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Monthly News & Updates
November 2024
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Dear Kristyn,
A reflection for today: “When you want to give up, call upon sources of bravery in your life– friends, family, ancestors, and/or the voice of your inner wisdom. Keep breathing and pushing. We must transition ourselves as we transition the world." Learn more about Valarie Kaur and Revolutionary Love.
Please continue to keep us informed of what's happening with you in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. The information here comes from you, with links to our website for more complete information and resources. Send your events and updates to Kristyn: kristyn@bucksmontcollab.org. Thank you!
Warmly,
Kristyn DiDominick, Executive Director
Nadja Mummery, Program Coordinator
Board of Directors
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Thank You to our Sponsors and Funders! | |
Bucks-Mont Collaborative Sponsors | | |
Bucks-Mont Collaborative Funders | | |
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Coming up with the Collaborative!
November 2024
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Health Care Improvement Foundation is facilitating its 2025 regional community health needs assessment and is looking for representatives of local Bucks and Montco organizations that can speak on the following care issues:
• Maternal health and mortality
• Older adults and aging in place
• Caring for uninsured and undocumented individuals
• Culturally appropriate mental health care
• Primary care access
"Every three years, non-profit hospitals are required as part of the Affordable Care Act to conduct a Community Health Needs Assessment. This assessment focuses on the health needs in the communities served by our local hospitals and health systems. As part of the assessment, hospitals look at data on those needs and get input from local communities on what is important to them when it comes to health. For the past 3 months, Health Care Improvement Foundation has hosted community discussions throughout the region (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia counties) – and now they’re rounding out discussions with virtual key informant interviews."
If interested in offering a key informant interview, please register. For questions, please contact Kelly Rand, Senior Director of Community Health and Impact at krand@hcifonline.org.
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As the school year unfolds, the Education Law Center is collecting stories from across Pennsylvania about the critical new resources and improvements that have been made possible by the state’s $1.1 billion increase in education support, as the legislature moved to respond to the 2023 Commonwealth Court ruling in our successful school funding lawsuit.
You can help! Along with PA Schools Work coalition partners, Education Law Center is circulating a brief survey, seeking stories from educators, families, and community members. How are new state investments making a difference in your school? What additional resources are still needed? Your story will help urge the state legislature to #FinishTheJob of adequately funding our schools!
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Upcoming Community Events | | |
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Best-in-Class Employee Benefits Packages Make a Difference During Challenging Times
Tuesday, November 19 | 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM | Free Member Benefit Webinar (My Benefit Advisor) | Free to attend!
Learn More | Register Now
Fiscal Sponsorship: For the Funders, the Sponsors, and the Sponsored
Wednesday, November 20 | 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM | Webinar (Nonprofit Issues) | $45 for PANO Members, $100 for Not-Yet Members
Learn More | Register Now
Strategic Staffing for IT
Thursday, November 21 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | FREE Affiliate Partner Webinar (Tech Impact) | Free to attend!
Learn More | Register Now
2024 Forum on Pennsylvania's Children (In-Person Gathering)
Thursday, December 5 | 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM | Best Western Premier-Harrisburg, 800 East Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA (hosted by PANO Member Voce) | $200 (lunch and morning/afternoon refreshments provided)
Learn More | Register Now
Preparing for AI: Key Considerations for Nonprofits
Wednesday, December 11 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | FREE Affiliate Partner Webinar (Tech Impact) | Free to attend!
Learn More | Register Now
Board Chair Online Forum 2025
Thursdays, January 9, February 6, & March 6 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Online Forum (Janet Unger) | $70 per session or $180 for the full series for PANO Members, $155 per session or $390 for the full series for Not-Yet Members
Learn More | Register Now
The Ultimate Grant Proposal Blueprint: Your Step-by-Step Roadmap to an A+ Proposal
Enroll ANY TIME! | 8-session self-paced online course (GrantsMagic U) | $147 for PANO Members, $197 for Not-Yet Members
Learn More | Register Now
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TMA Bucks
SEPTA has launched improvements to the way it displays bus detour information on its website, SEPTA.org, part of an array of improvements to its customer-facing real-time information. Learn more!
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Navigating Political Uncertainty: Scenario Planning for Nonprofits During This US Election Year
By: Ari Gandolfo, Preeta Nayak, The Bridgespan Group
“Election years tend to heighten a nonprofit’s sense of uncertainty, especially for those whose work is front and center in current policy and government funding debates. Some election outcomes may herald new opportunities and pressures to drive progress, while others could signal a need to protect hard-won victories and prevent backsliding.”
