENTURA RECEIVES $10,000 FROM WELLS FARGO IN RESPONSE TO DRAMATIC INCREASE IN FAMILES SEEKING FIRST-TIME FOOD ASSISTANCE Oxnard, Calif., August 23, 2008 – FOOD Share, Inc., Ventura County’s Food Bank, received a donation of $10,000 from Wells Fargo in response to increasing demand for food assistance in the county. “On behalf of all the agencies we serve I’d like to extend our gratitude to Wells Fargo,” said Fran McNeill, interim CEO. “With the enormous increase in the cost of living over the last six months, these funds are truly needed to keep the food flowing through FOOD Share to the hungry in our community. In our history of food banking, this is by far the most drastic, across the board, increase in demand for emergency food assistance I’ve ever seen.” Despite a challenging economy in 2007, Wells Fargo’s charitable donations to non-profit organizations based in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties went up nearly 10 percent compared to grants given by the company the previous year. Last year, Wells Fargo awarded 149 grants and $400,170 to non-profit organizations throughout the Pacific Coast region. "With demand soaring and donations declining, our local food banks are in desperate need of support,” said Marla Vasquez, Wells Fargo Pacific Coast Community Bank president. “Wells Fargo is encouraging corporate leaders in Ventura County to donate time and money to the regional food banks to see them through this crisis." Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company with $609 billion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance through almost 6,000 stores and the internet (wellsfargo.com) across North America and elsewhere internationally. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is the only bank in the U.S., and one of only two banks worldwide, to have the highest possible credit rating from both Moody’s Investors Service, “Aaa,” and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, “AAA.” For more information on this generous gift please contact: Jeanne Benitez 805-983-7100 ext 122 jbenitez@foodshare.com
CONTACT:
Jeanne Benitez
805-983-7100, ext. 122
jbenitez@foodshare.com
