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Statement on the Appropriations Committee Budget Statement from Gian Carl Casa, President & CEO, CT Community Nonprofit Alliance, on the Appropriations Committee draft budget. “Nonprofit providers appreciate the Appropriations Committee restoring a $19 million loss in ARPA dollars. But the proposal’s flat funding will worsen a crisis that is already enveloping community programs. “In a survey of members earlier this year, two-thirds reported waiting lists from weeks to months; 80 percent say they struggle to recruit and retain staff; 70 percent say demand for services has increased; and 60 percent report operating at a deficit or within the margins. “Nonprofit funding remains 30 percent behind where it was in 2007. “The proposed budget comes at a time when federal funding is threatened, federal tariffs will likely increase costs, and the health of the economy is threatened. Regardless of what comes from Washington, the need for community-based services will only increase, while the availability of services shrinks. People will lose access to drug treatment, mental health services, programs for people with disabilities, homeless shelters and more. “We urge leaders and the Governor to agree to a final budget that truly protects the people who need the services of nonprofits, who could lose the most if federal funding is also cut.” https://lnkd.in/e7C6EAGz

Statement on the Appropriations Committee Budget Statement from Gian Carl Casa, President & CEO, CT Community Nonprofit Alliance, on the Appropriations Committee draft budget. “Nonprofit providers appreciate the Appropriations Committee restoring a $19 million loss in ARPA dollars. But the proposal’s flat funding will worsen a crisis that is already enveloping community programs. “In a survey of members earlier this year, two-thirds reported waiting lists from weeks to months; 80 percent say they struggle to recruit and retain staff; 70 percent say demand for services has increased; and 60 percent report operating at a deficit or within the margins. “Nonprofit funding remains 30 percent behind where it was in 2007. “The proposed budget comes at a time when federal funding is threatened, federal tariffs will likely increase costs, and the health of the economy is threatened. Regardless of what comes from Washington, the need for community-based services will only increase, while the availability of services shrinks. People will lose access to drug treatment, mental health services, programs for people with disabilities, homeless shelters and more. “We urge leaders and the Governor to agree to a final budget that truly protects the people who need the services of nonprofits, who could lose the most if federal funding is also cut.” https://lnkd.in/e7C6EAGz

DOGE cuts to CT Human Services Statement from Gian Carl Casa, President & CEO, CT Community Nonprofit Alliance, on federal funding cuts to human services. “The federal cuts hitting Connecticut today are likely the first of many that will target our most vulnerable residents.  While we don’t know yet how these cuts will be implemented, we do know that nonprofits are already struggling to make ends meet and further cuts will be devastating. We also know there is serious talk of deep cuts to other programs, such as Medicaid or energy assistance, on which so many depend. “Connecticut has a history of bipartisan support for community nonprofits and the people they serve, and today state government needs to step up. The Rainy Day is here. “We have the money. Just last week, we learned this year’s surplus will be $1.5 billion, and more surpluses are projected for the years ahead. The rainy day fund holds more than $4 billion. We need not acquiesce to federal cuts in advance; we have the ability to meet the challenge and increase funding for nonprofits. “The alternative is brutal. With less access to services families of people struggling with behavioral health issues will be torn, people without shelter may freeze or live in cars, adults and children with disabilities will struggle, people seeking to rebuild their lives after prison will be left without help and people who can’t get treatment for addiction may well die. “We urge the legislature and the Governor to approve a budget that includes a $264 million increase for community nonprofits.” #FundNonprofits #StrongerTogether

Please take a moment to read the latest piece authored by our President and CEO, Gian-Carl Casa. Connecticut’s community nonprofits are the state’s human service safety net, providing life sustaining services to hundreds of thousands of our most vulnerable citizens every year. But that safety net is ripping, and ripping quickly.

  After more than a decade of underfunding and federal funding in doubt, our communities are in crisis. Connecticut nonprofits and the people who depend on them are facing uncertainty and it is important that state government protect our most vulnerable residents.   Community-based nonprofits contract with the state to provide a wide range of behavioral, developmental, community justice, shelter and other human services to thousands of people across the state every day.    The General Assembly and the Governor have approved some increases in recent years, but after two decades of underfunding, nonprofits today have 30 percent less buying power than they did in 2007.   This year, nonprofits are seeking a $264 million increase for FY26 and we need your help. Please like and share.