FW: Special Notes, Publications, Tools, Learning and Funding

From our USDA-RD colleagues.

PUBLICATIONS

 

A Mismatch Between Need and Affluence, Chronicle of Philanthropy| READ STORY

It's a common combination across the country: Residents of areas with high standards of living, low poverty, and low crime give less to charity than those in less well-off areas. That's one finding from new data, compiled by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, combining giving behavior with quality-of-life measurements for 2,670 counties across the United States. It's based on data from The Chronicle's How America Gives study, which shows the share of income Americans in different parts of the country have donated.

Nonmetro job growth accelerates in 2015, but is unevenly distributed

The number of rural (nonmetro) jobs rose by 239,000 (1.2 percent) between the second quarters of 2014 and 2015, more than double the rate of growth over the prior year. Rural job growth still lags behind the rate of growth in metro areas, which saw the number of jobs rise by 1.8 percent over this period. Moreover, while the number of jobs in urban areas now exceeds the peak levels recorded prior to the Great Recession in 2007, rural employment is still well below its pre-recession peak. Rural job growth was unevenly distributed; some 1311 rural counties saw no change or an increase in jobs (ranging up to 69 percent growth), but 665 experienced job declines, with the largest decline being 19 percent. Rural counties in several oil and gas-producing states, such as Texas, Kansas, and North Dakota, which had generally experienced job growth between 2013 and 2014, experienced declines in 2014-15. The vast majority (88 percent) of rural counties in the block of Southern States stretching from Arkansas to Georgia experienced job growth, whereas, in 2013-14, 71 percent of these rural counties had employment losses. This map updates one found in the ERS report, Rural America At a Glance, 2014 Edition.

 

 

TOOLS

 

U.S. Census Bureau Releases County-to-County Commuting Flows

 

EPA Releases New Self-Assessment Tool for Rural Communities and Small Towns
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Sustainable Communities has recently released the Smart Growth Self-Assessment for Rural Communities, a compilation of strategies, organized by 11 common “goal areas,” that towns and small cities can use to evaluate their existing policies to create healthy, environmentally resilient, and economically robust places.  This self-assessment helps communities identify gaps in their policies, plans, codes, and zoning regulations by asking a series of “Yes” or “No” questions.  This self-assessment tool is broad and interdisciplinary.  Each section focuses on a specific set of issues and will likely require input from multiple parts of the local government, as well as from community residents and other stakeholders.  Click here for more information and to download the tool.   

 

 

LEARNING

 

FHWA to Hold Webinar on State of Logistics Report
On September 16 from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration will hold the webinar “2015 Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals State of Logistics Report” as part of its monthly Talking Freight professional development series.  The State of Logistics Report is one of the most important reports in the goods movement and freight logistics industry, providing an overview of current goods movement and freight logistics trends, and freight volumes and economic health of the various freight transportation mode industries.  Understanding the “lay of the land” in the goods movement and freight logistics industry can help both public and private sector transportation organizations better understand current and possible future freight transportation planning needs.  It can also provide insights into the business aspects of freight transportation, information typically not available to or examined by many public sector freight transportation professionals.  When examined in concert with transportation infrastructure needs, it can help government sector transportation officials gain better understanding of the impact infrastructure investment, or lack thereof, can have on supply chain operations and ultimately business sustainability.  Click here to register for the webinar. 

 

Advancing Economic Success – Community Foundations Building Family, Community and Regional Prosperity provided an opportunity for community foundation leaders to more deeply explore and share how they are addressing critical community issues and working to advance regional development in ways that build wealth for all. At the event, participants learned about the organizing framework of Community Development Philanthropy and heard stories from community foundations that are helping families get ahead and those that are helping local and regional economies get ahead. 

Click here to view presentations and videos from the workshop, and be sure to follow @AspenCSG and @e2ruralcenter for more stories and ideas related to community development philanthropy!

 

 

FUNDING

 

Kids in Need Foundation Invites Applications for 2015 Teacher Grants Programs - DEADLINE: September 30, 2015

Grants of up to $500 will be awarded to educators in support of projects that strengthen creativity, critical thinking skills, and/or core knowledge by engaging students in the learning process....

 

APF Invites Applications for Grant to Decrease Discrimination in Education - DEADLINE: October 1, 2015

A single grant of $20,000 will be awarded in support of research, education, or an intervention with the potential to reduce disparities in education and achievement as a result of discrimination....

 

Safe Places to Play Grant - Deadline: Oct 2, 2015
Funder: US Soccer Foundation

 

Research: Art Works Funding Opportunity  - Deadline for submitting an application is October 20.

As the federal agency of record on arts research, the NEA is offering the Research: Art Works grant funding opportunity. The NEA is interested in research which will measure or clarify one or more factors, characteristics, and conditions of the U.S. arts ecosystem; will investigate the direct and indirect benefits of arts participation; or will address topics on the value and/or impact of the arts. We encourage applications from diverse research fields, such as sociology, economics, psychology, medicine and health, education, and urban and regional planning) and research partnerships between arts practitioners and researchers.

Learn about the grant process at an upcoming NEA grant guidelines webinar on September 9 at 3:00 PM ET, or view the webinar soon thereafter on the NEA's archive page. Organizations may apply for a Research grant in addition to other NEA grant opportunities in the same year.

