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Grants Continued

While there are fine cultural spaces that have been built in Alabama over the past several years, specialized spaces are still limited in number and often times inadequate to meet needs. With this new grant program, ASCA will be able to support community efforts throughout the state to construct, renovate and/or adapt buildings for cultural purposes. Cultural facility needs include museums, art centers and a wide range of performing arts halls. The new facilities will be for the betterment of communities across Alabama in the accommodation of their art forms and audiences. The Alabama State Council on the Arts is the official state arts agency of Alabama. The staff of the Council, directed by Al Head, administers the grants programs and provides technical assistance in arts planning and programming. The Council receives its support through an annual appropriation from the Alabama Legislature and funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. For more information about a particular grant, contact Barbara Reed, Public Information Officer at 334-242-4076, ext. 223. www.arts.alabama.gov

Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Competitive Grants Program
The Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Competitive Grants Program (OASDFR) provides funds to organizations to conduct outreach and technical assistance to encourage and assist socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to own and operate farms and ranches and to participate in agricultural programs. The OASDFR will support a wide range of outreach and assistance activities in farm management, financial management, marketing, application and bidding procedures, and other areas. The primary purpose of the OASDFR is to deliver outreach and technical assistance, to assure opportunities for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to successfully acquire, own, operate, and retain farms and ranches; and assure equitable participation in the full range of USDA programs. Eligible applicants include faith-based and community organizations. All completed grant applications must be received by CSREES on or before 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), December 14, 2007.  For details, please visit: http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/rfas/outreach.html. If you have any questions regarding this grant opportunity, please contact Dr. Dionne Toombs, National Program Leader, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service by email at dtoombs@csrees.usda.gov or by phone at (202) 401-2138.

Home Depot CommUnity Impact Grants
The Home Depot CommUnity Impact Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. and Canada that offer volunteer opportunities for community members. Grants are provided to organizations that engage volunteers to construct, refurbish, and maintain play spaces (such as playgrounds, parks, and trails); refurbish or maintain community gathering places (such as community centers); build, refurbish, or maintain affordable or transitional housing; or rebuild structures damaged in weather-related disasters. Preference is given to requests that encourage civic engagement and reflect the inclusion of diverse communities. Awards of $3,000. Applications reviewed quarterly through December 15, 2007. http://corporate.homedepot.com/wps/portal/Grants

Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program
The Gang Resistance Education And Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program is a school-based, law enforcement officer-instructed classroom curriculum administered by the Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) in cooperation with the Department of Justice’s (DOJ’s) Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The program's primary objective is prevention and is intended as an immunization against delinquency, youth violence, and gang membership. G.R.E.A.T. lessons focus on providing life skills to students to help them avoid engaging in delinquent behavior and violence to solve problems. Criminal justice professionals with powers of arrest—police officers, sheriff’s deputies, parole or probation officers, school police officers, federal law enforcement officers/agents, prosecutors, judges, court officials, district attorneys—are eligible to teach G.R.E.A.T. All individuals wishing to deliver the program in the classroom must complete a G.R.E.A.T. Officer Training Course. Per the National G.R.E.A.T. Program Policies and Guidelines, G.R.E.A.T. officers are responsible for maintaining their G.R.E.A.T. certification. G.R.E.A.T. funds may be used to support one or more of the following G.R.E.A.T. curricula, components, and activities: 13-week middle school curriculum (a core, mandatory component); 6-week elementary (4th and 5th grades) curriculum; 6-lesson G.R.E.A.T. families component; or G.R.E.A.T. summer component.
The deadline to apply is December 13, 2007. The grant ceiling is $150,000.
For more information and to apply, please see http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=true&oppId=15683

Services for Disabled Children Supported
The Innovating Worthy Projects Foundation provides support to nonprofit organizations throughout the United States that are dedicated to providing direct care or services for children with special needs, acute illnesses, or chronic disabilities. Preference is given to small organizations that might not otherwise be helped. Grants support new ideas and approaches to providing services as well as equipment purchases. Requests are accepted from January 1 through August 31, annually. Please see http://www.iwpf.org/ for more information.