Read more, including a planning framework.
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Improving the Hiring Process for People with Mental Illness with NAMI
How can workplaces attract the best talent and maintain a healthy company culture? Evidence suggests that people with mental illness want to work and that working supports their recovery, but barriers to receiving accommodations often exist from the start. Fostering a company free from stigma surrounding mental health conditions starts in the application process. Find out what changes you can make.
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Update from Senator Pennycuick’s Office
A new tax credit is designed to encourage employers to contribute to their employees’ PA 529 College and Career Savings Program accounts and PA ABLE accounts. Beginning January 2025, employers will receive a 25% tax credit on matching employer contributions of up to $500 per employee per year. The law helps employers offer their employees a significant benefit so they can attract the best workers while receiving a financial incentive themselves.
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Montco 2050 Update
There are many ways you can stay up to date on and participate in Montgomery County’s draft comprehensive plan, Montco 2050: A Comprehensive Plan for a Changing World. One of these ways is through Engage Montco! This informative platform includes a variety of county projects and initiatives and invites the public to share information. The platform is easy to use, can be translated into other languages, and is open 24-7 for public thoughts and feedback. Questions? Please reach out to Anne Leavitt-Gruberger at MCPC.
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How Boards Can Confidently Assess Executive Pay - Nonprofit Quarterly
“A healthy board process of considering executive compensation, according to Williams, should begin with robust training in the laws around nonprofit executive compensation. It starts with just literally understanding that it’s not just from an ethical or budgetary perspective that people don’t want to be paying excessively, Williams said. There’s also literally a law within the Internal Revenue Code that prohibits it. And I think a lot of boards operate without understanding that.” Read more.
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Parking Fees are Back
SEPTA parking fees are being reinstated with a phased approach in all lots. You can pay by license plate, use credit/debit cards, coins at kiosks, a text-to-pay option, or use the new SEPTA Park app. Daily parking rates will increase to $2 at surface lots and $4 at Frankford, Norristown, and Lansdale garages. Surface lot parking remains free on weekends and major holidays. SEPTA ambassadors will be onsite to assist, and detailed instructions will be posted at stations.
For the full implementation schedule, click here! Thank you to the Partnership TMA for sharing!
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Beyond the Broadcasting Model - Stanford Social Innovation Review
Today’s communications landscape demands that social sector organizations move away from a 20th-century broadcasting approach and toward dialogue, relationship-building, and fostering community.
“Our communities now demand more than statements; they expect action and authenticity. According to Edelman’s 2023 Trust Barometer, a six-to-one margin of people want organizations to actively engage with societal issues rather than just talk about them. This marks a significant shift in expectations—crafting a message isn’t enough. To move toward action and authenticity, organizations need to begin grounding their communication efforts in meaningful connections, based on mutual trust and understanding.” Read more.
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Trump’s Victory Sparks Anguish, Elation in the Nonprofit World
Nonprofit leaders reacted to Donald Trump’s presidential election victory with everything from dismay to elation, depending on the issues they champion. Read more.
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Pottstown Food Resource Map Developed
Since 2019, the Pottstown Area Food Collaborative has been working to develop a localized food system that increases access to healthy, affordable, culturally appropriate, and sustainably produced food. Recently, the Collaborative’s Distribution Subcommittee completed the development of a Pottstown Food Resource Map. The interactive map highlights where you can find grocery stores, food pantries, SNAP retailers, and more.
Thank you to the Montgomery County Food Policy Council for sharing!
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Learn more about St. Luke's Penn Foundation’s Recovery Coaching and Blended Case Management Services! | |
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Montgomery County Seeks Proposals for Opioid Remediation Projects
Montgomery County announces the Opioid Remediation Project Proposal application is now open for submissions. Interested parties are encouraged to apply by submitting their project proposal ideas aimed at combating the opioid crisis before the deadline of December 31, 2024. Montgomery County is set to receive eighteen (18) disbursements over an eighteen (18)-year period, totaling nearly $59.7 million from the National Opioid Settlements. These funds will be used to address the opioid epidemic and support those impacted by the crisis. Learn more, including key dates!
