An Internet Virtual Library of Government, Foundation and Corporate Grants and Grant Writing Support Material
Thursday, October 16, 2003
The grants that are in today's notice involve -
1. targeted outreach, supportive services, and benefit application assistance to individuals who are chronically homeless
2. loan repayment programs to attract health professionals to research careers
3. community-based AIDS organizations and cable outlets to partner in joint community outreach efforts
4. nutritional programs in the areas of education, training, and research
5. economic development based on cooperatives.
6. education, enrichment of communities, environment
7. arts and culture; civic and community betterment; education; health and human services; hunger, nutrition and food safety
8. rehabilitation and disability research
9. scholarships to academically talented, highly motivated African-American high school seniors
10. six teleconferences for potential applicants for a Learn and Serve America School-based grant competition
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Across the country, advocates for victims of domestic violence are joining with government officials, corporations, unions, health care providers, faith-based groups and others to organize DVAM activities that raise public awareness about domestic violence. DVAM activities can be national, statewide or local in scope. They range from national public awareness campaigns with million dollar budgets to local recognition ceremonies that require very little funding. But the goals of most DVAM activities are similar: to raise awareness about the prevalence and cost of domestic violence, the need for prevention and the availability of services for victims of abuse.
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Activities
Each October, national domestic violence organizations and their allies sponsor Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) activities to raise awareness about domestic abuse at the national level. Government agencies, corporate and business leaders, professional associations, law enforcement agencies, hospitals and others take part in national DVAM activities. The activities include campaigns encouraging domestic violence awareness in health care settings, charity shopping days and national days of recognition.
The following list includes some of the many national DVAM activities planned for this October. Each listing includes contact information. Please note that this list is not comprehensive; it is a sample of the national events that will take place in October.
* Throughout the Month - Liz Claiborne, Inc. has organized a fundraising t-shirt sale. The company plans to donate profits from the sale of limited edition t-shirts to its national domestic violence charity partners, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the Family Violence Prevention Fund. The t-shirts, which have the message "love is not abuse," will be available for purchase for $12 through the web site,
For more information, contact Sharon Isenberg via phone: 212/626-3382, or via email: Sharon_isenberg@liz.com.
* Throughout the Month - The Body Shop (TBS) and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) have organized a phone drive. All TBS stores will be collecting deactivated cell phones throughout October to support NCADV's programs serving battered women and children. For more information contact Rita Smith at NCADV, 303/839-1852, ext. 105, or Kim Burrs at TBS, 650/558-1192, ext. 8579.
* Throughout the Month - The No More Tour, organized by Liz Claiborne, Inc., and Marie Claire Magazine, is a multi-city tour designed to raise awareness about violence against women. The tour features events at local universities, including a film festival showcasing the winning films from the Stop the Violence short film contest. The tour has stops in Atlanta, Georgia; Austin, Texas; Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; and Washington, DC. For more information, contact Sharon Isenberg via phone: 212/626-3382, or via email: Sharon_isenberg@liz.com.
* October 19 through October 25 - Organized by the YWCA of the USA, the YWCA Week Without Violence encourages domestic violence awareness and violence prevention activities including tree plantings, candlelight vigils and community forums. Each day of the public education campaign addresses a different form of violence: Monday, October 20 is "Protecting Our Children," and Wednesday, October 22 is "Confronting Violence Against Women." For more information visit the YWCA's web site, www.ywca.org. A Week without Violence organizer's kit and other resources and tools also are available online.
Several other DVAM events are in development, and future issues of NewsFlash! will update this list. Among them will be the tenth annual Shop 'Til it Stops Day, organized by Marshalls. Details and the date will be included in an upcoming issue of NewsFlash!.
"Reprinted and adapted from 'News Flash' (http://www.fvpf.org/newsflash), an online newsletter of the Family Violence Prevention Fund."
There is additional on domestic violence and rural health with the Rural Assistance Center -
Strategic Technology planning course - An organizational effectiveness program to guide nonprofits in mission-driven strategic planning for technology
The course program is designed for foundations, management and technology support providers and associations of nonprofits that want to build the capacity of the groups they serve.
The program blends peer-learning sessions for executives with hands-on support to individual nonprofits in the form of technology team building, consultations and provision of planning tools. Participant organizations and executives share information, problem-solve and strategize together to help craft one another's technology plans. The program is powered by the following components:
· A staff driven planning process
· Continuous learning, planning & action
· Demystification of technology
· Outcome-based planning
· Focus on sustained technology use over the long-term
· Evaluation strategies integrated with planning
Strategic Technology Results
· An understanding of how technology can advance mission
· Detailed and holistic technology assessments
· Less technology stress and more confidence for executives
· Reduced staff resistance to technology
· Better planning, implementation & evaluation of technology
· Action plans with implementation steps and timelines
· Skilled technology teams that take leadership
· Powerful collaborations among groups of nonprofits
· A network of collaborative nonprofit executives
· Foundations and management support providers better able to support nonprofit use of technology
· A stronger local technology support community focused on nonprofit needs
Click on "Course".
This course is FREE. While you venture to this web site, look around for incredible links to more help for technology and your nonprofit organization.
1.The Social Security Administration (SSA) requests applications for cooperative agreement funding to support projects that provide targeted outreach, supportive services, and benefit application assistance to individuals who are chronically homeless.
Prospective applicants are also asked to submit, preferably by October 16, 2003, a fax, post card, letter, or e-mail of intent. The notice of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review process of a subsequent application. The purpose of the notice is to allow SSA staff to estimate the number of technical reviewers needed and to avoid potential conflicts of interest in the review.
SSA is making cooperative agreement funding available to demonstrate methods to improve the quality of assistance that medical and social service providers give to homeless individuals who file claims for Social Security benefits. The projects are shaped by SSA knowledge about effective outreach practices, as well as evaluation data from previous outreach demonstration projects.
Awardees of cooperative agreement funding will be required to provide outreach, supportive services, and benefit application assistance to chronically homeless adults and/or children. The target population for these projects is homeless individuals who are members of underserved groups, which may include people with severe and persistent mental illness, HIV infection, limited English proficiency, multiple and co-occurring disorders, or cognitive impairments, as well as homeless veterans with disabilities.
Applicants may propose to establish presumptive disability screening procedures or prerelease procedures for institutionalized individuals with disabilities. Applicants may also propose to use project funding to improve their capacity to provide representative payment services to beneficiaries, strengthen their ability to assist disability claimants with filing electronic disability applications, or develop an employment intervention.
SSA will train staff of organizations that are awarded funding under this announcement. The focus of the training will be to improve participant knowledge about SSA's requirements for disability case processing. SSA will conduct an evaluation of projects, with a focus on the impact that training has on the quality of assistance provided to disability claimants by the grantee. SSA is particularly interested in achieving outcomes such as reduced processing time, and reduced denials for initial claims from individuals that would be eligible for benefits under SSA's rules.
Public and private organizations, including nonprofit, profit-making, and faith-based organizations, may apply for cooperative agreement funding made available under this announcement. Applicants must have existing expertise and capacity to conduct outreach activities to locate and engage homeless individuals; be able to provide or arrange for health care services; and be able to provide culturally competent services to all members of the target population, without regard to race, sex, religion, or disability.
DATES: The closing date for receipt of cooperative agreement applications under this announcement is November 25, 2003.
2. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will accept applications for its five Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs) until December 31, 2003. The NIH Loan Repayment Programs represent a vital component of the federal government's efforts to attract health professionals to research careers in areas of national need.
LPRs repay up to $35,000 a year of qualified educational debt for health professionals pursuing careers in clinical, pediatric, contraception and infertility or health disparities research, as well as provide coverage for federal and state tax liabilities. All U.S. citizens, nationals and permanent residents who possess a doctoral-level degree; devote 50 percent or more of their time to nonprofit-or government-funded research; and carry an educational debt equivalent to at least 20 percent of their institutional salary are encouraged to apply.
To be considered, candidates must complete the online application and submit additional documentation by fax: (866) 849-4046. For more information, refer to the Quick'n Easy Application Guide and/or call the LRP Help Line at (866) 849-4047.
Be very certain to read the Privacy statement and other information. The process calls for asking for your Social Security number and giving you a password.
3. Cable Positive's Tony Cox Community Fund is a national grant program that exists to encourage community-based AIDS organizations and cable outlets to partner in joint community outreach efforts, or to produce and distribute new, locally focused HIV/AIDS-related programs and public service announcements (PSAs).
Eligible local community outreach projects include, but are not limited to: World AIDS Day (December 1) and National HIV Testing Day (June 27) events, AIDS Rides/Walks, other joint efforts between AIDS organizations and local cable operators, etc. Funding is also available for production costs of HIV/AIDS-related programs and PSAs.