 

Jobs Plus Pilot Initiative - Application Deadline: September 28, 2015

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Public and Indian Housing. The purpose of the Jobs Plus Pilot program is to develop locally-based, job-driven approaches to increase earnings and advance employment outcomes through work readiness, employer linkages, job placement, educational advancement, technology skills, and financial literacy for residents of public housing. The place-based Jobs Plus Pilot program addresses poverty among public housing residents by incentivizing and enabling employment through earned income disregards for working families, and a set of services designed to support work including employer linkages, job placement and counseling, educational advancement, and financial counseling. Ideally, these incentives will saturate the target developments, building a culture of work and making working families the norm. The Jobs Plus Pilot program consists of the following three core components:

• Employment-Related Services
• Financial Incentives – Jobs Plus Earned Income Disregard (JPEID)
• Community Supports for Work

In addition to these components further defined below, applicants are encouraged to develop key partnerships to connect participants with any other needed services to remove barriers to work. An Individualized Training and Services Plan (ITSP) should be developed for each participant to establish goals and service strategies, and to track progress. View the Jobs Plus Initiative NOFA.

View the webcast.  More information is available on the Public and Indian Office website.

 

APF Seeks Applications to Support Mental Health Projects for the Underserved - DEADLINE: December 31, 2015

The Pearson Early Career program will provide a single grant of $12,000 to encourage an early career psychologist to devote his or her career to underserved populations....

 

Emergency Medicine Residents' Association Seek Applications for Local Action Grants - DEADLINE: February 15, 2016

A single grant of $1,000 will be awarded to a project that promotes the involvement of emergency medicine residents in community service and other activities supporting the specialty of emergency medicine....

 

RGK Foundation Accepting LOIs for Education, Community Programs - DEADLINE: Rolling (Letters of Inquiry)

Grants will be awarded in the areas of K-12 education, community, and health and medicine....

 

Sports and Community Development - Deadline: Open
Funder: Adidas Group

 

Community Facility Loans - Deadline: Ongoing
Funder: Rural Community Assistance Corporation

 

Developing Healthy Places - Deadline: Ongoing
Funder: The Kresge Foundation

 

 

 

 

Suzette M. Agans

Community Economic Development
Rural Development | U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., S.W. | Washington, D.C. 20250-3254
Phone: 202.401.1922 | Fax 202.401.7311
www.rd.usda.gov

 

"Committed to the future of rural communities"
"Estamos dedicados al futuro de las comunidades rurales"

 

FW: Publications, Tools, Learning, and Funding

From our colleagues at USDA-Rural Development – grant focus on small farm/ranch and/or local food systems this week!

 

From: Agans, Suzette - RD, Washington, DC [mailto:Suzette.Agans@wdc.usda.gov]
Sent: Friday, September 04, 2015 7:46 AM
Subject: Publications, Tools, Learning, and Funding

 

Note: Many local foods funding opportunities- which are due in Sept & Oct.

 

PUBLICATIONS

 

Rick Cohen wrote an article recently for the NonProfit Quarterly, "USDA Study: Rural Philanthropy Still an Underfunded Afterthought". He writes, "The boost in rural grantmaking still isn't there despite much attention from the foundations' national trade association (the Council on Foundations) and some parts of the federal government, and the evidence is in the report from Agriculture on rural philanthropy." Read more here.

 

"Las Colonias in the 21st Century: Progress Along the Texas-Mexico Border". This report focuses on infrastructure, housing, economic opportunity, education, and health in the six Texas counties that have the highest concentration of colonias: El Paso, Maverick, Webb, Starr, Hidalgo and Cameron. In just these six counties, colonia communities are home to an estimated 369,500 people. Read the report here.  Source: The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

 

"Unequal Lives: The State of Black Women and Families in the Rural South" that analyzes the health and well-being of low-income black women in nine rural counties across Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, and identifies barriers to success and economic security, including poverty, low educational attainment, and inadequate access to public infrastructure, healthcare, and more. The report includes statistics and demographics for each of the states and counties included in the study. Click here to get the report.  Source: The Children's Defense Fund's Southern Regional Office

 

Recent research has explored the economic value of rural broadband adoption. Sponsored by the National Agricultural and Rural Development Policy Center (NARDeP), a study released last year found that, between 2001 and 2010,  rural counties where more than 60 percent of households adopted broadband experienced higher income growth and smaller unemployment growth than those counties that did not. The study, Broadband׳s contribution to economic growth in rural areas: Moving towards a causal relationship, also finds that rural counties where fewer than 40 percent of households adopted broadband experienced lower business and employment growth. 2014

 

2014 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report: Chartbook on Rural Health Care
A summary of trends in healthcare quality and disparities for rural populations. Includes quality measures for rural populations addressing patient safety, person-centered care, effective treatment, healthy living, and access. Part of a series of publications related to the National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report.  Organization: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Date: 08 / 2015

 

Trends in Indian Health: 2014 Edition
An overview of Indian Health Service (IHS) programs and American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) health status. Includes charts depicting the IHS organizational structure and data on tribal and IHS healthcare facilities. Provides AI/AN demographic and socioeconomic data. Includes birth and death rates, with information by cause of death. Also provides data on patient care delivery.
Organization: Indian Health Service, Date: 2015

 

Texas Strives To Lure Mental Health Providers To Rural Counties - Sep 1, 2015 -- Describes both the need for and the strategies being explored to bring more students graduating with mental health degrees into rural areas of Texas. Source: National Public Radio and Kaiser Health News

 

 

TOOLS

 

The recently re-launched website, Racial Equity Tools, compiles resources and curricula for communities and organizations working to advance racial justice. The site features learning modules, films, and discussion guides designed to build understanding of how structural racism and other forms of inequity affect employment, food justice, and other human development issues. Visit the site here.

