Welcoming Dr. Gislaine Ngounou as Our New CEO
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Gislaine Ngounou has joined the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund (WCGMF) as our new CEO. This marks a significant milestone in our journey towards achieving equity in education and ending racism and poverty. Dr. Ngounou brings over two decades of experience in the education sector, including philanthropy, nonprofits, […]
CT Opinion: Philanthropy must stand fearless in support of equity
With race-based equity initiatives facing renewed challenges, marginalized and divested communities must see unwavering support from philanthropic foundations. In June, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Georgia upheld a preliminary injunction against the Fearless Fund, a grant-making organization supporting businesses led by women of color. This decision, coupled with the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action, […]
CT Mirror: Foundation makes rare ‘impact investment’ in local project
Graustein Memorial Fund lent $10M from its endowment to New Haven’s ConnCAT Place at Dixwell. Developers will pay the loan back, with interest. “Most foundations don’t invest their endowments in line with their mission. They can invest in things that are counter to their mission,” Strawter-Anthony said. For example, a foundation with a mission to end poverty […]
CT Voices for Children: Progressive policy group urges CT to expand tax relief for families
A progressive policy group urged state legislators Thursday to stem worsening income and wealth inequality — particularly among racial and ethnic lines — by establishing a new state income tax credit for households with children. The New Haven-based Connecticut Voices for Children offered three options for per-child credits ranging from $500 to $600. And while the […]
One Fair Wage: A CT proposal would eliminate tipped minimum wage. Here’s what to know
A bill under consideration in the Connecticut General Assembly would eliminate the lower minimum wage assigned to hourly employees who earn tips, like servers and bartenders, and would establish instead a single minimum wage that would apply to all workers. The legislature’s Labor and Public Employees Committee approved a similar bill, S.B. 1177, during the 2023 […]
ConnCORP House Opens Doors in Newhallville, Reuniting Resident with Hometown
In a heartwarming ceremony, Rachel Graziano, a native of New Haven, cut the ribbon to her future home at 251 West Hazel Street. This newly constructed house, developed by ConnCAT/ConnCORP, signifies a fresh start for Graziano, who currently resides in Naugatuck due to cheaper rent. By July, she’ll return to her beloved hometown, moving into […]
Graustein Memorial Fund and ConnCORP Announce $10M Investment in ConnCAT Place
ConnCORP and The William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund have announced a $10 million mission-driven investment in ConnCAT Place on Dixwell, a mixed-use development in New Haven’s historic Black community. This project aims to provide affordable housing, job training, office space, and more, empowering local residents while protecting against gentrification. Sheena Strawter-Anthony, director of impact investment […]
Ruby Bridges’ Lessons on Racism and Education
On January 24, 2024, Ruby Bridges, civil rights icon, joined William (Billy) Johnson, Director of Educational Strategy at the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund, for a conversation hosted by Yale University and the City of New Haven. This event was part of the annual MLK Commemoration, dedicated to honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. […]
The Graustein Memorial Fund’s Statement on the Supreme Court’s Decision on Affirmative Action
The Supreme Court ruling finding race-conscious admissions to higher learning unconstitutional is a devastating blow on our nation’s ability to achieve equity in education. The path to higher education is paved by many resources inequitably distributed, or entirely out of reach, for an overwhelming number of Black and Brown youth due to centuries of systemic […]
Introducing the Funders for Family Leadership
Memorial Fund team member Margarita Alvarez is part of the team that created the Funders for Family Leadership’s Philanthropic Self-Reflection Tool for Equitable Parent Partnership. FFL is a learning community dedicated to transforming philanthropic practice to equitably partner with and center family leaders so that systems change is led by their expertise and lived experiences. In […]