4. The Allen Foundation's priorities have not changed since its establishment. The connections between diet and health remain a basic and primary priority, and consideration has always been given to projects that benefit nutritional programs in the areas of education, training, and research. The foundation has in the past tended to give preference to proposals that train children and young adults to improve their health and development or that educate mothers during pregnancy and after the birth of their children in order to foster good nutritional habits at an early age.
Low priority has traditionally been given to proposals that help solve immediate or emergency hunger and malnutrition problems. One specific hope of the board of trustees in the future is to encourage the inclusion of mandatory courses in nutrition in medical schools. Another desire is to create an imposing awareness among children of the importance of nutrition in their lives.
The priorities of the foundation are -
1. To make grants in the field of human nutrition and to fund relevant nutritional research.
2. To assist programs in human nutrition and training of children and young adults to improve their health and development.
3.To support programs for the education and training of mothers during pregnancy and after the birth of their children, so that good nutritional habits can be formed at an early age.
4.To assist in the training of persons to work as educators and demonstrators of good nutritional practices
5.To give financial aid in the publication of periodicals and articles regarding sound nutritional practices.
6. To encourage the dissemination of information regarding healthful nutritional practices and habits.
7. In limited situations to make grants to help solve immediate emergency hunger and malnutrition problems.
Preference may be given to proposals that include matching funds from the institution or other partners including in-kind contribution. Third party contribution to matching funds such as computer or software donated from a company may be included.
There is an eligibility quiz on the web site.
The next "deadline" for submission of proposals is December 31st. Proposals received after this date will be considered for review the following year. The decisions of the board of trustees will be announced in June of each year.
5. The Cooperative Development Foundation is a nonprofit organization working to improve lives and communities by supporting economic development based on cooperatives.
Cooperatives have a rich history of empowering people, providing needed services in isolated communities, and finding unique solutions to many economic and social problems. Today, CDF is working to identify additional opportunities where cooperatives can serve as solutions to economic problems.
CDF administers a number of funds, each with a unique focus and its own Board of Trustees. The Cooperative Development Foundation does not have one specific grant application or set of guidelines, since each Fund they administer has its own Board of Trustees. Please review the Fund descriptions to determine if you think your project fits within the funding priorities.
The funds support activities ranging from helping people move from welfare to work through employee ownership opportunities, creating affordable housing co-ops for rural seniors, and creating value-added agriculture co-ops to help farmers increase their market share.
If your project does not fit within the scope of a particular Fund but is still related to improving lives through cooperatives, please submit your letter to CDF's General Fund.
6. The Georgia-Pacific Foundation has chosen to support four distinct investment areas and priority initiatives: Education, Enrichment of communities, Environment and Employees. The Georgia-Pacific Foundation will consider requests starting at $1,000.
Founded in 1927 as a wholesaler of hardwood lumber, Georgia-Pacific Corporation has grown through expansion and acquisitions to become one of the world's leading manufacturers and distributors of tissue, packaging, paper, building products, pulp and related chemicals. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific employs more than 60,000 people at some 400 locations worldwide.
The Foundation invests in organizations that foster and promote environmental responsibility and provide environmental learning opportunities, including those that promote source reduction, recycling, reuse, and clean communities.
Educational investment priorities
*Scholarship programs and other recognition mechanisms that are key to our company and reward excellence
*Adult and family literacy
*School-to-work/job readiness programs and technical training
GP facilities have supported local firefighters, hospitals, youth programs, schools, food banks, programs for seniors, arts and cultural organizations, environmental programs and many other crucial community activities and services.
Grant applications are accepted between January 1 and October 31. Within 45 days of receipt of a request with appropriate documentation, the Georgia-Pacific Foundation will respond with written notification as to whether the grant is accepted.
7. The ConAgra Food's mission is to improve the quality of life in communities where ConAgra Foods employees work and live. They focus resources in these areas: Arts and Culture; Civic and Community Betterment; Education; Health and Human Services; Hunger, Nutrition and Food Safety.
Because of ConAgra Foods' major commitment to fighting child hunger in America, there is limited funding available for other new initiatives. Grant proposals will be accepted, however, from organizations meeting these criteria:
* Organization must have IRS 501(c)3 tax-exempt status.
*Organization must have been in existence for at least one year.
* Organization or project must provide a solution for specific community needs.
* Organization must be well-managed, fiscally responsible and demonstrate success in meeting goals.
ConAgra Foods Foundation grants are announced quarterly. Proposals must be received by the last working day of January, April, July and October. Decisions are generally made and communicated within eight to ten weeks of the submission deadline.
8. The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) invites applications for new FY 2004 grant awards under the Field-Initiated (FI) Projects (84.133G) and Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Projects (84.133P) of NIDRR's Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project and Centers Program.
NIDRR seeks to:
(1) Improve the quality and utility of disability and rehabilitation research;
(2) foster an exchange of expertise, information, and training to facilitate the advancement of knowledge and understanding of the unique needs of traditionally underserved populations;
(3) determine best strategies and programs to improve rehabilitation outcomes for underserved populations;
(4) identify research gaps;
(5) identify mechanisms of integrating research and practice; and (6) disseminate findings.
Due to the open nature of the FI Projects competition, and to assist with the selection of reviewers for this competition, NIDRR is requiring all potential applicants to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI). This LOI will not be used to screen out potential applicants. Therefore, LOIs are neither approved nor disapproved. You will not be contacted about the status of your LOI. NIDRR will accept a LOI via surface mail, e-mail, or facsimile by November 10, 2003.
FI Projects must further one or both of the following purposes: (a) Develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities, especially individuals with the most severe disabilities; or (b) improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 as amended. FI projects carry out either research activities or development activities.
Eligible Applicants for FI: States; public or private agencies, including for-profit agencies; public or private organizations, including for-profit organizations; institutions of higher education; and Indian tribes and tribal organizations.
ARRT projects must provide research training and experience at an advanced level to individuals with doctorates or similar advanced degrees who have clinical or other relevant experience. ARRT projects train rehabilitation researchers, including individuals with disabilities, with particular attention to research areas that support the implementation and objectives of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Act), and that improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Act.
Eligible Applicants for AART: Institutions of higher education.
84.133G Field Initiated (FI) Projects deadline December 9, 2003
84.133P Advanced Rehabilitation Research (ARRT) deadline November 24, 2003
9. The Ron Brown Scholar Program is a national program that awards scholarships to academically talented, highly motivated African-American high school seniors who intend to pursue undergraduate degrees full-time. The Program honors the late Ronald H. Brown, Secretary of Commerce during the Clinton administration. These scholarships are reserved for exceptional individuals who share Brown's traits of excellence, leadership, commitment to public service, and desire to make a difference. In addition, applicants must demonstrate financial need.
The Program focuses on young African-Americans of outstanding promise who seek to become leaders in business, education, government, and a wide spectrum of professions.
In addition to financial assistance, Scholars benefit in other important ways: summer internships, career guidance, placement opportunities, mentors, and leadership training. During college, Scholars are required to pursue at least one summer internship devoted to community service and one preprofessional internship. Community service may include a wide range of fields, from education and health to government and politics. Preprofessional internships provide opportunities to further the Scholar's academic discipline or career objectives.
Ron Brown Scholar applications must be postmarked no later than January 9th of the student's senior year of high school. Names of finalists will be posted on the Ron Brown Scholar Program web site at the beginning of April.
10. The Corporation for National and Community Service (hereinafter the "Corporation") will be providing six teleconferences for potential applicants for a Learn and Serve America School-based grant competition (The official Notice of Funds Availability will be published on or about November 14, 2003).
Approximately $3.5 million will be available for grants to be awarded to state education agencies; or nonprofit organizations with programs in two or more states. Funds for this grant competition are FY 2003 funds. Participation in these calls is optional. The technical assistance teleconferences are designed to support potential applicants in preparing high quality proposals. Teleconferences scheduled in October 2003 will focus on:
(1) Developing innovative collaborations between schools and other community organizations;
(2) Designing impact evaluation strategies as an integral part of application development; and,
(3) Creating programs that are designed to be replicated and/or increased in scale.
Teleconferences scheduled in February 2004 will focus on clarification of the grant application guidelines and an introduction to eGrants, the Corporation's Web-based grant management system.
The Corporation expects to make awards to applicants proposing innovative service-learning initiatives in two program areas of high importance to the Corporation:
(1) Homeland Security through creation of programs that engage schools, students, their families, with community-based organizations in activities to minimize the damage or speed the recovery from disasters and emergencies (Schools often serve as the locus of a community's response to disasters by storing supplies and providing shelter and housing for victims and responders to any local emergency);
(2) Bridging the Digital Divide through programs that reduce inequality in technological literacy, access to technology, or address underutilization of available technology and its applications.