 

Rural Assistance Center (RAC) has developed a guide titled "Rural Hunger and Access to Healthy Food". A nutritious diet is important for maintaining good health, but accessing fresh and affordable food can be a challenge for some rural residents. This RAC topic guide provides information on how to address food security issues in every rural community, including funding and assistance programs, model programs, strategies, and more. Access the guide here

 

 

LEARNING

 

WEBINAR: Great Community Engagement Leads to Common Cause  FREE WEBINAR! Thursday, Sept. 10, 3-4 p.m. Eastern. Register now! »

Explore Your Community, Phase 2 of the Community Heart & Soul™ method, is about discovering what matters most to residents in your community and building a better future based on those shared values.
In this 60-minute webinar you'll get an overview and then take a deeper dive into the key activities in Phase 2: Gathering and Sharing Stories to Identify What Matters Most.  There will also be time for Q & A. Presented by Alece Montez-Griego, Orton's program director and Meagan Picard, Orton senior associate.

FUNDING:

 

Ceres Trust Organic Research Initiative - Deadline: September 25, 2015. Ceres Trust, a privately administered charitable trust based in the Midwest, seeks applications from universities and other nonprofits in the North Central Region that focus on organic farming systems research. Approximately ten grants of up to $60,000 over three years will be awarded in the region. For more details visit the Ceres Trust website.

 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES is offering grants to nonprofit and public agencies through the Community Compass Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Program. The purpose of this program is to equip HUD's customers with the skills, tools, and knowledge to ensure effective program delivery and efficient stewardship of federal funds. Deadline: 9/25/2015. Click here to review funding guidelines.

 

Rural Child Poverty Nutrition Center Grant Program - Letter of Intent (Optional): Sep 1, 2015,  Application deadline: Sep 30, 2015
Geographic Coverage: Available in 15 states. Offers grants for projects that use creative strategies to improve coordination among USDA-FNS Child Nutrition programs and other nutrition programs, with the aim of increasing participation rates among families with children in persistently poor, rural counties. Sponsor: Rural Child Poverty Nutrition Center

 

USDA Funding to Assist with Organic Certification Costs – Deadline: September 30, 2015. through the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program and the AMA Organic Certification Cost Share Program. Purpose: to make organic certification affordable for organic producers and handlers across the country. Funding: $11.9 million. Deadline: applicants for cost share assistance through the AMA are encouraged to apply early; funds are only available through

 

Broadband Loans & Loan Guarantees  - Application Deadline: September 30, 2015.
Notice of Solicitation of Application, July 30, 2015, ppt from August 26 & 27 webinar in pdf. USDA Rural Development

 

Jamba Juice "It's All About the Fruits and Veggies Garden Grant" - Deadline: September 30, 2015

Purpose: Recipients will be selected based on plans to promote nutrition education, ideas for incorporating fruit and vegetable activities into the curriculum, and the ability to sustain the program over multiple years. Eligibility: schools, community organizations, and nonprofit programs gardening with at least 15 children between the ages of 3 and 18. Funding: 29 programs will receive a check for $100 to be used to purchase soil amendments and fruit and vegetable plantings and $400 in gardening supplies from the KidsGardening.org Shop. One program will receive a grand prize of $1,500. Apply here.

 

Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages - Application deadline: Oct 14, 2015
Grants for the development of Indian and Alaska Native communities, including new housing construction; housing rehabilitation; land acquisition to support new housing; green energy projects; mold remediation; homeownership assistance; public service facilities such as healthcare entities, child care facilities, and employment-related agencies; economic development; and microenterprise programs.
Sponsor: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

 

Levitt Pavilions Issues CFA for 2016 Outdoor Music Concert Program - DEADLINE: October 15, 2015. Matching grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded to support free outdoor concerts in small and mid-sized towns and cities across the country....

 

NEA Foundation Invites Applications for Learning and Leadership Grants - DEADLINE: October 15, 2015

Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to support the professional development of public school teachers, public education support professionals, and/or faculty and staff in public institutions of higher education....

 

LOWE'S CHARITABLE AND EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION is offering grants to public K-12 schools and school parent-teacher groups associated with public schools through the Toolbox for Education Grant Program. Grants of $2,000 to $5,000 are offered for projects that encourage parent involvement and build stronger community spirit. Preference is given to funding requests that have a permanent impact such as facility enhancement (both indoor and outdoor) and landscaping or cleanup projects. Deadline: 10/16/2015; however, if 1,500 applications are received before the application deadline, the application process may close. Visit the program's website here to submit an online application.  

 

Singing for Change Accepting LOIs for Projects to Address Social and Environmental Problems - DEADLINE: Ongoing (Letters of Interest)

Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to progressive nonprofit organizations working to address the root causes of social or environmental problems....

 

Perceptive Software Accepting Nominations for Educating Excellence Award - DEADLINE: Ongoing

Grants will be awarded to outstanding STEM educators who are making a difference in their students' lives....

