Hartford, Conn. (April 17, 2013) – A new report released by the National Council of Nonprofits, Partnering for Impact, highlights Connecticut as one of nine states where joint task forces are working to streamline government-nonprofit contracting processes in an effort to reduce costs, improve services and return greater value to taxpayers.

?We are grateful to the National Council of Nonprofits for recognizing Connecticut?s efforts to foster productive and efficient collaboration between nonprofits and the State,? said Ron Cretaro, executive director of the Connecticut Association of Nonprofits.

To guarantee open communication between State agencies and the nonprofit sector, Connecticut appointed its first Nonprofit Liaison in 2011. The liaison serves as a link between state government and the nonprofit community, ensuring consistent communication, refined processes and minimized inefficiencies.

Additionally, through the Office of Policy and Management, Connecticut has maintained government-nonprofit task forces to review and simplify contracting processes as well as provide contractor capacity building and coordination of efforts across all agencies.

?In order to protect and enhance our communities, the real conversation must be about how we can work together to overcome the challenges facing our state. We appreciate working with our partners in the nonprofit community to improve contracting systems so we can ensure time and resources are dedicated to delivering services, rather than on inefficient processes,? said Robert Dakers, executive finance officer of the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management.

As partners with the state, nonprofits provide efficient, cost-effective health, human and community services on the state?s behalf that help Connecticut residents in need to live as independently and productively as possible. Despite 20 years of chronic underfunding, Connecticut?s nonprofit community has found ways to increase efficiencies while maintaining quality of service for an increasing number of clients.

?We applaud the work of CT Nonprofits and the State government in Connecticut for recognizing the benefits of working together to streamline processes that produce real cost savings so charitable nonprofits can continue to devote their resources to helping in local communities,? said Tim Delaney, President and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits. ?We hope more states will follow Connecticut?s lead.?

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Connecticut Association of Nonprofits (CT Nonprofits) is the largest membership organization in the state dedicated exclusively to working with nonprofits in Connecticut. As the voice of nonprofits, the association has advanced the social and economic impact of nonprofits for 35 years. CT Nonprofits helps members focus their energy on the people and communities they serve by connecting organizations with information, education, advocacy and collaboration. For more information, please visit www.ctnonprofits.org

Partnering for Impact is the third report in a series offering state and local governments solutions to improve nonprofit contracting processes. More information on government-nonprofit contracting issues, and these earlier resources, can be found at www.govtcontracting.org.

Press Contact: Danielle Cyr Ι Co-Communications Ι 860.676.4400 Ι Danielle@cocommunications.com