In both program areas the Corporation strongly encourages incorporation of adult, especially senior, volunteers. Applicants may also address both issues areas within a single program design.
DATES: Teleconference Dates: The first three calls, focused on developing high-quality programs, will take place on Wednesday, October 29, 2003, from 2-3:30 p.m. e.s.t., on Thursday, October 30, 2003, from 4-5:30 p.m. e.s.t., and on Tuesday, November 4, 2003, from 1-2:30 p.m. e.s.t.
The second round of calls, to clarify program guidance, will take place on Friday, February 6, 2004, from 1-2:30 p.m. e.s.t., on Thursday, February 12 from 3-4:30 p.m. e.s.t., and on Tuesday, February 17, 2004, from 4-5:30 p.m. e.s.t.
Please register for these calls by telephoning Juanita Peoples at (202) 606-5000 x117. The Corporation strongly encourages potential applicants to participate in both calls. Availability is limited to the first 30 registrants per call.
The Federal government is rather silent over the month of October but things will heat up after October 1, 2003, the beginning of the next Federal fiscal year.
Today's best bets feature -
1. books and educational materials to qualified adult and family literacy providers
2. regional or national programs which have a significant impact on issues facing infants and young children
3. scholarships for women thirty-five years of age and older
4. health care, fostering biomedical and science education, and supporting the arts, social services, and civic, environmental and other charitable organizations
5. technology to transform education, improve public communication, and make municipal services faster and more convenient to use
6. two-year community action grants to provide seed money to individual women in education
7. public policy, children health care, faith-based social service programs and disabilities
8. the environment, the crisis of human overpopulation and reproductive freedom, Native Americans, arts, education, medicine, and human services
9. improving U.S. K-12 science and math instructional quality
10. adoption of waiting children
The nonprofit story behind the latte tax in Seattle and Starbucks – an advocacy story
From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer on September 18, 2003:
Tuesday's [September 16] resounding defeat of the latte tax is another setback for the troubled nonprofit organization that sponsored the initiative.
The Economic Opportunity Institute has laid off most of its staff, hasn't yet filed tax returns for 2002 and ended up spending tens of thousands of dollars to try to persuade voters to approve Initiative 77.
Last week, boxes, cabinets and computers were being moved out of the group's spacious 4,000-square-foot ground floor office in the University District to a 1,000-square-foot space above Gas Works Park.
And John Burbank, the agency's executive director and the brainchild of the latte tax, hasn't taken a paycheck since March 16. He earns $65,000 a year.
"I didn't anticipate the opposition to this; it was a mistake on my part," Burbank said last week. "It is my total responsibility that we are in the situation we are in."
The initiative, which asked Seattle residents to impose a 10-cent tax on each cup of espresso to help pay for child care and preschool programs, ended up being rejected by 68 percent of voters.
"Snip"
At its peak, the Economic Opportunity Institute had 17 employees and was known for successfully leading the effort in 1998 to increase the state's minimum wage, and in helping impose a 50-cent tax on tobacco.
The 5-year-old organization is also working on proposed changes to the Social Security system, expanded health care, and extended paid leaves for parents and caregivers.
But some of the ideas brewing might never come to light unless the institute gets its own business taken care of first.
In the spring, the institute laid off many of its employee, and this week, only three were left: Burbank, a policy director and a communications director.
The group hasn't filed its 2002 tax returns yet, but Burbank said it had been granted an extension.
The agency did file a 2001 report, but failed to include nearly $20,000 in lobbying expenses -- an error Burbank says will be corrected.
The institute also failed to renew its license as a nonprofit corporation with the Washington secretary of state.
"Snip"
In the end, though, Tuesday's defeat could have "zero impact" on the institute's financial stability, said Don McDonough, treasurer for the institute's board and a member since 1998.
The foundation, he said, would regroup and invest more conservatively. And he believes the Economic Opportunity Institute would be a strong force, particularly when the economy improves and donors once again begin contributing money to fund policy development.
"I am active on the board of another nonprofit, and this isn't a good time for nonprofits in general," said Paul Goode, a former Microsoft Corp. employee who is vice president of the institute's board. "Any issues we might be having aren't that uncommon."
"Snip"
· Board members include State Sen. Lisa Brown; Frank Chopp, speaker of the House; Lowell Knutson, a Lutheran bishop; and Verlene Wilder, lead organizer for the King County Labor Council's union.
· Most of the group's money comes from labor unions, private foundations and donors.
October 1, 2003 marks the effective date for restoration of food stamp benefit eligibility for needy legal immigrant children, regardless of date of entry into the U.S. This is the second stage of the restorations in the Food Stamp Reauthorization Act passed in 2002. The first group occurred in April, 2003. This is just the beginning of the process, however. Much work remains to be done to reach out to needy, eligible legal immigrants. New resources are available in English and other languages for advocates, service providers, elected officials and others to use in getting the word out to immigrant populations and communities. The following FRAC web page has links to outreach materials in English, Spanish, Chinese, Cambodian, Vietnamese, French, and Russian.
1. Applications are being accepted for the National Book Scholarship Fund (NBSF), which is a grants program of ProLiteracy Worldwide. The NBSF distributes New Readers Press books and educational materials to qualified adult and family literacy providers in the U.S. to improve their services.
The National Book Scholarship Fund gives special emphasis to grant applications from family literacy programs, followed by English-as-a-second-language (ESL) projects, adult basic educational programs, and projects that involve women-focused basic literacy or ESL programming.
A workshop on the NBSF program will be offered at ProLiteracy Worldwide annual conference in Washington, D.C., November 14-17, 2003. Program staff who are interested in applying for an NBSF grant, or who would like more information about the NBSF program, are encouraged to attend. The NBSF application process will be discussed and information will be provided on how to submit a comprehensive grant proposal.
For more information about the NBSF or to apply, visit the NBSF Web site at www.nbsf.org. The grant application is available online. The deadline for grant applications is December 4, 2003.
2. The Gerber Foundation provides funding for national programs which have a significant impact on issues facing infants and young children. The Foundation's mission focuses on infants and young children. Accordingly, priority is given to projects that improve infant and young children nutrition, care and development from the first year before birth to three years of age. Programs should support a specific nutrition intervention and have defined outcome parameters.
Foundation grants are not typically ongoing. Supported projects should have beginnings and endings, reasonable periods during which measurable progress or outcomes are accomplished. The impact of Foundation funding should be detailed, so that the infusion of new or outside funding can be seen to have some positive influence on the progress or outcome of the project.
The Foundation gives priority to projects of national or regional impact. Projects should be sufficiently focused to make a felt difference in the field of interest.
Pediatric health programs respond to a Foundation interest in promoting health and preventing disease. Projects are geared toward research or interventions that will reduce the incidence of serious chronic illnesses (e.g., Diabetes, heart disease, obesity, or cancer), or improve cognitive, social and emotional aspects of development. Projects may include research or intervention activities that will reduce the likelihood of young children developing these serious chronic illnesses later in life. They may also include research or interventions that evaluate or improve cognitive functioning in infants and young children or social and emotional aspects of development.
Pediatric nutrition programs respond to a longtime interest of the Foundation in assuring adequate nutrition for infants and young children. Projects include research or interventions that evaluate the provision of specific nutrients and their related outcomes in infants and young children.
On a new front, the Foundation is interested in projects that evaluate the effects of environmental hazards on infants and young children. Projects include research or interventions that document the impact of, or ameliorate effects of, environmental hazards on the development of infants and young children. Projects may include the effect of smog on the development of asthma in young children or the impact of pesticides on growth and development.
Projects requiring small grants (generally under $50,000) are typically local in scope and impact, and therefore may not be within the scope of national funding initiatives. Large requests (greater than $1 million annually) may exceed available Foundation resources. In some cases, projects are best funded by multiple funders to provide evidence of broad acceptance of the project concept or potential outcome.
Organizations seeking grants should begin the application process at least four months before the start of the proposed grant period. Proposals are initially reviewed by program staff and select Trustees. Letters of inquiry should be submitted by December 1, March 1, or June 1 for awards in May, August, or November, respectively.
3. The Jeannette Rankin Foundation (JRF) raises funds for and awards scholarships annually to women thirty-five years of age and older who through undergraduate or vocational education are seeking to better themselves, their families, and their communities. In working toward these ends, JRF continues the legacy of Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to Congress and a proponent of peace and women's and children's rights. In the past year applicants -
Must be a woman, at least 35 years of age as of April 1, 2003 (this may change).
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must be pursuing a technical/vocational degree, an associate degree, or a first bachelor degree.
Must be enrolled or accepted in an accredited school for the fall of 2003 (this may change).
Must be low-income and fall within the income guidelines, listed at the web site.
The grants are worth $2,000.00 a year and are distributed through the college/university financial aid office for 2004-2005. The application, the reference letter form and the instructions are at the web site.