 

Veteran Housing Projects in Rural Areas - Application deadline: Oct 30, 2015
Offers funding to construct, renovate, or rehabilitate veteran housing projects in rural areas of the United States. Sponsor: Home Depot Foundation, Housing Assistance Council

 

2015 RIS Program Competition, Applications Due: Oct 5, 2015 Includes $10 MM to support two unique grant opportunities this year: 

1. i6 Challenge: Launched in 2010 as part of the Startup America Initiative, the i6 Challenge is a national competition based on the most impactful national models for startup creation, innovation, and commercialization. In an effort to promote and support inclusion, EDA expects to award up to $2.5 million of the total $8 million to projects that provide services to rural areas. Additionally, the evaluation criteria for applications include the strength of specific outreach plans to populations and communities that are underrepresented in innovation and entrepreneurship and of specific, quantitative metrics to measure the effectiveness of that outreach.
2. Seed Fund Support: These cluster grants provide funding for technical assistance to support feasibility, planning, formation, or launch of cluster-based seed capital funds that are offered to innovation-based, growth-oriented start-up companies in exchange for equity. Funds must include job creation in their consideration for issuing capital, and the evaluation criteria for applications include the strength of specific outreach plans to populations and communities that are underrepresented in innovation and entrepreneurship and of specific, quantitative metrics to measure the effectiveness of that outreach.

 

Recorded Webinars

• 2015 RIS Prospective Applicant webinar*New* Slides (PDF) *New*
• 2015 RIS Rural Opportunities webinar*New* Transcript*New*

 

Micro-Grants/Karma for Cara Foundation - Deadline:  Rolling.

Purpose: To fund service projects in communities, with ideas including rebuilding a playground or turning a vacant lot into a community garden. Eligibility:  For children 18 and under. Funding: between $250 and $1,000. Contact: info@karmaforcara.org.

 

Let's Move! Salad Bars to Schools Purpose: Salad bars for schools. Deadline: Rolling.

 

Jewel-Osco Community Grants - Deadline: Rolling. Purpose: fund organizations promoting nutrition education and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet. Jewel-Osco is committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable operations and will support local efforts toward sustainability. Eligibility: 501(c)(3) organizations. Click here for more information.

 

The American Heart Association and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: Voices for Healthy Kids Deadline: Rolling - Purpose: to advance public policy that reverses childhood obesity by investing in state, local and tribal public policy issue campaigns whose efforts are linked to its six priority areas. Eligibility: Non-profit organizations. Funding: Up to $100,000. Contact: Jill Ceitlin at jill.ceitlin@heart.org

 

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education- Farmer Rancher Grant Program. Purpose: The North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NC-SARE) seeks farmers and ranchers with projects offering sustainable solutions to farm management. Funding: up to $7,500 for individual grant projects and up to $22,500 for group grant projects. Deadline: Early August-Mid November. Find out more information about the Farmer Rancher Grant Program and the application process.*NOTE: Visit the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Website for more grant opportunities specific to your state.

 

Over $63.2 million in Specialty Crop Block grants are allocated to U.S. States and territories based on a formula that considers both specialty crop acreage and production value. Purpose: The purpose of the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is to solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as "fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture)." Interested applicants should apply directly through their state department of agriculture. Eligibility: Organizations or individuals should contact their state department of agriculture for more information. Deadline: A listing of state contacts and application due dates can be found at www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp.

 

USDA Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative - Deadline: Varies by state. Purpose: Assist producers to extend the growing season for high value crops in an environmentally safe manner. Eligibility:  Individuals, legal entities, Indian Tribes, and joint operations engaged in agricultural production.

 

Beginning Farmers Grants and Resources

 

Students Invited to Apply for Prudential Spirit of Community Awards - DEADLINE: November 4, 2015

Middle and high school students who volunteered to help a community at home or abroad in the previous year are eligible to apply for an award of $1,000....

 

NCTM Accepting Proposals for Teacher Professional Development Grants - DEADLINE: November 6, 2015

Grants of up to $3,000 will be awarded in support of professional development efforts that improve the classroom competence of one or more middle-school mathematics teachers....

 

THE HARRY AND JEANETTE WEINBERG FOUNDATION is offering grants to nonprofit organizations for general operating, program, and capital project support to help lower income older adults to live dignified, meaningful, and engaged lives in the community and to maintain their independence for as long as possible. Deadline: letter of inquiry accepted any time. Click here for funding guidelines.

 

Newsletters and email from where I gather this information include:

 

v  Foundation Center RFP Service -  To subscribe visit: http://foundationcenter.org/newsletters/

v  To subscribe to the RAC Health Listserv - click here to go to the subscription form.

v  Electronic newsletter of the RUPRI Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, Rural Entrepreneurship News. To subscribe, http://team.energizingentrepreneurs.org/news2/public_html/lists/?p=subscribe  

v  Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City newsletter: http://www.kansascityfed.org/alert/'

v  Blue Avocado Nonprofit Magazine - They have a newsletter on boards and nonprofit management, down-to-earth and useful.  http://www.blueavocado.org/

v  Rural LISC e-newsletter - http://www.lisc.org/rural

v  National Association for Development Organizations (NADO) – www.nado.org

v  ERS - A notification service is provided by USDA's Economic Research Service for Charts of Note and other research to keep you informed of the latest and most relevant research on the topics that interest you. You can subscribe at http://www.ers.usda.gov/Updates/

v  Orton Family Foundation – email sign-up - http://www.orton.org/sign_up

This is the bulk of them, a few others are random.

 

FW: Publications, Learning, and Funding

From our colleagues at USDA-Rural Development!