Changemakers’ Young Men at Risk Competition
The competition will be open to all types of organizations and is aimed at identifying the most innovative approaches to helping a generation of young people around the world fulfill their potential and become healthy, successful adults.  We are looking for approaches that are beyond the idea stage.  The assessment criteria are based on the program being innovative, having a social impact, and being sustainable. Entries can be submitted until 5 pm on January 23, 2008. The three finalists that receive the most votes will each receive a cash prize of $5,000. For more information, please visit www.changemakers.net
     
HelpAmerica Foundation
The HelpAmerica Foundation is honored to provide volunteer and financial aid to organizations which support the poor and underprivileged and needy and/or homeless Americans, including men, women, children and veterans of war. We are also proud to support the families of active military personnel called to duty. Awards from $2,500 to $7,500. Applications are accepted year round. http://www.helpamericafoundation.org/howtoapply/index.htm

Allstate Foundation “Community Commitment”
Proposals for program support must address needs within one of the three focus areas to be considered for funding: Safe and Vital Communities; Economic Empowerment; and Tolerance, Inclusion and Diversity. The Foundation has no deadlines for submission. http://www.allstate.com/Community/PageRender.asp?Page=funding.html

Hitachi Foundation: Business-Community Partnerships Supported
The Hitachi Foundation’s broad purpose is to enhance the well-being of economically and socially isolated people throughout the United States. The Foundation's Business & Communities Grants Program addresses economic isolation in America by investing in business-community partnerships that expand opportunities for people to retain and advance in their jobs, earn living wages, and accumulate savings and assets. Funded projects must demonstrate effective and innovative corporate citizenship practices and/or promote learning and adoption of good practices. Proposals may only be submitted at the Foundation's invitation. However, nonprofit organizations that meet the Foundation’s eligibility requirements are welcome to share initial information through the online inquiry system at any time. Visit the website listed below for more information. http://www.hitachifoundation.org/grants/index.html

Build-A-Bear Workshop’s Bearemy’s Kennel Pals Pet Program
Support local domestic pet programs, including animal shelters, stray pet rescue and rehabilitation organizations, and educational pet programs throughout the U.S. and Canada. Priority is given to communities where Build-A-Bear Workshop has several stores. Grants are generally provided for specific programs; matching and challenge grant requests are also considered.
Grants will generally range from $2,500 to $50,000. Requests are accepted throughout the year, and reviewed quarterly. http://www.buildabear.com/aboutus/community/grants/bkp.aspx

Green Communities Initiative: Charrette Grants
Green Communities offers Charrette Grants for up to $5,000 to assist housing developers with integrating green building systems in their developments and engage in a serious discussion of green design possibilities, Enterprise will award planning grants to affordable housing developers to coordinate green charrettes.  A Green Communities Charrette is a working session that will bring together a diverse group of housing development professionals, as well as funders, policymakers, and community stakeholders to integrate sustainable green design principles into affordable housing developments. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. http://www.greencommunitiesonline.org/Charrettes.asp

Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program: Stand Down Grants
Veterans Employment and Training Services (VETS) have made funds available to host events for homeless veterans in local communities where they are receiving services.
Limit of $5,000 per application. Rolling applications. http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/hvrp/main.htm

Innovative National and International Programs Supported
The Ford Foundation is a resource for innovative people and institutions worldwide. The goals of the Foundation are to strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty and injustice, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. The Foundation works mainly by making grants or loans through three major program areas: Asset Building and Community Development; Peace and Social Justice; and Knowledge, Creativity, and Freedom. Support is generally directed to activities that are likely to have wide effect rather than local programs with limited scope. Letters of inquiry are considered throughout the year. http://www.fordfound.org/about/guideline.cfm

International Paper Company Foundation
Grants will support programs in the areas of education, employee involvement, and community development. Education grants focus on career development for minorities, environmental education, and literacy. Employee-involvement grants support nonprofit organizations at which International Paper Company employees volunteer. Community development grants provide seed money for new projects that benefit communities where the company has operations. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. http://www.internationalpaper.com/Our%20Company/IP%20Giving/IP%20Foundation/B_Grant_Guidelines.html

Loan Guarantee Program for Transitional Housing
US Department of Veterans Affairs. Low-interest loans to develop multifamily transitional housing with supportive services for homeless veterans. 15 low-interest rate loans with an aggregate dollar amount of $100 million. Applications are submitted on a rolling basis http://www1.va.gov/homeless/page.cfm?pg=8

State Farm: Strong Neighborhoods, Community Development Grant
Supports nonprofit organizations' programs that: 1) Make housing affordable
Promote first-time homeownership; 2) Eliminate barriers to homeownership; 3) Educate homebuyers about insurance, loss mitigation, and homeownership 4) Foster sustainable communities; and 5) Rehabilitate neighborhoods or communities. Applications are accepted on a rolling basi http://www.statefarm.com/foundati/cogrants.htm