Applications are no longer available for 2003, but if you would like to apply for the 2004 school year, follow the timeline below.
November 1, 2003: Updated grant applications will be available.
March 1, 2004: Completed applications will be due.
June 2004: Grant recipients will be selected and notified.
Fall 2004: Grants will be distributed.
The updated applications for 2004 will be available from November 1, 2003 through mid-February 2004. During that time, you will be able to access the grant application through either of the following method:
Return to this website to download and print the application materials, or
Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to P.O. Box 6653, Athens, GA 30604 to request an application by mail.
Please send inquiries to info@rankinfoundation.org.
4. The Merck Company Foundation's corporate philanthropy programs are guided by four strategic priorities, aligned with our business capabilities and needs:
Improving access to quality health care and the appropriate use of medicines and vaccines.
Promoting environments that support innovation, economic growth, and development in an ethical and fair context.
Building and strengthening long-term capacity in the biomedical sciences through advancement of education and research.
Contributing to local communities where Merck has major facilities
The Merck Company Foundation is a US-based, private charitable foundation. Established in 1957 by Merck & Co., Inc., The Foundation is funded entirely by the company and is Merck's chief source of funding support to qualified nonprofit charitable organizations.
The Foundation advances the company's philanthropic outreach in helping to meet important needs of our society — in both local and international communities — that are consistent with Merck's overall mission to enhance the health and well-being of people around the world. Such needs include improving health care, fostering biomedical and science education, and supporting the arts, social services, and civic, environmental and other charitable organizations.
5. 3Com, in cooperation with The United States Conference of Mayors, has been rewarding cities/school districts across the nation with grants of $100,000 worth of 3Com products and services to incorporate new uses for information technology into the fabric of their communities. To date, $4 million has been committed to the program to 40 cities/school districts across the country.
Children of the 21st century need the technology skills and access to bridge the Digital Divide. The 3Com Urban Challenge rewards forward-thinking communities that are committed to using technology to transform education, improve public communication, and make municipal services faster and more convenient to use.
This grant opportunity challenges both American communities and 3Com to work together in narrowing the gap between those who have digital access and those who do not. Using your 3Com grant, schools, departments, and organizations can tailor a networking solution that meets your community's needs. A high-speed wireless network could revolutionize how your child learns in school. A citywide intranet can allow citizens to manage their time and lives through the ability to communicate with their city officials and organizations online.
To participate, your city should meet at least one of these criteria:
A principal policy agenda aimed at enhancing educational or community development
A strong involvement and endorsement from the mayor's office
Tangible benefits to students and residents in a specified timeframe
Multiple projects constituencies-including schools, local community colleges, libraries, government agencies, healthcare institutions, etc.
Specific ideas about how you intend to use the grant
Urban Challenge grant winners are judged and chosen by a panel of 3Com employees.
The winners will not only receive 3Com equipment, they'll also be eligible for dramatically reduced-cost share assistance from the newest program partner, AmeriCorps*VISTA.
Using AmeriCorps*VISTA's talented team of volunteer planners and technologists, Urban Challenge winners who qualify will obtain low-cost assistance for installation management, training, and more. 3Com and Urban Challenge are working to bring twenty-first century communications to America's cities and schools.
Application deadline is November 3, 2003. There is an online form to be completed in order to download the application form.
6. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers two-year Community Action Grants to provide seed money to individual women, AAUW branches, AAUW state organizations, and community-based nonprofit organizations. These grants provide startup funds for longer-term programs and are restricted to projects focused on K-14 (including 2-year colleges) girls' achievement in math, science, and/or technology. Funds support planning activities, coalition building, program implementation and evaluation.
Applicants must be women who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Grant projects must have direct public impact, be nonpartisan, and take place within the United States or its territories. The web site has a few questions to assist ascertaining eligibility. The application is also on the web site.
There is a database highlighting promising practices, exemplary materials, and lessons learned from the Foundation's Community Action Grants at the site.
In 2004-2005 only two-year grants will be offered. The range of grants is $5,000.00 - $10,000.00. Applications are currently available. The postmark deadline is January 15, 2004.
7. The JM Foundation is a private foundation authorized to provide financial assistance to organizations in the United States that are public charities as defined by Sections 501(c)(3), 509(a)(1), and 170(b)(1)(a)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code. There is a second foundation that is affiliated with it at the same web site, Milbank Foundation for Rehabilitation.
The Board of Directors has established priorities that include public policy, children health care, faith-based social service programs and disabilities. Charitable organizations with programs that fall within those areas are invited to submit proposals to the Foundation.
Requests are carefully reviewed within four weeks of receipt. Proposals determined to be consistent with the interests and available resources of the Foundation are examined further. Some are then processed for presentation to the Board of Directors at one of their two meetings each year, usually in May and October. All other requests are declined promptly in writing.
8. The Educational Foundation of America (EFA) makes grants to qualifying nonprofit organizations that have tax-exempt status and those that are not private foundations as defined in the Internal Revenue Code. EFA provides grants for specific projects. It does not provide funds for endowment or endowed faculty chairs, building/capital programs, religious purposes, grants to individuals, annual fundraising campaigns, indirect costs, overhead or general support.
Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the environment, the crisis of human overpopulation and reproductive freedom, Native Americans, arts, education, medicine, and human services.
Important characteristics considered by EFA are an organization's record of achievement, intended broad impact, sound financial practices, increasing independence, and correspondence with EFA objectives. Unfortunately, many worthy requests are denied because needs exceed the Foundation's resources or a given project does not fall within a current area of focus.
Applicants are required to send a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) as the first step. EFA staff reviews all letters and research is done on those that best fit EFA's interests--namely, the interests of its board members. These specific interests enable EFA to determine whether or not it will request a full proposal. LOI are restricted to a maximum of two pages printed back to back on one sheet of recycled paper.
EFA's decision-making process regarding LOI can take several months from the date of receipt. Consequently, EFA does not consider emergency or urgent requests. If a project presented in a letter is found not of interest to the EFA Board of Directors, the organization is notified by letter or post card indicating so.
If a LOI is of interest to the Board, a letter of invitation is issued along with a set of EFA's narrative guidelines explaining how to submit a full proposal. Program staff is assigned to each proposal and serve to assist the organization throughout the proposal process.
9. Agilent is committed to improving U.S. K-12 science and math instructional quality. The company delivers innovative technologies, solutions and services to a wide range of customers in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. They believe that middle and high-school science and math classrooms should have content and pedagogy trained teachers and that each elementary school teacher should have the skills needed to successfully teach science and math.
They support policy and programs at the national, state and local level promoting:
High standards that define learning goals for student achievement.
Rigorous assessments that measure progress vs. standards.
Strict accountability for students and schools.
High standards for teacher skills and achievement.
Effective programs to increase teacher availability.
Increased presence of underrepresented groups in the teaching profession.
Specific goals include:
Promoting and addressing the need for high quality instruction.
Improving teachers' ability to teach above minimum standards.
Funded programs include the development of solid standards to gauge academic performance, research into factors that cause instructional gaps, program development to improve instructional performance and the implementation of new programs in school districts.
The interest is in successfully developing a culture of improvement in the teaching profession, based on successful use of available academic data.
Seeking to increase the number of qualified teachers available to teach science and math and the willingness of teachers to stay in the profession.
They are especially interested in solutions that increase the participation of underrepresented groups in the teaching of math and science.
Contributions are currently company-initiated in the focus areas of education and healthy communities. If you would like them to consider an idea for a future initiative that falls within their focus area and is regional, national, or international in scope, send a brief (1 to 2 page) letter of inquiry to:
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Corporate Contributions,
5301 Stevens Creek Blvd.
P.O. Box 58059
MS55-AW
Santa Clara, CA 95052-8059
10. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoptions primary interest is in funding projects that directly impact permanency through adoption of waiting children in the United States and Canada. Emphasis will be given to programs and projects on a national or regional basis that will help move children out of foster care and into adoptive homes. The Foundation is especially interested in addressing the permanency needs of children who are older, medically and/or emotionally challenged, from an ethnic minority and/or sibling groups who seek to be adopted together.
Outcomes they Seek:
The Foundation welcomes grant requests from U.S. and Canadian tax-exempt organizations. They consider our grants to be investments. Their mission guides the grant decisions, policy priorities and the allocations of resources throughout the foundation.
Preference will be given to applications that:
Propose innovative recruitment and adoption awareness efforts that are easily replicated on a national basis;
Develop successful methods for overcoming procedural, bureaucratic or financial obstacles to adoption;
Clearly delineate outcome measures;
Are cost effective;
Include partnerships with other organizations, corporations or foundations;
Have significant potential to demonstrate innovative service delivery to adoptive families and adopted children.