 

From: Agans, Suzette - RD, Washington, DC [mailto:Suzette.Agans@wdc.usda.gov]
Sent: Friday, August 28, 2015 3:18 PM
Subject: Publications, Learning, and Funding

 

PUBLICATIONS

 

Growth in average U.S. farm real estate value slows

With a value of $2.38 trillion, farm real estate (land and structures) accounted for 81 percent of the total value of U.S. farm sector assets in 2014. Because it comprises such a significant portion of the U.S. farm sector’s asset base, change in the value of farm real estate is a critical barometer of the farm sector's financial performance. On average, U.S. (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) farm real estate values increased 2.4 percent (in nominal terms) to $3,020 per acre over the 12 months ending June 1, 2015. Growth in average values has slowed substantially relative to the previous three year mid-year to mid-year periods, when nominal farm real estate values increased over 8 percent annually. National averages mask wide regional variation. Based on nominal values, farm real estate in the Southern Plains and Pacific regions experienced the highest rates of appreciation of 6.1 percent and 5.8 percent (to $1,900 and $4,780 per acre), respectively, over the 12 months ending June 1, 2015. In contrast, farm real estate in the Corn Belt declined 0.3 percent (to $6,350 per acre). A chart can be found on the ERS topic page on Land Use, Land Value & Tenure, updated August 2015.

 

The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute has developed a map of impactful programs and Native American youth leaders creating positive change across Indian Country. The Network map includes local organizations, youth councils, youth-led volunteer projects and connects youth with each other to expand access to resources and services – two key goals of Gen-I and CNAY’s National Native Youth Network. “Every day youth leaders and stakeholders from Indian Country reach out seeking to connect with their peers on the community-level,” said Erin Bailey, Executive Director of the Center for Native American Youth. “This map is a tool to make our resources and connections available to all.”  The Network map can be found here: http://cnay.org/Network_Map.html.

 

 

LEARNING

 

WEBINAR: Missouri-Illinois Step Up to Leadership Program Impact Evaluation - September 3, 2015 – 2:00 PM Eastern Time

Kimberly Keller, Wilson Majee & Johanna Reed Adams (University of Missouri), Anne Heinze Silvis (University of Illinois), Georgie Donahue (Missouri Association for community Action)

There is no registration and no fee for attending this webinar. http://ncrcrd.adobeconnect.com/ncrcrd

This presentation is based on an impact evaluation of a community leadership development program (Step Up to Leadership), targeted at low-income participants throughout the state of Missouri and parts of Illinois.  The program curriculum aims to provide a) content learning about specific topics related to individual and group skills and community needs and resources, and b) a learning environment where participants can develop self-awareness and enhance their understanding about human nature and relationships.  In addition to discussing the expected gains in knowledge, skills, and abilities, we will also discuss how community leadership development programs provide valuable secondary benefits on familial relations, the role of mini-grant support in assisting graduates in establishing community projects, and how best to close the skills-practice gap that most graduates experience upon completing the training.

 

Integrated Finance Webinar - Date: Thursday, September 17, 2015; 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. EDT

Recipients of the CED/CED-HFFI grant often need various types of funding: equity, debt and grants, to invest in the necessary property, equipment and/or resources to expand impact in their community. This webinar brings together a panel of financial experts and grantees offering perspectives on an integrated finance approach to leverage grants. Register for the Webinar. More information is available on the HHS website.

Moderator: Matthew Lee, Homegrown Direct.  Speakers:

• Bob Porter, Director Business Advising and Lending, Pacific Community Ventures
• Brahm Ahmadi, President, People’s Community Market
• Jela Ellefson, Grants & Economic Development Specialist, Eastern Market Corporation

 

VIDEO:  What is the CRA?
The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) is an important law that helps bring billions of dollars in bank capital to low- and moderate-income communities every year. Understanding how this law works is essential for banks looking to make impactful loans and investments, non-profits seeking funding, and communities wanting to ensure their financial institutions are operating in fair and responsive ways. Learn how the CRA works and what it means for communities across the country.

 

 

FUNDING

 

First Nations Development Institute Invites Applications for Agriculture Scholarships - DEADLINE: September 15, 2015

Through the program, five $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually to Native American college students majoring in agriculture or an agriculture-related field....

 

Constellation Seeks Applications for E2 Energy to Education Grants - DEADLINE: October 1, 2015

Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded in support of local community projects that inspire students to think differently about energy....

 

Road Runners Club of America Accepting Applications for Kids Run the Nation Fund Grants - DEADLINE: October 1, 2015

Grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded to running clubs and other nonprofits organizations in support of structured youth running programs....

 

A Little Hope Announces Youth Bereavement Support Services Grants - DEADLINE: Open (Introductory Emails)

Grants will be awarded to organizations that provide support services and grief counseling to children and teens who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or loved one....

 

Lowe's Charitable and Education Foundation Accepting Applications for Toolbox for Education Grants - DEADLINE: October 16, 2015

Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to projects such as facility enhancement or landscaping/clean-up projects with the potential to have a permanent impact on a K-12 school community....

 

USDA Rural and Tribal Stakeholder Webinars: On August 12, 2015, USDA held two distinct webinars for rural and tribal communities to provide an overview of the Third Round Promise Zones initiative.

View the PowerPoint slides and the Rural Webinar.  View the PowerPoint slides and the Tribal Webinar.

 

Applications Invited for Soros Justice Fellowships in Advocacy and Media - DEADLINE: October 21, 2015

Fellowships of up to $110,250 will be awarded to outstanding individuals working to implement innovative projects that advance reform and spur debate on a range of issues facing the criminal justice system in the United States.....

