FW: Publications, Learning, Tools, and Funding

 

 

From: Agans, Suzette - RD, Washington, DC [mailto:Suzette.Agans@wdc.usda.gov]
Sent: Thursday, May 07, 2015 3:33 PM
Subject: Publications, Learning, Tools, and Funding

 

Seems appropriate in our varied lines of work:  "Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible...."  — St. Francis of Assisi

 

PUBLICATIONS

 

10 Reasons Why You Should Eat Local, Strolling of the Heifers | READ STORY

As part of the 2015 Locavore Index this year, Strolling of the Heifers offers 10 reasons to increase the use of local foods, which, the nonprofit says, are better for consumers, better for growers and better for the environment.

 

California isn't the only state with water problems, Business Insider | READ STORY

As drought, flooding, and climate change restrict America's water supply, demands from population growth and energy production look set to increase, according to a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

 

 

 

LEARNING

 

Webinar: Main Street, LLC: Put Your Money Where Your House Is, Friday, May 15 2015, 3-4 p.m. EDT
Featuring: Rick Hauser, mayor of Perry, New York and owner of In. Site: Architecture. Mr. Hauser will offer new insights into a longstanding challenge for towns and small cities—getting the ball rolling to overcome vacancy in key downtown locations. Register  Free

 

RECORDED Webinar - Creative Rural-Urban Alliances

Chuck Fluharty, Kirsten Stoltz, and Savannah Barrett joined CommunityMatters and the Citizen's Insitute on Rural Design in March to share ideas for building partnerships across rural and urban divides. Watch the webinar recording.

 

Webinar - Supporting Rural Business Success Through New Media Marketing Research, Tuesday May 12, 2015, 12:30 PM ET/11:30 AM CT

This webinar will introduce learners to the founders of the Center for Rural Enterprise Engagement, some of their online marketing research results/implications and plans for the future. The purpose of the center is to assist small, rural businesses with the information and resources to maximize their online marketing efforts. Limited resources (and sometimes interest) can inhibit business operators from expanding their circle of influence via social media. We feel that effective online marketing can help rural businesses maintain viability in times of uncertainty. The Center’s mission: “As a generator and source of knowledge about new media technologies, the Center will enable rural businesses to flourish in ever-changing environments. We make research-based knowledge discoverable and accessible to individuals, businesses, and communities. Our endeavor will foster positive changes to rural livelihood.”

 

To access the free webinar on Tuesday May 12th, go to: https://connect.msu.edu/newtech/ and select “Enter as a Guest.” You will then be directed to the MSU Adobe Connect page. Currently, a flyer for the upcoming webinar is posted on the page. If you need technical assistance accessing the page, please contact MSU Adobe Connect at:  (517) 355-2345 or 1-800-500-1554.

 

TOOLS

 

Caplan Foundation for Early Childhood Invites Letters of Intent - DEADLINE: Rolling

Grants will be awarded to innovative, creative projects and programs designed to significantly enhance the development, health, safety, education, and/or quality of life of children from infancy through five years of age....

 

Free eBook: The Guide to Effective Online Engagement.
This guide will help you learn how to use online tools and tactics to engage your community. We outline what to look for in a good tool, as well as best practices and tips gleaned from our 18 years of experience in public outreach projects.

 

USDA Rural Housing Service Announces Latest Customer Service Innovation for Multi-Family Borrowers, (Rd.usda.gov 5/5)

USDA Rural Development today announced the most recent version of the Preliminary Assessment Tool (PAT) designed by the Rural Housing Service (RHS) that will improve customer service by helping Multi-Family Housing (MFH) borrowers, applicants and RHS staff to improve customer service when Multi-Family transfers and Multifamily Preservation and Revitalization (MPR) program transactions are done. Link

 

 

FUNDING

 

Lincoln Financial Group Invites Submissions for 2015 Lincoln's Legacy Award - DEADLINE: May 15, 2015

A single grant of $50,000 will be awarded to a nonprofit organization working to boost high school graduation rates and college preparedness....