Proposals are accepted throughout the year. Funding decisions are made four times per year. In order for your proposal to receive serious consideration, it must be received by the submission deadline date for the last quarter of the year October 15, 2003 for December, 2003 funding cycle.
This list has grants covering a variety of programs and scholarship assistance -
1. funding for new vehicles or equipment, equipment replacement and modernization, improvements to facilities, and educational materials, tangible items that tend to remain with an organization
2. conservation and science; population; and children, families, and communities
3. to provide food for the hungry while encouraging congregations to build community relationships
4. for persons anticipating a career focus on the management/leadership of institutions serving older persons
5. grants to hospitals, and programs for children, developmentally disabled, and senior citizens; and civic, cultural, social welfare services, health care, economic, and religious institutions
6. to promote and support effective and creative programs, practices and policies related to healing from illness, accident, physical, social or emotional trauma and to extend the availability of programs that promote healing to underserved populations
7. environment, women, children, civil liberties, AIDS research
8. for basic needs, direct services, education, awareness and prevention programs to men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS
9. scholarship will support Hispanic and African American students who are infected with Hepatitis C or who are dependents of someone with Hepatitis C.
10. community improvement projects, education scholarships for trade disciplines and environmental initiatives
The Management Center (TMC) reports - Federal Government to Conduct Survey on Federal Grants
Guidestar.org reports that within the next few weeks, the U.S. government will be conducting a survey regarding the process of applying for federal grants. The research is funded through the Department of Health and Human Services but concerns all agencies to which nonprofits may apply for grants.
The purpose of this project is to assess the needs and challenges in finding grant opportunities and submitting grant applications, and awareness and opinions of various grant systems. Your feedback will help efforts to improve the processes in place across the federal government.
Who should participate? YOU, if you have any involvement in federal grants, including researching opportunities, writing applications, filling out forms, submitting applications, and maintaining IT systems. In addition, anyone with any association with nonprofits and finding grants is encouraged to fill out the survey. The survey is estimated to take about 15 minutes.
Watch for more information soon regarding how to participate in the survey, or check http://www.guidestar.org for more information.
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FACTS AND FACTORS
For the past sixteen years, Abbott, Langer & Associates, Inc. has been conducting the most intensive and extensive surveys of compensation and fringe benefits & working conditions in nonprofit organizations extant. Because of this, they have received frequent requests for information in this field.
Despite the depth to which these surveys examined nonprofit policies and practices, some of the questions put to them could not be answered. Finally, almost in desperation, they embarked on a third series of surveys - devoted to "spot" questions, which are beyond the scope of the other two survey series.
A few of the findings of the first survey in this series (varying by type of organization, size of organization, and geographic location - all of which are addressed in "Special Nonprofit Policies & Practices - 2003") were:
Over 80% of Chief Executive Officers in nonprofit organizations operate with a written position description.
Employment contracts are still not the prevailing practice for Chief Executive Officers in nonprofit organizations. Overall, only about 28% of CEOs have employment contracts.
Unlike business and industry, incentive bonuses are not yet the predominant practice in nonprofit organizations. In nonprofit organizations, only 27.5% of Chief Executive Officers receive incentive bonuses.
Almost two-thirds (62.5%) of nonprofits either provide a cellular or car phone for the use of their Chief Executive Officer or compensate him or her for same, and almost one-half with a personal or laptop computer.
Forty-four percent of nonprofits have provisions for their Chief Executive Officers to be covered with a supplemental disability policy, 45% with a supplemental medical policy, and almost the same percentage of nonprofits with a supplemental medical policy.
Ignoring those nonprofits where no travel is necessary, 38.4% of nonprofits reimburse members of their Boards of Directors for travel and living expenses to both Board and committee meetings. An additional 11.6% do so just to Board meetings.
The predominant practice is for nonprofit organizations to grant pay raises to their employees every year (occurring in 83.4% of the reporting nonprofit organizations).
Telecommuting is not a common occurrence in nonprofits.
1. The Ludwick Family Foundation is a philanthropic organization committed to assisting a broad array of groups that are working to make a positive difference in the world.
Eligible organizations are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, known as nonprofit public charities, and not a private foundation under 509(a) of the Code.
The foundation considers funding for new vehicles or equipment, equipment replacement and modernization, improvements to facilities, and educational materials, tangible items that tend to remain with an organization.
It is their preference that organizations apply for a grant by using the INITIAL REQUEST FORM. If for some reason that is not possible, then they will accept a Letter of Inquiry as an alternative.
Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 - Grants are made for a single year
The deadlines are March 31 & August 31 (SUBMITTED ONLINE OR POSTMARKED)
2. The David and Lucile Packard Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations in the following program areas: Conservation and Science; Population; and Children, Families, and Communities. The Foundation provides national and international grants, and also has a special focus on the Northern California Counties of San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Monterey.
The Foundation works to ensure opportunities for all children to reach their potential, to protect reproductive rights and stabilize world population, to conserve and restore the earth's natural systems, and to encourage the creative pursuit of science. They work to achieve their mission through support of programs in selected issue areas, through support for Special Opportunities and Capacity-Building that is flexible and responsive to the institutional needs of organizations, and through targeted support in Local Areas of historical importance to the Packard family.
The Foundation focuses in three key program areas:
The Conservation and Science Program seeks to protect and restore our oceans, coasts, and atmosphere and to enable the creative pursuit of scientific research toward this goal. The Program makes grants to nonprofit organizations, supports the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, and manages the Packard Fellowships for Science and Engineering.
The Population Program seeks to slow the rate of growth of the world's population, to expand reproductive health options among the world's poor, and to support reproductive rights. The Program makes grants to nonprofit organizations.
The Children, Families, and Communities Program seeks to provide access to publicly funded, high-quality preschool programs for all three-and four-year olds; to provide access to health insurance for all children that ensures them appropriate health care; and to provide access to after-school programs that promote positive youth development for all elementary and middle school-aged children in California. The program makes grants to nonprofit organizations and supports the Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital.
Special Opportunities and Capacity-Building Funds
In addition to advancing Foundation goals in the three program areas by supporting nonprofit organizations and key institutions, they also believe in the importance of flexible funding to address emerging opportunities as identified by the Board of Trustees and seek to strengthen the organizational effectiveness of grantee organizations and the philanthropic sector through grantmaking.
Specific guidelines for Foundation grantmaking programs are available on the Web site. Before preparing any letter of inquiry or proposal, carefully review the guidelines and geographic limitations for your area of interest. Staff members review letters of inquiry and proposals year-round. There are no submission deadlines.
The application, due diligence, and funding decision process normally takes three to six months for most applicants.
3. The Bonner Foundation's Crisis Ministry Program has provided $10 million in grants to thousands of religious, community-based hunger relief programs across the country. The mission of the program is to provide food for the hungry while encouraging congregations to build community relationships and strengthen their outreach programs.
The program's focus is on funding the purchase of food for anti-hunger initiatives that are supported by congregations with the involvement of their clergy; are actively involved in addressing the underlying causes of their clients' hunger; and are located in economically and socially disadvantaged communities of the United States. Grants for these initiatives will range between $2,000 and $10,000.
The Bonner Foundation will consider providing support to:
Community-based crisis ministry programs that are sponsored by a congregation or a coalition of congregations, which show a strong initiative in leadership in the fight against hunger and related issues in their community.
Develop innovative nutritious food programs and special projects through food banks, SHAREs and other regional support networks to fight hunger and address its underlying issues.
Generally, preference is given to programs that:
Are faith-based ministries; are sponsored by a congregation or a coalition of congregations; demonstrate a collaborative effort with area agencies and show strong leadership in the fight against hunger and related issues in their community;
Demonstrate that the Foundation's funding will support efforts that will generate new growth both in terms of financial support and involvement on the part of the members of the congregation, the clergy, and the community;
Foster self-reliance through programs that build on their clients’ strengths;
Provide a nutritious and balanced diet for the hungry in a way that promotes dignity and respect.
Grants range between $2,500 and $10,000 depending on the program and the needs of the community. Grants are awarded for a period of one year, with the possibility of renewal for subsequent years.
Proposals should be mailed (not faxed) by March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1 to
Genevieve Gorman
Program Officer
Crisis Ministry Program
Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation, Inc.
10 Mercer Street
Princeton, NJ 08540
4. The American Academy of Nursing, with support from the John A. Hartford Foundation of New York City, is seeking applicants for Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Scholarships in gerontological nursing. The Scholars Program offers grant support up to $50,000 per annum for two years to successful candidates who will commence or continue education or research training no later than September 2004. In addition to the pre and postdoctoral scholarships, there is a program for applicants who wish to pursue a business degree at a highly ranked institution, anticipating a career focus on the management/leadership of institutions serving older persons.