 

Heritage Preservation Seeks Nominations for Collection Preservation Award - DEADLINE: December 15, 2015

The award is presented annually to an organization that has been exemplary in its commitment to the preservation and care of cultural property within the context of its broader mission....

 

Aaron Copland Fund for Music Invites Applications for Contemporary American Music Recording Projects - DEADLINE: January 15, 2016

Grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to projects that document and provide wider exposure for the music of contemporary American composers....

 

DDCF Accepting Grant Proposals to Strengthen Performing Arts - DEADLINE: February 26, 2016 (Letters of Inquiry)

Grants of up to $200,000 will be awarded to projects that strengthen the national infrastructure of the nonprofit dance, jazz, presenting, and theater fields....

 

 

 

 

 

Suzette M. Agans

Community Economic Development
Rural Development | U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., S.W. | Washington, D.C. 20250-3254
Phone: 202.401.1922 | Fax 202.401.7311
www.rd.usda.gov

 

"Committed to the future of rural communities"
"Estamos dedicados al futuro de las comunidades rurales"

 

FW: Publications, Tools, Learning and Funding

From our colleagues at USDA-Rural Development. Particular emphasis on health and/or food access.

 

From: Agans, Suzette - RD, Washington, DC [mailto:Suzette.Agans@wdc.usda.gov]
Sent: Friday, August 21, 2015 9:30 AM
Subject: Publications, Tools, Learning and Funding

 

PUBLICATIONS

 

Children accounted for 44 percent of SNAP participants in 2013

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is USDA’s largest food and nutrition assistance program. In an average month in fiscal 2014, the program provided 46.5 million low-income Americans with benefits to purchase food at authorized food stores. In fiscal 2013 (the latest year for which demographic data are available), adults age 18-59 accounted for 46.4 percent of participants, young children (birth to age 4) accounted for 14.3 percent of participants, school-age children (5-17 years) accounted for 30.1 percent of participants, and the elderly accounted for 9.3 percent of participants. The composition of SNAP participants has shifted over the past decade, particularly after the 2007-09 recession, as more working-age adults became eligible for the program and applied for benefits. Adults’ share of the SNAP caseload increased from 42.1 percent of participants in 2006, while young children’s share of the SNAP caseload fell from 16.6 percent in 2006, and school-age children’s share fell from 32.7 percent. Elderly participants’ share of the SNAP caseload increased slightly from 8.7 percent in fiscal 2006. A chart is available at Ag and Food Statistics: Charting the Essentials.

 

 

TOOLS

 

Organizations Serving Cooperatives – a directory of sorts on types of cooperative associations involved in agriculture, consumer credit, utilities, housing, and other sectors.  Contact information provided.

http://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RuralCoop_JulyAug.pdf

 

Leadership compass activity - Teamwork begins with self-awareness and awareness of other people’s leadership styles. We can’t be good at everything so we need to bring together people with different styles and talents. This worksheet will help you and your team figure out how you can work collaboratively across leadership styles.

 

Finding Statistics and Data Related to Rural Health - Find rural and local-level statistics and data, and learn how to fairly and accurately use the information in this newly updated topic guide. The guide was developed by RAC Information Resources Manager Maren Niemeier, with guidance from Kimberly Davis, U.S. Census Bureau; Tim Parker, USDA Economic Research Service; Mandi Peterson, University of North Dakota Center for Rural Health; Jan Probst, South Carolina Rural Health Research Center; and Fred Ullrich, University of Iowa College of Public Health.

 

Community Vitality and Rural Healthcare - Focuses on the linkage between rural healthcare and the economic strength and overall vitality of the community. This recently updated guide was developed by Kathleen Spencer, RAC Information Specialist with assistance from Gerald Doeksen, Cheryl St. Clair, and Fred Eilrich, National Center for Rural Health Works; and Jo Anne Preston, Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative.

 

Rural Migrant Health - Visit this updated guide to learn about the challenges and health disparities that migrant and seasonal farmworkers face, and find solutions for your community to assist them with accessing healthcare services and gaining health insurance coverage. The guide was developed by Kathleen Spencer, RAC Information Specialist with assistance from Colleen Reinert and Genoveva Martinez, MHP Salud.

 

 

LEARNING

 

The Small Business Administration and the Kauffman Foundation have announced an August 25 discussion of how Millennial entrepreneurs can find — and harness the power of — their startup communities within their own respective cities.  http://www.entrepreneurship.org/en/Founders-School/Blog/2015/August/How-Do-You-Find-Your-Startup-Community.aspx

The one-hour chat begins at 12:00 p.m. CDT. Questions will be tweeted out from @SBAgov and retweeted by @KauffmanFS. Participate in the chat by following @KauffmanFS, @SBAgov and the hashtag #MillennialTreps on Twitter.

 

Rural Gateway Peer-To-Peer Conference Call: The State of Infrastructure in Rural America: A Discussion of Best Practices - September 3, 2015 - 2 PM EDT

The Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development (ORHED) invites you to take part in our next Peer-to-Peer conference call. Scheduled for September 3, 2015, this call will offer participants the opportunity to learn more about available programs through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

Topics to be discussed:

• Planning Transportation Infrastructure in Rural America (FHWA)
• Transit to Meet the Needs of Rural Americans (FTA)
• Transportation Safety (FHWA/NHTSA)
• Practices and Technical Assistance Across the Department (all)

Format of the call - Call-in instructions and additional materials will be emailed to participants on September 2, 2015. The 60-minute call will include presentations and a Q&A session.  Please RSVP by email to rhed@hud.gov no later than close of business on September 1, 2015. Please include your name and organization. If you have any questions, please call 1-877-RURAL-26 (1-877-787-2526).