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2024 Grant Opportunity
Growing Justice Fund
The Growing Justice Fund is a collaborative effort aimed at advancing equity in the food system by investing in the leadership and solutions of Tribal, Indigenous, Black, Latinx, Asian, and immigrant communities. Through grants of $25,000 to $250,000, they support organizations working to strengthen food value chains, build local wealth, and promote good food procurement. Learn more and apply!
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Local Share Account (Statewide)
This grant program funds “projects in the public interest and projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the community.” Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant (which includes municipalities and counties) or a nonprofit organization.
Learn more with a November 30 deadline.
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Here is the latest list of open grant programs shared from Representative Greg Scotts's office.
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Looking for a community venue for your next event?
Generations has approved a new rental policy that outlines the procedure for rentals as well as costs. If you’re looking for a community venue for your next gathering, reach out to Generations and support a fellow Collaborative member and nonprofit!
They welcome community partners - local businesses, civic organizations, and nonprofit agencies - to consider either the Generations Community Room or Generations Café as a venue for off-site events. Learn more!
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Do You Need A Ride to Encore or PEAK?
TransNet provides free, door to door transportation to your closest Senior Center. To learn more or to make a reservation on TransNet, please call Encore at 215-256-6900 or PEAK at 215-362-7432.
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Wissahickon Valley Public Library is hosting fantastic teen programs this winter! All are free to join. Share and come out!
Poetry Night
November 13, 6:30pm, Blue Bell
Bring your poems to share for an evening of poetry reading for all ages!
Teen Board Game Night
Thursday, November 14, 5:30pm, Ambler
Learn how to play a strategy board game from a skilled gamer. Other games will be available to play in addition to strategy games. Pizza will be served!
Teen Art Club
Thursday, November 21, 6:00pm, Ambler
Bring your own supplies or use some of ours! Start a new project or bring one you're already working on. Come out and draw or paint and exchange ideas with your peers!
Teen Writing Workshop
Tuesday, December 10, 6:00pm, Blue Bell
Have you ever wanted to write a novel, but you don't know where to start? In this fast-paced writing workshop, Steve Schafer, a published teen author, will help teens start writing a novel! Bring your ideas and get excited to write! Steve will also talk about his newest book being released this month: eMortal. Bring your friends!
3-D Printing Demonstration
Thursday, December 12, 6:00pm, Ambler
Jake Tan, founder of Youth 3D, is part of a community of students who are passionate about changing the world through 3-D printing. Jake will do an informational demonstration with time for Q and A.
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Food, Housing, and Financial Resources | | |
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Notice of Housing Choice Voucher Program Waiting List Open Enrollment
The Montgomery County Housing Authority will be accepting applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Program Waiting List from Friday, November 15, 2024 through Thursday, November 21, 2024.
Applications must be submitted online and are available in both English and Spanish at the following link: Apply here.
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Bring holiday joy to families facing medical hardships. Through their Adopt a Holiday Program, you can give the gift of choice and joy to local families in need. Your sponsorship provides gift cards, allowing children to experience the excitement of selecting their own gifts, while their parents get a moment to breathe and enjoy the season. Learn more! | |
Take advantage of this opportunity to see if you qualify for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2023. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits Pennsylvanians 65 or older, widows or widowers 50 or older, and adults with disabilities 18 or older. Both renters and homeowners are eligible to receive rebates. The maximum income to qualify is $45,000 a year; the maximum rebate one can receive is $1,000. The application deadline for Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is Dec. 31. For more information visit the Department of Revenue's site here. | |
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If you believe your health insurer wrongly denied a claim, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department may be able to help. Pennsylvania consumers with commercial health insurance can now ask for a review of denied health insurance claims. The Independent External Review allows you to share why your request should be covered. If the independent review organization decides the care should be covered, the consumer’s health insurer must cover the care. | |
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Give Back by Organizing a Food Drive or Volunteer!
The chill is in the air, and the holiday season is just around the corner. If you’re looking to give back or organize a group volunteer activity, contact Family Promise Montco PA to plan a food drive or volunteer opportunity. Reach out to their Food Pantry Manager, LaToya Williams, at food@fpmontco.org. She can provide all the information you need to get involved and make a difference this season.
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Martha's Choice Marketplace & Community Farm invite you to participate in Martha’s Advent Food Drive! Whether you can donate items, spread the word, or volunteer your time, every bit helps make a difference. | |
Thank you for joining us and for supporting your fellow members.
See you next month!
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Bucks-Mont Collaborative
We produce results-oriented impact on health and human services issues in our community through education, collaboration, and advocacy.
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