The Foundation's overall goal is to increase the nation's capacity to provide effective and affordable care to its rapidly increasing older population. Specifically, the Foundation seeks to enhance the training of physicians, nurses, social workers and other health professionals who care for older adults, and promote innovations in the integration and delivery of services.
All applicants must be registered nurses, hold degree(s) in nursing, and be United States citizens or permanent U.S. residents. This program seeks and supports diversity in its applicants and requires all candidates to demonstrate potential for long-term contribution to the field of geriatric nursing.
All postdoctoral applicants must demonstrate evidence of commitment to a career in gerontological nursing research and education and the potential to develop into independent investigators. Applicants should propose a period of study and development consistent with his/her interests, and previous research or clinical experience. Applicants must propose a significant geriatric research project, identify a strong geriatric nurse scientist mentor(s) with whom he/she will work, and provide evidence of the mentor's agreement to work with the applicant. All selected scholars are expected to dedicate full-time equivalency to the award.
5. The Dr. Scholl Foundation supports general charitable programs, including grants to hospitals, and programs for children, developmentally disabled, and senior citizens; and civic, cultural, social welfare services, health care, economic, and religious institutions. The average grant range is $5,000 to $100,000.
The Foundation's priorities are -
1. Private education including elementary, secondary, college and university level.
2. General charitable programs, including grants to hospitals, programs for children, developmentally disabled, and senior citizens.
3. Civic, cultural, social services, health care, economic and religious institutions.
The general categories above are not intended to limit the interest of the Foundation to other worthwhile projects.
Applications will be accepted annually between November 1 and the March 1 deadline; the Foundation encourages applicants to submit applications as early in the year as possible. The application can be obtained by written request only.
There is no web site. For more information contact –
Dr. Jack E. Scholl, Executive Director
Dr. Scholl Foundation (USA)
1033 Skokie Blvd., Suite 230
Chicago, IL 60062
Tel: (847) 559-7430
6. The Langeloth Foundation's grant-making program is centered on the concepts of health and well-being. The Foundation's purpose is to promote and support effective and creative programs, practices and policies related to healing from illness, accident, physical, social or emotional trauma and to extend the availability of programs that promote healing to underserved populations.
The Foundation will accept applications for grants up to 36 months in length; a multiyear grant request must demonstrate the need for its extended time frame. Challenge or matching grants also will be considered. Long-term annual support should not be expected.
The Foundation welcomes proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations that promote physical and emotional healing, especially to underserved populations, such as:
Community-based organizations, health care providers and research
institutions
All applicants for funding must secure formal endorsement and clearance from appropriate authorities at their institutions.
Letter of Intent Submission Deadline: February 1
If invited to submit a full proposal:
Proposal Submission Deadline: May 15
Grants Awarded: mid-September
Project Start Date: January 1
If an invitation to submit a full proposal is made, applicants will receive specific instructions for structuring their proposals and providing the necessary budget detail.
Before applying, you have to register at the site.
7. The Barbra Streisand Foundation funds both general and project-specific support. Awards range from $1,000 to $25,000; the average award amount is between $10,000 and $20,000.
At this time, The Streisand Foundation only considers requests from United States based nonprofit organizations that are working on a national level to promote and support:
Environmental issues
Women's issues including choice and health-related concerns
Civil liberties and democratic values
Civil rights and race relations
Children's and youth-related issues with a focus on the economically disadvantaged (Los Angeles-based only)
AIDS research, advocacy, service and litigation
As a rule, The Foundation does not fund local organizations. However, they do make exception for projects in Los Angeles providing educational and extracurricular programs for disadvantaged children and youth.
If your organization fits within these guidelines, you may send them a 1-3 page letter of inquiry. Letters of inquiry will be accepted beginning September 2, 2003 and are due by December 2, 2004. If appropriate, you will be asked to submit a full proposal. Any grants made in this grant period will be announced during summer 2004.
8. The M·A·C AIDS Fund makes grants to registered charitable, nonprofit organizations that provide basic needs, direct services, education, awareness and prevention programs to men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS. The M·A·C AIDS Fund will not fund the following: individuals, research, political or fraternal organizations.
Established in 1994 by M·A·C Cosmetics in Canada, the M·A·C AIDS Fund supports men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS globally. Introducing its first VIVA GLAM lipstick that same year, M·A·C decided that every cent of the selling price of the VIVA GLAM lipsticks would go to the M·A·C AIDS Fund. Funds are available to nonprofits in the US.
M·A·C AIDS Fund has supported nearly 400 organizations worldwide. It provides funding to nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations and programs for basic needs, such as food, clothing, housing or shelter (short-term or transitional); direct services related to healthcare, social services, transportation (for medical visits, outpatient visits and other social services), and health-related recreational activities, and programs that bring HIV/AIDS education, awareness and prevention to public attention.
Proposals are reviewed quarterly (usually March, June, September and December) and MUST arrive at least one month prior to the quarterly review date. Every attempt will be made to include all proposals at the meeting following receipt, however, some exceptions will have to be made depending upon volume.
9. The New Horizon Scholars Program is a new scholarship offered in partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund and is sponsored by The Roche Foundation. The scholarship will support Hispanic and African American students who are infected with Hepatitis C or who are dependents of someone with Hepatitis C.
10. Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation awards grants that focus on priority areas including community improvement projects, education scholarships for trade disciplines and environmental initiatives that enhance the natural environment.
The Foundation considers requests only from 501(c) (3) organizations.
If you are seeking support for an initiative that meets Foundation guidelines, complete the Foundation application. Requests will be processed within 3-4 weeks and a written response will be sent via US mail within 8-10 weeks regarding your grant application. Include your correct mailing address.
The Foundation considers large-scale requests and in order to address issues of importance to local communities, looks for support by local store and district management when reviewing proposals. The Foundation provides funding only to 501(c)(3) organizations in cities where Lowe’s operates. Its primary philanthropic focus areas are:
Education
Community improvement projects (examples include projects at parks and other public areas, housing for the underprivileged and innovative environmental initiatives)
1. environment, human needs, art and education 2. broadband use to assist low and moderate income microentrepreneurs, particularly women, minorities, and entrepreneurs with disabilities
3. sustainable development 4. financial education to young people; underserved segments of society
5. grants and donations from Chili's restaurants 6. waiver up to $1,000,000 in licensing fees for Bettmann Archive images used in communications that benefit qualifying non-profit organizations
7. civic and community education, health and human service, environment and arts and culture8. boating safety education.
9. research on the civic engagement of young Americans 10. health barriers due to low- to moderate-socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and gender
11. science experience for students below the college level and post-secondary project or program involving science, engineering, business
12. a one-of-a-kind chance for middle school or junior high school students and coaches to work alongside scientists, engineers and technical experts
13. food service and after school program sponsors and advocacy organizations
14. pay for the Federal share of the cost of planning and carrying out service opportunities in conjunction with the federal legal holiday honoring the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 19, 2004
As I survey web sites of nonprofit organizations I am surprised by the number of health-related organizations that have not complied with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996). When an organization has the mission to serve disabled children, it can no longer feature photos of those children on the web site or in any brochures. That is a violation of the privacy of those children and families, even when no names are used. The use of generic photos that are representative of the program may be allowable if there is a disclaimer about the pictures being representative and not photos of actual participants and there is written permission to use the photos from the photographer or the company producing them.
The organization also has to handle employee health records carefully. Failure to have the hard copy of health information in a locked cabinet may be a violation of HIPAA. Failure to have an employee’s health information on a computer data record and not under password protection may be a violation of HIPAA.
While the federal Sarbanes-Oxley Act applies only to for-profit public companies, it may wind up changing how nonprofit organizations do business, according to a report by the Healthcare Trustees of New York State, an affiliate of the Healthcare Association of New York State.
HTNYS says that many of the standards contained in the act will likely be imposed on nonprofits by underwriters and ratings agencies. The act may spur action by regulators as well: The Internal Revenue Service has already proposed expanding financial reporting requirements for nonprofits, while in January, state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer suggested applying Sarbanes-Oxley to nonprofits.
1.Tom's of Maine was founded on a heritage of philanthropy. Through their Giving for Goodness Program, they are committed to donating 10% of their pretax profits each year to charitable organizations and encouraging employees to spend 5% of their paid work time volunteering in the community.
The philanthropic charter embraces three central principles:
Their belief in inherent worthiness
Their belief in sharing
Their belief in accountability
These three core values are reflected in their Mission Statement and Statement of Beliefs that they:
Believe that both human beings and nature have inherent worth and deserve our respect.
Are committed to addressing community concerns, in Maine and around the globe, by devoting a portion of time, talent and resources to the environment, human needs, the arts and education.
Believe that they have an individual and collective accountability to the company's beliefs, mission, destiny, and performance goals.