          

Why Local Food Matters - September 10^th at 11 AM – Eastern Time.  No advance registration is required.  Simply click on the link on the day to join.  Enter as Guest with just your name. https://msues.adobeconnect.com/_a828402417/srdc/.  Speaker: Debra Tropp, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service

 

Winning Technology-friendly Grants for K-12 - Sponsored by NetApp - Tue, Sep 22, 2015 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT  Show in My Time Zone

From elementary literacy initiatives to college and career readiness programs, grants can enable school districts to transform the technology they use in the classroom, in the office, and even in the home. But in order to get the benefit of all this funding, you have to know where to look and how to effectively pursue the right opportunities for your…Read more

 

Where did all the people go? One reason you’re getting a low turnout and 10 things you can do about it - f you’ve ever organized or attended a community event like a town hall meeting, a meet and greet with your lawmaker or a public forum and were surprised that not many people showed up, you’re not alone. See why you might be encountering this problem, and what you can do about it.

 

 

FUNDING

 

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker has announced the launch of the Economic Development Administration's (EDA) $10 million funding opportunity for the 2015 Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS) Program competition. Under this program, the EDA is soliciting applications for two funding opportunities: the i6 Challenge, which funds organizations that help innovators and entrepreneurs turn ideas and research into viable, sustainable companies, and Seed Fund Support Grants, which funds regionally-focused seed capital funds that provide early-stage capital to innovation-based startups with a potential for high growth.  Read more.  Applications due:  Oct 5, 2015

 

Rural Health Fellows Program - Application deadline: Aug 31, 2015
A year-long, intensive program designed to develop a community of rural health leaders. Sponsor: National Rural Health Association

 

Rural Integration Models for Parents and Children to Thrive (IMPACT) Demonstration - Application deadline: Aug 31, 2015
Provides technical assistance and other support for up to 10 rural and tribal communities to develop innovative, two-generation strategies to reducing child poverty. Sponsor: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

 

Grant Announcement: Small Grants Program for Transporting Healthy Food - Application Deadline: September 18th

CSX and The Conservation Fund (The Fund) have joined forces to help combat food insecurity for a second year!  Specifically, CSX and The Fund will provide small grants to support our country's local food distributors transport and distribute fresh, healthy food to communities in need. More than 23 million Americans across the country have limited or no access to fresh produce, dairy, meats, and seafood.  One of the contributing factors to these "food deserts" is the lack of local infrastructure to distribute fresh food to markets.  We need to connect people to food, and food to people! >>Learn more and download an application!

 

Loving Support Makes Breastfeeding Work WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum and Training solicitation is posted on   http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=278466. This solicitation is open to non-profit organizations and closes on September 28, 2015.  Only non-profit organizations, for-profit educational institutions and WIC State agencies with extensive experience in the provision of breastfeeding education and training and breastfeeding course development may apply.  http://origin.drupal.fns.usda.gov/wic/wic-breastfeeding-curricula-and-training-request-application

 

Funding for youth-based environmental programs - The deadline for spring and summer projects is Sept. 30.  The Captain Planet Foundation funds projects that give the next generation of environmental stewards an active understanding and love for the natural world in which they live.

 

Safe Places to Play Grant - Deadline: Oct 2, 2015. Funder: US Soccer Foundation

 

Developing Healthy Places - Deadline: Ongoing. Funder: The Kresge Foundation

 

National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Students to Service Loan Repayment Program (S2S LRP) - Application deadline: Oct 22, 2015
Provides loan repayment assistance to medical students (MD and DO) who agree to provide primary care health services in eligible Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) of greatest need. Sponsor: National Health Service Corps

 

Community HealthCorps - Application deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.
Offers monetary sums for education or loan repayment in exchange for full-time service in a rural or underserved community. Community HealthCorps Members perform a variety of activities associated with health services and programs for patients and communities, often by functioning as community health workers. Sponsor: National Association of Community Health Centers

 

Community Response Fund - Application deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.
Supports organizations, activities, and events that offer short-term, immediate solutions to oral healthcare challenges in underserved communities. Sponsor: DentaQuest Foundation

 

SBA 7a Loans - Application deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.
Provides loans to small businesses (including small healthcare practices) for working capital; equipment purchase; real estate purchase; building construction or renovation; business acquisition; and debt refinancing. Sponsor: Small Business Administration

 

USDA Community Facilities Loan and Grant Program - Application deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.
Funding to construct, enlarge, or improve essential community facilities for healthcare, public safety, education, and public services in rural areas. Sponsor: USDA Rural Development

 

AAUW Invites Applications for Career Development Grants - DEADLINE: December 15, 2015

Grants of up to $12,000 will be awarded to women who hold a bachelor's degree and are preparing to advance or change careers or re-enter the workforce....

 

Applications Invited for Terri Lynne Lokoff/Children's Tylenol National Child Care Teacher Awards - DEADLINE: January 4, 2016

Fifty pre-K teachers will be selected to receive grants of $1,000 in honor of their dedication to providing high-quality child care....

 

Humane Society of the United States Foundation Invites Nominations for 2016 National Kind Teacher Award - DEADLINE: February 15, 2016

One winner will receive a framed certificate and a scholarship to the Humane Society University's Certified Humane Education Specialist program....