Support for Environmental Programs
The Waste Management Charitable Giving Program is committed to making company communities safer, cleaner, and better places to live and work. One of the primary focus areas of the Charitable Giving Program is the environment. The company is committed to helping provide renewable resources to reduce our nation’s dependence on fossil fuels, and to conserving and maintaining wetlands, wildlife habitats and green spaces for people's enjoyment. Support is also provided to environmental education programs, including environmental.
Applications are accepted year round and are reviewed on a continuous basis
http://www.wm.com/WM/community/Giving.asp

Emergency Preparedness & Response

Seed Grants for Community Message System
Community Voice Mail (CVM) provides free, 24-hour nationwide voice mail to people in crisis and transition – connecting them to jobs, housing, safe communication, and much more. In 39 cities throughout the U.S., CVM sites are hosted by one main social or health service agency which is responsible for funding and managing the CVM service for the whole city/community. Through a grant from the Cisco Systems Foundation, CVM is making multiple $20,000 seed grants available to local agencies willing to “host” CVM for the whole community (for cities or MSA’s with population of 300,000 and greater). Applications will be accepted through the remaining months of 2007 and into 2008. A copy of the Request for Proposals is available here. For additional information, contact Anna Landa at alanda@cvm.org.

2005 Hurricane Victim Assistance
For Washington, Mobile, and Clarke Counties The funds are restricted to residents of those three counties and does include those who were displaced from other areas, but are now residing in those counties.  United Way of Southwest Alabama. The assistance is for delinquent mortgage or rental payments and also for rental deposits for those who can no longer reside in their homes or apartments. The United Way of Southwest Alabama has guidelines for eligibility and the clients must be seen by one of our housing counselors.  If they are working with 2005 hurricane victims and need the assistance mentioned above, have the client contact us at 251-246-9898 in Clarke County or 251-602-0011 for Washington or Mobile Counties. 

Hurricane Disaster Assistance
The Rural Housing Service programs are administered through USDA Rural Development. This Notice is intended to announce the availability of supplemental hurricane disaster assistance to be administered through the Community Facilities (CF) Direct Loan and Grant program. USDA Rural Development will provide CF Grant funds in the amount of $20,000,000 and CF Direct loan funds in the amount of $149,253,000 for essential community facilities in rural areas affected by Hurricane Katrina and other hurricanes of the 2005 season.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6-13432.htm

Phase II Hurricane Response & Recovery Grant
Funding Assistance only for Mobile, Washington and Clarke Counties 
United Way of Southwest Alabama. Mortgage/rental assistance of $20,000 to homeless families who are Katrina victims who have children under 18 years of age. Organizations can refer families to the Homeless Coalition of the Gulf Coast but we are the only organization that will distribute these funds.  Checks will be written to rental agencies, mortgage companies, etc. on behalf of the eligible families but NOT to families themselves. Those applying; have children under the age of 18; provide all required documentation; can only be used for mortgage and rental assistance.  Anyone interested in applying or referring families can call the Homeless Coalition of the Gulf Coast at 441-1991 Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30 pm.

Red Cross Hurricane Recovery Program
Access to Care provides a toll-free number for Hurricane Katrina, Rita, and Wilma survivors to determine eligibility to receive financial assistance for selected mental health and substance abuse treatment. This program is available regardless of where you live, your insurance coverage or your immigration status. You choose the type of treatment and the licensed provider. Coverage is retroactive to August 30, 2005 and will cover services received on or prior to April 1, 2008. Ms. Jennifer Cronin of Access to Care, or members of her staff, may contact you regarding bulk distribution of enrollment literature. Hurricane survivors may contact Access to Care directly at 1-866-794-HOPE or at www.a2care.org

 Education & Arts

Grants for Artists Promoting Social Change. The Puffin Foundation seeks to open the doors of artistic expression by providing grants to artists who are often excluded from mainstream opportunities due to their race, gender, or social philosophy. The Foundation makes grants that encourage emerging artists in the fields of art, music, theater, dance, photography, and literature whose works might have difficulty being aired. The Foundation is interested in supporting creative and innovative initiatives that will advance progressive social change.
Awards of $1000 to $2,5000.
Application deadline is December 30, 2007.
For more information, please see http://www.puffinfoundation.org/grants/prospectiveapplicant.html