 

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES is offering funding to nonprofits and public agencies through the Partnerships to Increase Coverage in Communities II Initiative. Funding is offered for programs to educate various uninsured populations who are eligible for health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.  These populations include racial and ethnic minority people and those that are economically or environmentally disadvantaged (such as limited English proficient and immigrant and refugee populations).  Programs would offer education about the Marketplace and assist with enrollment and completion of the application process to determine eligibility and obtain or purchase health coverage offered through the Marketplace. Deadline: 5/22/2015. Click here for funding guidelines and an application.

 

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES is offering grants to fund demonstration projects that provide eligible individuals with the opportunity to obtain education and training for occupations in the healthcare field that pay well and are expected to either experience labor shortages or be in high demand. Deadline to apply: 5/29/2015. Click here for funding criteria.

 

THE LOWE'S CHARITABLE AND EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION supports nonprofit organizations and local municipalities undertaking high-need projects such as building renovations/upgrades, grounds improvements, technology upgrades, and safety improvements. Most grants range from $10,000 to $25,000. Deadline: 5/29/2015. Visit the company’s website here to take the eligibility quiz and submit an online application.  

 

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE is offering grants to nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Indian tribes with a demonstrable history of providing community-based reentry programs and services for Latino/a youth. The objective of this program is to provide Latino/a youth with supportive services based on and matched to their assessed risks and needs and to support their successful reentry to the family and community. Deadline: 6/1/2015. Click here for additional funding guidelines.  

 

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE is offering grants to nonprofit and public agencies to provide an array of new and expanded mentoring activities. Deadline: 6/2/2015. Click here for funding guidelines.

 

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR is offering grants to public or private nonprofit organizations through YouthBuild, a community-based alternative education program for youth between the ages of 16 and 24 who are high school dropouts, adjudicated youth, youth aging out of foster care, youth with disabilities, homeless youth, and other disadvantaged youth populations. The YouthBuild program simultaneously addresses several core issues important to low-income communities: affordable housing, education, employment, leadership development, and energy efficiency. Funding available: $700,000 to $1,100,000 over 40 months. Deadline: 6/5/2015. Click here for application guidelines.

 

THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION is funding programs for American Indians with disabilities who reside on or near federal or state reservations so that they may prepare for and engage in high quality employment that will increase opportunities for economic self-sufficiency. Deadline: 6/8/2015. Click here for application guidelines.

 

THE FOUNDATION FOR A HEALTHY KENTUCKY is offering funding to research, document, and examine health conditions in the Appalachian region. Researchers should document health disparities; identify communities that have better than expected health outcomes, and identify community-based models and policy implications. Deadline: 6/8/2015. Click here for funding guidelines.  

 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES is offering grants through the Assets for Independence (AFI) Demonstration Program. Deadline: 6/15/2015. AFI enables community-based nonprofits and government agencies to implement and demonstrate an assets-based approach for supporting low-income individuals and their families. View information about resources, trainings, and other assistance for grantees and potential applicants on the Assets for Independence Resource Center website here.

 

THE TONY HAWK FOUNDATION is offering grants to nonprofit and public organizations for funding the construction of new, quality skateparks located in low-income communities throughout the United States. The Foundation primarily supports projects that can demonstrate a strong grassroots commitment, particularly in the form of planning and fundraising by local skateboarders and other community groups. Deadline: 6/17/2015. Visit the Foundation’s website here to review grant criteria and submit an online application.

