The Power of Giving Award

 

The Power of Giving Award was established by the Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network (CPBN) to honor commitment to civic outreach, philanthropy and volunteerism, along with the remarkable contributions that corporations make to Connecticut’s communities. Through Power of Giving Corporate Profiles, CPBN spotlights businesses that have demonstrated a commitment to the support and advancement of nonprofit organizations in Connecticut despite often challenging times in finding ways to serve their constituents. Organizations with marked dedication to philanthropy will be honored by CPBN throughout 2009.

The Power of Giving Award is part of a larger campaign to promote awareness of nonprofit organizations and community service statewide. With small budgets and no endowments, many nonprofits today find themselves no longer able to support those who depend on them, and those who used to contribute are now finding themselves in need of assistance. Giving rates are dropping sharply as both individuals and corporations begin tightening their belts. 

In response to this rising worry, CPBN is building an awareness and educational campaign that reminds individuals and corporations about the importance of nonprofits. In addition to the Corporate Profiles, the campaign is driven by a compelling new programming initiative. CPTV is producing two original documentaries focusing on the role of generosity statewide. Airing on Thursday, June 25, The Power of Giving: Stories of Volunteerism looks at engaged citizens across every generation, from the growing population of volunteer baby boomers to the waves of inspired young students. The Power of Giving: Stories of Volunteerism is made possible by our founding partner, the Knights of Columbus, and our community partner, United Way 2-1-1, with additional support from Newman's Own Foundation.

The second documentary, The Power of Giving: Philanthropy, airing on December 17, 2009 at 8 p.m., will study giving on the organizational level, getting the opinions of state and national experts on the problems and potential remedies of the philanthropic world. The Power of Giving: Philanthropy is a CPTV Connecting Our Communities production in partnership with our founding partner Newman's Own Foundation, with additional support from the Knights of Columbus.

Augmented by television and the Web vignettes, the documentaries present a cohesive, unified picture of an expansive world of giving.
 


January/February 2010 - Big Y

 

The Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network (CPBN) has selected Big Y World Class Market for its Power of Giving Award in January and February 2010.  

The award honors Big Y for nourishing our communities with food and much more. Big Y’s Firm Foundations foster a culture of caring within the pursuit of excellence, providing the basis for all activities in Big Y, a 57-store chain.
 
“In the tradition of our founders, Big Y is honored to have assisted in the education, health and well-being of the communities we have served for almost 75 years. We support local and national organizations that help strengthen families, educate students and build healthy communities,” said Maryann Granata, store director for Big Y World Class.
 
Known as “your neighborhood supermarket,” Big Y has made an unwavering dedication to hunger relief since their very beginning. The company has provided on-going support for area food banks and other agencies and efforts, including Second Harvest.
 
Big Y World Class Market has taken its philanthropic efforts even further by sponsoring a staggering number of educational initiatives in our community. The Big Y Homework Helpline is a free one-on-one homework assistance service for children in grades K through 12, and Big Y’s Education Express where, to date, schools have earned over $4 million in free equipment donated by Big Y. The Big Y Scholarships for Academic Excellence Program reflects the organization’s longstanding commitment to students. Founded in 1984, this competitive scholarship program has awarded over $2.2 million to more than 3,000 students throughout New England. As part of a steadfast commitment to support educational programs in the communities surrounding Big Y stores, the company is a proud sponsor of the Connecticut Association of Schools’ Governor’s Scholars Program for academically talented high school students throughout the state.
 
For the past three years, Big Y has developed a chain-wide program in support of breast cancer awareness, education and support during the month of October. Through the annual Big Y Community Campaign, over 90% of employees donate via payroll deduction to any qualified charity of their choice. Via Big Y’s B.E.S.T. (Big Y Employees Sharing Time), employees are recognized and rewarded for their own particular volunteer activities within a community.
 
“We are honored to present the Power of Giving Award to Big Y for its unfaltering commitment to feeding the hungry, nourishing and nurturing hungry minds, encouraging individual philanthropy among its employees, and making a tangible difference in our communities in a myriad of ways,” said Jerry Franklin, president and CEO of the Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network.  
 
As a Power of Giving award honoree, Big Y World Class Market is being featured on Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) and WNPR – Connecticut Public Radio, as well as in Connecticut magazine.  
 

November/December 2009 - Webster Bank

The Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network (CPBN) has selected Webster Bank for its Power of Giving Award in November and December.

The award honors Webster Bank’s commitment to philanthropy and volunteerism which they have admirably maintained at past contribution levels despite the difficult economic times. Why? Webster Bank believes that helping needy non-profit agencies and charities is more important than ever. Last year, Webster gave $3.2 million in program support to more than 1,000 not-for-profit organizations across its footprint, focusing its philanthropic efforts in four key areas: affordable housing, economic self-reliance, food and health and human services.
 