Teaching Tolerance Grant Program
The Teaching Tolerance project of the Southern Poverty Law Center offers grants for implementing tolerance and youth activism projects. Projects funded by Teaching Tolerance tend to be: small scale, resourceful and student-focused, promoting acceptance of diversity, peacemaking, community service, or any other aspect of tolerance education; clearly defined, well integrated, and tailored to the specific needs and interests of particular learners and their communities; economically responsible, involving staff participation, community volunteers, and in-kind contributions wherever possible; sustainable in some way, rather than one-time-only events or activities.
Award amount of $500 to $2,500
There is no application deadline
http://www.tolerance.org/teach/grants/guide.jsp

Health & Human Services

Services for Surrogate Parents Funded
Brookdale Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP) is designed to encourage and promote the creation or expansion of services for grandparents and other relatives who have taken on the responsibility of surrogate parenting due to the inability of parents to care for their own children. The program awards seed grants of $10,000 over a two-year period in two categories: local agencies and state agencies. Local agencies nationwide and states agencies from all 50 states are eligible to apply. The deadline for the submission of local proposals is January 10, 2008; the deadline for state proposals is February 8, 2008. Visit the website listed above for more information.
Please see this website for more information: http://www.brookdalefoundation.org/relativesasparents.htm       

Veterans Entrepreneurial Grants
      The Veterans Corporation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting entrepreneurial success for veterans, service-disabled veterans, and members of the National Guard and reserve nationwide. The Veterans Corporation's Development Grant Program supports educational and outreach organizations that address the entrepreneurial needs of veterans. The focus is on supporting programs for veterans who are starting or growing a small business or preparing a business for deployment. Grants up to $50,000 RFP accepted throughout the year, next deadline January 15, 2008 http://www.veteranscorp.org/developmentgrants/guidelines_forms.html

Grants for Meeting Basic Human Needs
The Public Welfare Foundation is dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations that provide services to disadvantaged populations and work for lasting improvements in the delivery of services that meet basic human needs. Organizations are also supported that link their community and local work to other efforts to effect broader public policy change. The Foundation’s funding priorities include community development, criminal justice, environment, health, human rights and global security, reproductive and sexual health, and youth. Strong emphasis is given to organizations that include service, advocacy, and empowerment in their approach. While most grants are made to organizations in the United States, the Foundation does provide limited support to organizations in other countries.
Letters of inquiry are reviewed throughout the year
http://www.publicwelfare.org/about/history.asp

Grants Provide Help for the Disadvantaged
The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People focuses its efforts on the empowerment of oppressed and disadvantaged people in the United States who are seeking to change the structures that perpetuate poverty and injustice. Supported projects must be presented, owned, and controlled by the groups of people who will directly benefit from them and must address long-term correction of conditions that keep people bound by poverty and oppression. The emphasis is on funding local projects; regional, statewide, or national projects are not supported. Applications are accepted throughout the year http://www.pcusa.org/sdop/applicationprocess.htm

Support for Companion Animal Programs
The PETCO Foundation’s mission is to support and promote community groups throughout the U.S. that help better the lives of our animal companions, while strengthening the relationships between people and their pets. The Foundation dedicates its resources to serving the Four Rs: Reduce, Rescue, Rehabilitate, and Rejoice. Support is provided to local organizations that address the Foundation’s priorities and that are located in communities with PETCO stores. Applying organizations should be able to enlist the support of their local stores.
Applications are accepted throughout the year and may be submitted directly to the Foundation or to the nearest PETCO store. http://www.petco.com/Content/Content.aspx?PC=welfareapplication&Nav=384

U.S. Department of Justice: Helping Outreach Programs to Expand Grant Program          
The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) will provide funding to grass-roots community- and faith-based victim service organizations and coalitions to improve outreach and services to crime victims through support of program development, networking, coalition building, and service delivery. Funds may be used to develop program literature, train advocates, produce a newsletter, support victim outreach efforts, and recruit volunteers.
Up to $5,000. Open solicitation contingent upon fund availability
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/fund/expandingoutreach/welcome.html 

Substance Abuse/Mental Health

Do Something” Offering 2 Weekly Grants for Young Social Entrepreneurs
Do Something is a not-for-profit organization that works to inspire, support, and celebrate young social entrepreneurs and community activists.  The organization offers two weekly grants, co-sponsored by GameStop and Plum TV. 
Do Something and GameStop are offering grants of $500 each to young people, age 25 and younger, in the United States or Canada who have a great idea for a community-action project and need support to turn their idea into reality. GameStop grants are given out weekly. 
Do Something and Plum TV are offering grants of $500 each to social entrepreneurs, age 25 and younger, in the U.S. who have recently created a sustainable project, program, or organization and need funding to further the growth and success of their program.  Plum TV grants are given out weekly. 
For more information, please visit: http://www.dosomething.org/grant_list

