COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVE FOR MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE

The Collaborative Initiative for Management Assistance, a joint project of the Frank Loomis Palmer Fund at Bank of America and the Community Foundation of Southeastern Connecticut, is pleased to offer the opportunity for local non-profit organizations to apply for management assistance grants. 

The Initiative funds consultant fees for organizations interested in strengthening their internal operations through better board and staff relations, strategic planning, or other operational improvements.

We recommend beginning with an organizational assessment to help you determine strengths and areas for specific work with a consultant.  The assessment is a brief exercise to help evaluate your current effectiveness in carrying out the agency’s mission.  Consultants will be provided for this organizational assessment. (If you have previously completed an assessment, you may now apply for a technical assistance grant.)

To be accepted into this competitive program, the Board Chair and Executive Director must jointly request this funding.  The project will require the participation of key board and staff members.  To apply, please send a letter of intent to CIMA, c/o The Community Foundation, 147 State Street, New London, CT 06320.  Please address the following questions in your letter: 

1. What will your agency gain from an organizational assessment?
2. What do you believe to be your agency’s most urgent concern?

Letters should include a list of the board of directors and an organizational budget for the current year.

Once an assessment is completed, your agency is eligible for more in depth management assistance with a specific focus.  Management assistance grants cover consultant’s fees and generally range from $4,500 to $7,500.  Agencies that have done some recent strategic planning may not be required to undergo an organizational assessment before applying for a technical assistance grant.  

Proposals are accepted and reviewed throughout the year.  Please call Jennifer O’Brien, Program Director, at the Community Foundation with questions.