Employees of Webster Bank, the largest independent commercial bank headquartered in New England, have also embraced the opportunity to serve others, volunteering 70,000 hours last year in their local communities. The company encourages and supports this philosophy by offering employees paid time off for volunteer work.
 
Webster Bank supports cultural exhibits and events, the arts and sports enjoyed by thousands across Connecticut through sponsorships of CPTV, the Greater Hartford Arts Council, the International Festival of Arts & Ideas in New Haven, the Travelers Championship golf tournament, symphony orchestras, art, history, and science museums, among others.  
  
“It is our pleasure to honor Webster Bank, a true Connecticut born and bred financial institution,” said Jerry Franklin, president and CEO of the Connecticut Public Television Network. “Their motto is ‘We Find a Way’ and in these difficult economic times, Webster has found a way to continue their commitment to charity and goodwill. We are thrilled to salute them.”  
 
“In 1935 during the Depression my father Harold Webster Smith founded the bank in order to help people of modest means buy and build their homes,” said Webster Chairman and CEO James C. Smith. “We’ve grown far beyond that one-room office in downtown Waterbury, but what hasn’t changed is the bank’s dedication to helping the communities it serves through philanthropy, sponsorships and volunteer activities.”
  
 
 

September/October 2009 - Northeast Utilities

The Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network (CPBN) has selected Northeast Utilities (NU) for its Power of Giving Award in September and October.

The award honors NU’s commitment to philanthropy and volunteerism. This includes the annual support of hundreds of nonprofit organizations by its Connecticut operating companies, and major investments by Northeast Utilities Foundation to fund regional and local initiatives in economic and community development, workforce development and environment stewardship, Including $1.5 million in funding for the Connecticut Center for Science and Exploration from idea to reality.

“While NU is known to most of us for powering our homes and businesses through Connecticut Light & Power and Yankee Gas, they’ve also been powering a level of philanthropy and regional leadership that is unique in our state,” said Jerry Franklin, president and CEO of CPBN. “We’re pleased to have the opportunity to shine a light on their philanthropic accomplishments.”  

“We are all proud of our employees for all they do for our customers and the communities in which we serve,” said Chuck Shivery, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Northeast Utilities.  “Our companies and the NU Foundation are dedicated to improving the quality of life in our communities and to shaping the future for our customers.”
 

Click Here for the Official Press Release

 

July/August 2009 - People's United Bank

People's United Bank has been selected by CPBN as the July Recipient of the Power of Giving Award. Through the People’s United Community Foundation, People’s United Bank has been able to give back to the communities that have been so good to them. Established in 2007, People’s United Community Foundation was formed to help support programs and activities that enhance the quality of life for citizens, with special emphasis on programs designed to promote economic self-sufficiency, education and improved conditions for low-income families and neighborhoods. The funding priorities of the Foundation include: community development, youth development and affordable housing.

Some of the invaluable programs that the Foundation supports include Building With Books, which supports after-school learning for high school students in Bridgeport; Hole in the Wall Gang that supports seriously ill children in all Connecticut hospitals; and the Connecticut Housing Investment Fund in Hartford, which supports rebuilding urban neighborhoods.

In 2008, the People’s United Community Foundation awarded $2.2 million to organizations in its service area, and more than $275,000 during the first quarter of 2009.

“Funding from the People’s United Community Foundation has touched the lives of many Connecticut residents,” said Timothy B. Hodges, president of the People’s United Community Foundation. “We are  pleased to be able to help support nonprofits statewide, especially in light of the current economy.”

Later this year, the Foundation will fund organizations in Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine in the wake of acquiring the Chittenden Corporation, which has a meaningful presence in those states. 
 
 

May/June 2009 - United Technologies Corporation

CPBN selected United Technologies Corporation to receive the very first Power of Giving Award. The award honors United Technologies’ commitment to civic outreach, philanthropy and volunteerism, along with the company’s remarkable contributions to Connecticut’s communities. 

“We’d like to recognize United Technologies’ selfless altruism,” said Jerry Franklin, president and CEO of CPBN. “Through UTC’s outreach involvement, philanthropic contributions and emphasis on volunteerism, they have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to improving the lives of Connecticut residents. These are challenging times, and the philanthropy of companies like United Technologies is absolutely essential to enhancing our livelihoods.”
 
“I’m proud to lead a company that has a tremendous history of supporting the community,” said UTC president and CEO Louis Chênevert. “UTC employees at all levels unselfishly offer their time and talents to support many great nonprofit organizations in our community.”

Click Here for the Official Press Release