 

THE WELLS FARGO REGIONAL FOUNDATION offers two grant programs to improve the quality of life for children and families living in low-income neighborhoods in Delaware, New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania. 1. Neighborhood Planning Grants of $25,000 to $100,000 support intensive 12 to 24 month resident-driven neighborhood planning processes. The application deadline for this program is 9/4/2015 (required Intent to Apply Calls will be held on June 18 and June 24). 2. Neighborhood Implementation Grants of $100,000 to $750,000 over three to five years support comprehensive community development projects that target specific neighborhoods. The application deadline for this program is 10/23/2015 (required Intent to Apply Calls will be held on August 7 and August 12). Visit the Wells Fargo website here to learn more about both grant programs and to take the eligibility quiz.

 

USDA is offering funding for the Section 514/516 Farm Labor Housing Loans and Grants Program. Deadline: pre-applications for construction or purchase and substantial rehab of off-farm housing are due 6/23/2015. Click here for funding guidelines.  

 

Chambers of Commerce Grants to Ignite Youth Entrepreneurs - Deadline: May 30, 2015
Funder: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

 

Woodard & Curran Foundation Invites Applications From Environmental Organizations - DEADLINE: June 15, 2015

Grants of up to 20,000 will be awarded to projects that promote a clean and sustainable environment and demonstrate community involvement in environmental stewardship....

 

Knight-VICE Innovators Fund Accepting Applications From Journalists - DEADLINE: June 1, 2015

The fund is designed to support journalists and others seeking to adopt new ways of storytelling for the next generation of news consumers....

 

U.S. Department of Education Announces $3 Million In Grants Available to Help Native Youth - Deadline for Notice of Intent To Apply: June 2, 2015.  Applications Due: June 29, 2015.

The U.S. Department of Education today announced the availability of an estimated $3 million in grants to help Native American youth become college- and career-ready. In a Federal Register notice, the Department said it would award five to seven demonstration grants ranging from $400,000 to $600,000 to tribal communities before Sept. 30. The new program is based on significant consultation with tribal communities and recognizes that these communities are best-positioned to:

• Identify key barriers to improving educational and life outcomes for Native youth, and
• Develop and implement locally produced strategies designed to address those barriers.

Each grant will support a coordinated, focused approach chosen by a community partnership that includes a tribe, local schools and other optional service providers or organizations. For example, the program allows tribes to identify ways to achieve college and career readiness specific to their own communities – whether it’s early learning, language immersion or mental health services. Communities can tailor actions to address one or more of those issues. The success of these first projects will guide the work of future practices that improve the educational opportunities and achievement of preschool, elementary and secondary Indian students.

The President’s FY 2016 budget proposal calls for increased investments across Indian Country, including a total request of $20.8 billion for a range of federal programs that serve tribes – a $1.5 billion increase over the 2015-enacted level. The budget proposal includes $53 million for fiscal year 2016 – a $50 million increase from this year – to significantly expand the Native Youth Community Projects program.

For more on the Administration’s investment in Native American issues, visit https://www.whitehouse.gov/nativeamericans.

 

SNAP - Farmers’ Market SNAP Support Grants Applications Due -  June 18, 2015

these funds are intended to support “the participation of farmers’ markets in SNAP by providing equipment and support grants to new markets and those currently participating in the program.” The goals of the FMSSG program are to increase SNAP accessibility and participation at farmers’ markets, and support the establishment, expansion, and promotion of SNAP/Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) services at farmers’ markets. This is a new program, which may continue in subsequent years.  http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/snap/FMSSG-RFA-FINAL-05.05.15.docx.pdf

 

THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS is offering grants to arts organizations, local arts agencies, arts service organizations, local education agencies, and other organizations that can help advance the goals of the Arts Endowment. The program seeks to support the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and the strengthening of communities through the arts. Deadline: 7/23/2015. Click here to visit the website for details.  

 

Best Buy Foundation Accepting Applications for National Youth Technology Program - DEADLINE: November 1, 2015

Grants of up to $200,000 will be awarded to programs that provide underserved teens with access to new technologies and help them become interested and fluent in digital learning....

 

Community-Based Learning Center Grants - Deadline: Open
Funder: Microsoft Corporation