Welcome to JVA Consulting’s new blog! Each Monday, we will share with you the latest news in the nonprofit sector, as well as interesting headlines that affect the world we live and work in.

Commonwealth Fund, 1/3
According to an HSC report, the number of patients seeking mental healthcare at community health centers has grown by 170 percent between 2001 and 2006, while dental services grew by more than 80 percent during the same period. Still, costs associated with new patients—40 percent of whom are uninsured—have outpaced funding from the federal government, insurance providers, state and local government, local businesses, hospitals, and philanthropists.

JVA: Mental health and dental have risen dramatically–do we think it’s because less insurance companies are willing to pay for this? Or is there more of a need, too?

New York Times, 1/8
Yale University is increasing the amount of money it spends from its endowment next year by nearly 40 percent. The additional money will be used for financial aid and new scientific and medical research. Yale’s announcement was the latest sign that the nation’s wealthiest universities are trying to fend off action by members of Congress who question why universities raise tuition faster than the rate of inflation while the value of their endowments soar.

JVA: We wonder if this will set a precedent for other deep pocketed universities.

Education Week, 1/4
Congress did not fund Math Now, a Bush administration priority authorized under the America Competes Act, passed earlier in 2007, aimed at helping school districts improve their mathematics curricula and instruction.

JVA: U.S. math scores continue to lag–if this program stays unfunded, we wonder if another will come along to help.

Denver Business Journal, 1/9
Colorado’s charitable foundations are shifting their priorities from supporting education programs to health and human services, according to a new study by a state association representing foundations. Between 2003 and 2006, the most recent year for which data are available, grant dollars from foundations to health programs increased by more than 150 percent, and foundation funding of human services doubled, the study shows. Meanwhile, foundation funding of education programs rose by about 80 percent.
Overall, Colorado foundations contributed $412 million to various causes in 2006, a 62 percent increase from the $254 million they donated in 2003, the study said.

JVA: Health and human service agencies: Is this something you’ve observed in applying for grants?

Rocky Mountain News, 1/10
Colorado schools rank 38th among the states in a nationwide report card by Education Week. Colorado ranks 44th in teacher salaries as compared to 18 other professions that require similar levels of education.

How Colorado compared

Colorado Average State Score

Chance for success B B
K-12 Achievement C- C-
Standards, assessments B- B-
Transitions and alignment D D
The teaching profession D+ D+
School finance C- C-

JVA: Still disappointing! Let’s keep working toward getting that no. 38 to improve by next year!