Baseball Tomorrow Fund
A joint initiative between Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association to promote the growth of baseball and softball throughout the world by funding programs, fields, coaches’ training, and the purchase of uniforms and equipment to encourage and maintain youth participation in the game.
The average grant amount is $51,000
Letters of Inquiry are accepted throughout the year

Herbalife Family Foundation
The Herbalife Family Foundation provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations around the world that are dedicated to improving the lives of children. The foundation welcomes the opportunity to consider making contributions to organizations and programs that: improve nutrition; support children and families; provide early intervention; correct problem behavior and enhance self-esteem; prevent substance abuse; prevent physical and emotional abuse; create better home environments; and promote physical and emotional health.
Proposals are accepted at any time.
http://www.herbalifefamily.org/our_guidelines.html

Seed Grants for Youth Projects
The Youth Venture Grant Program provides grants to young people (ages 12 to 20) who have a dream or identify a need in their school or community, develop an idea and then, with a team, launch their own community-minded organizations to address that dream or need. Each venture team must have an Ally - a caring adult who advises the team.
Grants of up to $1,000 are provided to help launch the organization Applications are accepted throughout the year
http://www.youthventure.org/index.php?tg=articles&topics=43&new=0&newc=0 

Foundations 

CIGNA Foundation
Four broad areas for grant consideration: Health and Human services; Education; Community and Civic Affairs; and Culture and the Arts.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
http://www.cigna.com/general/about/community/grant_information.html

Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
      The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption has prepared a toolkit to help community and organizational leaders increase awareness about the joy of foster care adoption.  The kit contains sample resources that can be used to promote awareness throughout the year.  The kit along with other adoption information can be ordered for free by visiting http://www.davethomasfoundationforadoption.com/materials.asp or by calling 1-800-275-3882.

Dominion Foundation
The Dominion Foundation supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the economic, physical, and social health of the communities served by Dominion's gas companies. The Foundation focuses its grantmaking in five general categories: health and human services, education, culture and the arts, neighborhood and community development, and the environment.
Grants range from $1,000 to $15,000
Applications are accepted throughout the year
http://www.dom.com/about/community/foundation/index.jsp

The Janus Foundation
The Janus Foundation strives to develop partnerships with U.S. nonprofit organizations that are innovative, visionary, and forward-thinking in their approach. Nationally, the Foundation has elected to focus on the following two grant programs: At-Risk Youth through Education supports educational programs that offer a combination of academic, leadership, and life skills that provide youth with the tools necessary to become self-sustaining members of their community. Community Service and Volunteerism supports organizations that enhance the effectiveness of the nonprofit sector and work to engage more people more effectively in voluntary community service.
Applications are accepted throughout the year for all grant programs
https://ww4.janus.com/Janus/Retail/StaticPage?jsp=jsp/Janushome/JanusFoundation.jsp

Public Welfare Foundation
The program supports organizations that address human needs in disadvantaged communities, with strong emphasis on organizations that include service, advocacy and empowerment in their approach: service that remedies specific problems; advocacy that addresses those problems in a systemic way through changes in public policy; and strategies to empower people in need to play leading roles in achieving those policy changes and in remedying specific problems.
http://www.publicwelfare.org/first_time/first_time.asp

The Seva Foundation
      The Seva Foundation serves people around the world who are struggling for health, cultural survival, and sustainable communities. Seva’s Native American Grants Program provides support to Native American-led organizations working to devise solutions to the challenges that face their communities, with emphasis on spiritual and cultural renewal, health and wellness, protecting Mother Earth, economic development, education, and indigenous youth. Grants are provided to nonprofit organizations, indigenous nations, and public agencies that provide programs in urban and rural Indian communities throughout the United States.
The next application deadline is January 28, 2008.          
Please visit www.seva.org for more information.  

Resources

The Corporation for National and Community Service
Grants to national and local nonprofits, schools, government agencies, faith-based and other community organizations and other groups committed to strengthening their communities through volunteering for AmeriCorps, Learn & Serve America, and Senior Corps.
http://www.nationalservice.gov/for_organizations/funding/index.asp

Grant Writing Tools for Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profit guides are free web-based grant-writing tools for non-profit organizations, charitable, educational, public organizations, and other community-minded groups.
http://www.npguides.org/index.html

Grantproposal.com
A site devoted to providing free resources for both advanced grant writing consultants and inexperienced nonprofit staff.
http://grantproposal.com/