The Environment:
They favor programs that address animal welfare, protection and conservation of natural resources, wildlife, wildlife habitat and other issues related to bio-diversity and a sustainable planet.
Human Needs:
They favor programs that address social issues, especially those affecting youth, people with disabilities and indigenous people; programs related to health and well-being; and programs that enhance family and community life, nurture a sense of community among diverse groups, and build community capacity to address and solve local problems.
The Arts:
They favor programs that address performing arts (music, drama, dance) and visual arts; programs and resources for the arts; and artistic cultural programs with interactive and educational components.
Education:
They favor programs that address innovative educational programs for children and adults; especially ones that foster understanding of the natural environment and encourage community outreach.
Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000. Larger grant awards per year are rare. Given their renewed focus on core mission and leadership grants, they welcome longer-term relationships with non-profit partners in the form of multi-year conditional commitments, typically lasting three years.
Applications will be accepted between November 1st and February 1st, with final deadline no later than February 1st (postmarked). Applicants will be notified of receipt.
2. Covad Communications Group, Inc. a leading national broadband service provider of high-speed Internet and network access, supports microentrepreneurs with disabilities with the launch of the Covad Entrepreneur Program. Covad partnered with The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) to provide both monetary and Covad broadband service grants to local microentrepreneurs in Arizona, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. The Covad Broadband Entrepreneur Program is designed to enable microentrepreneurs, through the use of broadband, to improve and strengthen their businesses. The program will focus on assisting low and moderate income microentrepreneurs, particularly women, minorities, and entrepreneurs with disabilities.
The Abilities Fund was one of the ten non profit organizations selected by Covad and AEO to implement the Covad Broadband Entrepreneur Program. In accordance to the program's guidelines, The Abilities Fund select and distribute the grant package to microentepreneurs with disabilities. Each grant package includes $500 cash plus free broadband installation and service for one year.
The addition of broadband access can dramatically build the capacity of clients of The Abilities Fund and transform the way they do business in a number of ways. Due to the nature of many disabilities, the Internet has become a viable solution to many barriers. By launching home-based businesses, individuals with mobility disabilities no longer need to struggle with transportation and inaccessible workplaces. A person with a sensory impairment, such as deafness or blindness, can utilize Internet communication to carry on the activities of their enterprise with little difficulty.
For further information regarding the Covad Broadband Entrepreneur Program contact:
Patti Lind
The Abilities Fund
410 North 18th Street
Centerville, IA 52544
1.888.222.8943
prlind@abilitiesfund.org
Fax 641.856.3101
3. BASF Corporation makes donations to non-profit organizations in the United States in line with its commitment to sustainable development. You may know this company because of the commercials that continue this line - "We don't make a lot of the products you buy. We make a lot of the products you buy better®". They strategically focus donations in areas that leverage their expertise in science. They strive to maximize the impact of our investment through cash, product, and in-kind donations but also the talents of employee volunteers.
Supporting documentation must be in the form of a written request from the prospective donee that includes:
Name and address of the organization
Reason for the requested donation, including program rationale and objectives
Amount of the requested donation
Verification of tax exemption status
Program outcome measurements (if available)
Documentation should be sent to:
Mr. Glenn Majeski
Manager, Corporate Donations
BASF Corporation
(973) 426-2848
3000 Continental Drive - North
Mount Olive, New Jersey 07828-1234
E-mail: majeskg@basf.com
4. The National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) is a Denver-based, nonprofit foundation dedicated to the mission of helping Americans acquire the information and gain the skills necessary to take control of their financial lives. NEFE accomplishes its mission by partnering with other concerned organizations and individuals to provide financial education to young people; underserved segments of society whose financial concerns are not being addressed by others, or who have special needs; and the general public.
The NEFE Grants Program was established to encourage those outside the foundation to pursue activities that will help further the mission of the National Endowment for Financial Education.
All activities undertaken or supported by NEFE are associated with specific organizational financial education initiatives. NEFE's initiative-driven approach ensures that the foundation's resources are used appropriately to: (1) benefit the greatest number of citizens throughout the general population, and (2) improve the welfare of specialized segments within the general public whose unique financial education and management needs are not being addressed through mainstream information, assistance, or distribution channels.
Proposed projects should encourage personal savings and investment as a means to financial security. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations. Funding awards have ranged from $20,000 to $131,200. The average grant is in the range of $50,000, and the median grant in the range of $65,000. For further information, contact
Marilyn Canfield, NEFE
5299 DTC Boulevard, Suite 1300
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
(303) 224-3534;
(303) 220-0838 fax;
or mhc@nefe.org.
The process begins with a Letter of Intent. Review the NEFE web site to review all the criteria and to see other potential grants in the future.
The postmark deadline for applications is February 3, 2004.
5. Brinker International's Charitable Committee offers grants and donations. Brinker is a restaurant franchise that features among others the Chili’s restaurants. They are in 49 states and 22 countries under one label or another. .
All requests for cash or in-kind donations are reviewed on an ongoing basis. It may take 4-6 weeks to review your request, so please allow enough time if your request is related to a specific event. You will be notified of the committee's decision by mail. To submit your request for a charitable donation, please send your written proposal to:
Brinker International Charitable Committee
6820 LBJ Freeway
Dallas, TX 75240
Or, you may also FAX your request to: (972) 770-5977.
5. Corbis is one of the world's preeminent visual solutions provider - licensing images seen by millions of people daily in advertising, books, newspapers, magazines, on TV, and in films. Communication professionals turn to their photography, art, and footage to differentiate brands, support news stories, sell products, and entertain audiences - all with maximum power, creativity, and emotion. Founded by Bill Gates in 1989, Corbis is headquartered in Seattle, with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Paris, Dusseldorf, Vienna, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Tokyo.
Corbis is making a very unusual offer to nonprofit organizations.
All too often, non-profit organizations are forced to settle for poor quality imagery in their communications due to budget challenges. This year, many of these communications will take a big step forward.
From May 31 - December 31, 2003, Corbis will waive up to $1,000,000 in licensing fees for Bettmann Archive images used in communications that benefit qualifying non-profit organizations. They will also provide complimentary research on all rights and clearances through their Second Line Search division.
This is the largest giving initiative in Corbis' history and marks the first time that images from the Bettmann Archive have been made broadly available for non-profit usage.
Non-profit organizations - or advertising, design, or PR agencies doing pro-bono projects - may submit requests for their projects. If organizations or agencies have an existing relationship with a Corbis Account Executive, they may contact their Account Executive directly to discuss their project and image needs. Organizations and agencies may also submit their projects to the Corporate Communications team at imagedonations@corbis.com .
Organizations must have current charitable status. Corbis does not fund private foundations, individuals, political organizations, hospitals, schools, religious organizations, or organizations that have unlawful discriminatory practices. Donations will not typically be provided to political or controversial causes. Corbis reserves the right to decide on this matter. Review the guidelines at the web site.
6. The Initiative to Develop Education through Astronomy and Space Science (IDEAS) is a grant program which funds START-UP educational outreach projects that team educators with scientists. Developed in 1991 by NASA, the IDEAS program provides opportunities for scientists to share their knowledge and excitement about astronomy and space sciences with students, educators, and the general public. The IDEAS program is one component of NASA's Office of Space Science (OSS) Education and Public Outreach Strategy, whose goal is to improve science, mathematics, and technology education, as well as science literacy in the United States.
The objective of the IDEAS program is to provide grants that will enhance science education through astronomy and space science via collaboration between scientists and educators. The program is administered by the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) and coordinated by the Office of Public Outreach on behalf of NASA.
The IDEAS Grant Program provides start-up funding for innovative, creative education and public outreach projects that feature active collaboration between astronomers/space scientists and formal education/informal education professionals. Through this effort, the IDEAS objective is to enhance science, mathematics and/or technology education in the United States for K-14 students, teachers and the general public by promoting partnerships that explore new ways to translate astronomy and space science into contexts that will educate and stimulate the interest of students, teachers and the general public.
The range of funding available through the IDEAS Grant Program is:
a. Up to $20,000 for programs to be completed in one year. (Programs may request additional time, up to two years, due to school schedules, etc. which the panel review will consider.); OR
b. From $20,001 to $50,000 for programs which may request up to two years to complete.
The following are eligible to fulfill these roles:
a. A professional astronomer/space scientist currently active in astronomy/space science research and currently employed by an institution in the United States.
b. Generally, a professional astronomer/space scientist is someone who has a PhD in the astronomy/space science field as well as a leadership role on a current research program (however, proposals may be considered if the astronomer/space scientist has a Master’s Degree in the astronomy/space science field and extensive research experience.)
c. A professional educator with at least five (5) consecutive years experience in K-14 or informal science education, currently involved in developing educational materials and programs at an institution in the United States.
7. While U.S. Cellular recognizes that there are many worthwhile causes and organizations to support, the company is focusing its monetary contributions on those projects or programs that have significant relevance within its operating communities and that relate to the following strategic areas of concern:
Civic and Community
Education
Health and Human Service
Environment
Arts and Culture
Eligible organizations wishing to receive a charitable contribution through U.S. Cellular's Connecting With Our Communities Program must be tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) institutions. Eligible organizations must also be nonsectarian, nonpolitical and nondiscriminatory.
All requests that adhere to the Program's guidelines for charitable contributions will be taken under consideration by U.S. Cellular's Contributions Committee, which meets four times a year - March, June, September and December.
8. The BoatU.S. Foundation has announced the availability of the 2004 Boating Safety Grant Application. The Foundation awards local volunteer organizations up to $5,000 for the promotion of boating safety education.
The Foundation is looking for creative and innovative projects that promote safe boating on your local waterway. Topics can range from literature on the affects of boating under the influence to signs at boat ramps telling users about free vessel safety checks.
The U.S. Coast Guard has recently found that up to 15% of all boating-related drownings could involve carbon monoxide poisining. To help address this growing issue, the BoatU.S. Foundation is looking to fund 2004 boating safety projects that focus on carbon monoxide. The grant program gives grants of up to $5,000 to local community organizations, boat and yacht clubs, flotillas and squadrons. A total of nearly $45,000 in grant funding is available and the deadline to apply is November 1, 2003.
In 2004, projects on all boating safety topics are welcome, however those on CO poisoning will receive special attention.
To be eligible for grant funding, your organization must be volunteer and non-profit. The Foundation has a free e-newsletter about its programs and grants. Applications must be post-marked no later than November 1, 2003.
9. The Nathan Cummings Foundations commitment is to improve people's health and wellbeing, especially those who confront barriers due to low- to moderate-socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and gender. They define health broadly and include within an expanded view the link between physical health and the economic, social, environmental and psychological factors that affect individuals, families, and communities.
Special attention will be given to efforts that address the health disparities that exist between the rich and the poor, build bridges between the common concerns of disparate constituencies, and recognize the strategic importance of employing a variety of approaches (coalition building, research, litigation, to name a few) to produce institutional change. Priority attention will be given to efforts that are national in scope and efforts that have the potential of having a multi-state or statewide impact and can be replicated.
The goal of the health program is to improve people's health and wellbeing, especially those who confront barriers due to low- to moderate-socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or gender; recognizing the link between physical health and the economic, social, environmental, psychological, and spiritual factors that affect individuals, families, and communities.
OBJECTIVE 1:
To assure access to quality health care, goods and services, especially for those who confront barriers due to low- to moderate-socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or gender.
OBJECTIVE 2:
To assure that people, especially those that are vulnerable due to low- to moderate-socioeconomic status, race, or ethnicity, can grow-up, live, and work in a healthy environment and have access to products and food that have not been contaminated in ways that could undermine health.
The process begins with a brief Letter of Inquiry. Organizations whose projects fit most closely with the Foundation guidelines will be asked to submit a full application. There are two Board of Trustees grants meetings per year--in June and December. Most grant decisions are made during these board meetings.
10. Dow contributions must meet at least one of the following criteria:
a. Address a demonstrated need in a city/community in which The Dow Chemical Company has a presence.
b. Provide an opportunity for hands-on science experience for students below the college level to engender a more enjoyable learning atmosphere for them to discover the values of science.
c. Support a post-secondary project or program involving science, engineering, business or other related area to also expand and improve the pool of talented students from which we can choose future employees.
d. Enhance the environment.
Each year The Dow Chemical Company supports many school districts/school boards and efforts in and around communities in which Dow is located. With hundreds of requests from deserving programs, it presents difficult choices for those making the allocations. Because resources are limited, Dow has established general priority areas for K-12 education funding, including:
1. Math and Science
2. Teacher Training
3. Parental Involvement
Dow supports Habitat for Humanity International and supports Habitat's premise that an important step in the fight against poverty is to help families build a simple, decent place to live and raise their children.
11. The Christopher Columbus Academy is a one-of-a-kind chance for middle school or junior high school students and coaches to work alongside scientists, engineers and technical experts while exploring the science and technology behind Walt Disney World. Through this specially designed program, the finalist teams not only learn about science and technology but also gain knowledge of important techniques for communicating their idea to the media and the public. The academy illustrates the important role of science in everyday life and provides a strong foundation for science achievement.
This grant of $25,000.00 is dedicated to encouraging young explorers to grow as individuals and to gain a sense of accomplishment. The Grant project is designed to provide a unique opportunity for young people to see hope where there is a problem and develop confidence in their abilities to change an unacceptable situation. Adult community leaders play an important role by administering the Grant money and providing guidance to the team. The Columbus Foundation Community Grant brings young people and adults together to create a brighter future for us all. With further guidance, funding and inspiration, it is amazing what young people can accomplish!
Part of the $25,000.00 award is used to provide stipends for each team member. Up to $2,500.00 can be used to provide an honorarium for the community organization that helps facilitate the project. The remaining $17,500.00 is used to implement the project.
Participation in the competition requires students to put the scientific process into practice. They are expected to provide:
A thorough, well-organized explanation of a problem and their proposed solution.
Measurable evidence that their hypothesis has been tested.
A model of how their solution would work in the community.
These activities alone ”the core of all scientific research”make the Christopher
Columbus Awards an exceptional opportunity for active, hands-on learning.
Each Christopher Columbus Awards student entry represents the culmination of a very real scientific inquiry. Students will:
Investigate an actual problem that affects their community.
Make a prediction about how to solve the problem.
Use specific tools and scientific techniques to gather and analyze related data.
Apply critical thinking skills to interpret and explain how the data support their hypothesis.
The web site linked below still has the January 31, 2003 deadline which is not accurate.
12. Share Our Strength is now accepting grant applications from current/potential summer food service program or after school meal service program sponsors and advocacy organizations that provide assistance to these programs from the following states:
AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NE, NJ,
NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, TX, VA, WA, and WI.
If your state is not listed, you may fill out a registration at the web site to apply and Share Our Strength will contact you should an opportunity become available in your state. To determine if you qualify for these funds, please read the guidelines
The goal of the grantmaking program is to increase the number of children participating in after-school and summer nutrition programs that take advantage of the USDA reimbursement or have a plan to take advantage of the USDA reimbursement. To this end, Share Our Strength will only fund organizations that are: Current or potential program sponsors (those who administer the programs).
Advocacy organizations which help improve and deliver these two programs.
Nutrition program sponsors are organizations that provide meals, training, and technical assistance to site staff, monitor their sites' compliance with program rules, and prepare claims for USDA reimbursement. Sponsors can apply for one of the following two types of grants:
Start-up grants for the costs incurred in initiating and supporting sites.
Expansion grants for the costs incurred in increasing program participation at an existing site(s).
Grant amounts for this category are up to $15,000.00. These funds cannot be used to support legislative efforts.
Advocacy organizations work with schools, community organizations, local businesses, and a range of government officials to ensure that the nutritional needs of low-income Americans are met. Advocacy organizations will be funded to improve program access in the following ways:
Work with program sponsors and administering agencies to identify and remove significant program barriers;
Work with local partners to establish and expand USDA reimbursed Summer and After School nutrition program sites; and
Ensure that children have access to these sites.
States where funding is currently available for Advocacy grants: AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, TX, VA, WA, and WI.
Grant amounts for this category are up to $25,000.00. These funds cannot be used to support legislative efforts.
The funds are part of The Great American Bake Saleâ„¢, presented by PARADE Magazine and Share Our Strength for use in 2004.
Applications may be filed from August 30th to September 30th, 2003.
13. The Corporation for National and Community Service (hereinafter the ``Corporation'') announces the anticipated availability of funds for Fiscal Year (FY) 2004 to award up to $500,000 in grant funds to pay for the Federal share of the cost of planning and carrying out service opportunities in conjunction with the federal legal holiday honoring the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 19, 2004.
The Corporation invites applications for these grants. By law, any entity otherwise eligible for assistance under the national service laws is eligible to receive a grant under this announcement.
The federal grants we provide for this project, together with all other federal funds you use to plan or carry outthe service opportunity, may not exceed 30 percent of the total cost.
The purpose of the grants is to mobilize more Americans to observe the Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday as a day of service in communities and to bring people together around the common focus of service to others. To achieve this, depending upon appropriations provided by the Congress for the Corporation, and based upon previous allocations of funding for this activity, they intend to disburse up to $500,000 in grant funds to support approved service opportunities. Eligible organizations may apply for a grant to support national service and community volunteering projects. Grant awards may range from $2,500 to $7,500.
The deadline for eGrants applications is 5 p.m. Eastern Time on October 2, 2003.