 

BusinessUSA's Access Financing Wizard

To help you identify what government financing programs may be available to help you start or expand your business, check out the "Access Financing" Wizard from BusinessUSA. In a few quick steps, this wizard will guide you to government resources to access financing for your business! Learn more

FW: Publications, Tools, Learning and Funding

From our colleagues at USDA-RD. . .

 

From: Agans, Suzette - RD, Washington, DC [mailto:Suzette.Agans@wdc.usda.gov]
Sent: Monday, August 17, 2015 11:09 AM
Subject: Publications, Tools, Learning and Funding

 

PUBLICATIONS

WIC households favor supercenters for their primary grocery shopping

Data from a new USDA-funded survey, National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey (FoodAPS), show that households that participate in USDA’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) are more likely to use supercenters for their primary food shopping than non-WIC comparison households (non-participating households that contain either a pregnant woman or a child under the age of 5). Over half of WIC households (52 percent) used a supercenter for their main food shopping, compared with 45 percent of non-WIC comparison households with incomes below 185 percent of the poverty threshold and 41 percent of higher-income non-WIC comparison households. Because WIC households are larger and more likely to contain multiple young children compared with non-WIC comparison households, WIC households may be more enticed to shop at supercenters in order to purchase larger-sized products or take advantage of one-stop shopping. A chart appears in “Most U.S. Households Do Their Main Grocery Shopping at Supermarkets and Supercenters Regardless of Income” in the August 2015 issue of ERS’s Amber Waves magazine.

Number of U.S. farmers markets has nearly tripled over the last 15 years - A farmers’ market is a common area where several farmers gather on a recurring basis to sell fresh produce and other farm products directly to consumers. The number of farmers’ markets rose to 8,476 in 2014, up from 2,863 in 2000 and 1,755 in 1994, according to USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service. Farmers’ markets tend to be concentrated in densely populated areas of the Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast. Generally, farmers’ markets feature items from local food systems, although depending on the definition of “local,” some vendors may come from outside the local region, and some local vendors may not sell locally produced products. The growing number of farmers’ markets could reflect increased demand for local and regional food products based on consumer perceptions of their freshness and quality, support for the local economy, environmental benefits, or other perceived attributes relative to food from traditional marketing channels. A chart can be found in the ERS report, Local Food Systems: Concepts, Impacts, and Issues, ERR-97, May 2010.

 

 

TOOLS

 

Racial Equity Tools
The recently re-launched Racial Equity Tools compiles resources and curricula for communities and organizations working to advance racial justice. The site features learning modules, films, and discussion guides designed to build understanding of how structural racism and other forms of inequity affect employment, food justice, and other human development issues. The site also includes concrete planning tools for practitioners to launch social media campaigns, create popular education and training strategies, evaluate progress, and advocate for policy and system change. Find Out More»

 

Entrepreneurial Accelerators.

Funding stakeholders often want to see you make real progress quickly with entrepreneurial development. To address this challenge, the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship field research, conducted over 15 years, has identified five accelerators that make a real difference:  (1) targeting entrepreneurial talent, (2) deploying business coaching, (3) developing an area resource network, (4) partnering with high value "go to" resources that serve targeted talent, and (5) launching a youth entrepreneurship effort to energize your community. This is the kind of work that we walk you through in our e2 University online resource. Learn more about crafting your optimal entrepreneurship strategy with our Creating an Entrepreneurial Strategy guide. 

 

Tools You Can Use... A key to NetWork Kansas' success is its preparatory work with communities. This month, the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship is sharing an e2 University resource - our guide on Energizing Your Community. This resource provides insights and tools that you can use to engage your community in support of entrepreneur-focused economic development.

 

Rural Hunger and Access to Healthy Food A nutritious diet is important for maintaining good health, but accessing fresh and affordable food can be a challenge for some rural residents. This RAC topic guide provides information on how to address food security issues in your community, including funding and assistance programs, model programs, strategies, and more. Thank you to Laura Griffin and Danielle Berman, USDA Food and Nutrition Service for their assistance in the review and development of this guide.

 

 

LEARNING

 

One Page Cost Benefit Analysis Tool, Thursday, August 20, 3:30 - 4:45pm ET (12:30 - 1:45 PT) - Free! Register Now

“Pencil it out” is shorthand for making good farm investment and purchasing decisions. This session provides a straightforward financial tool for making informed decisions and budgeting for the future. 
Making decisions that make good financial sense is difficult. But difficult decisions become a whole lot easier when you have the right tool to walk you through the financial implications of your decision. This session simplifies the concepts of Partial Budget Analysis so that you can “use the parts you’re comfortable with.” The idea is to grow your financial skill set at a pace that makes sense for you, to provide a pathway to improve your abilities rather than terrorize you with details, ratios, and secret formulas intelligible only to accountants. 
Join us to learn how this powerfully simple tool can help your business today... and trainers and technical assistance providers who work with farmers or other businesses, learn how you can add this to your toolbox you can provide to your students or clients. Reserve your spot - click here

 

NADO Research Foundation Co-sponsoring Upcoming Webinar Showcasing Planning Resources Available from Non-Profit Partners

The NADO Research Foundation is pleased to co-sponsor an upcoming webinar, Building Strong Communities:  Resources and Assistance from Non-Profit Partner on September 2.  The webinar will feature resources, technical assistance opportunities, and other programs available from Audubon International, Community Builders, Project for Public Spaces, and SCOTie to promote better planning, community engagement, and effective results in your communities and regions.  Click here to register

 

 

FUNDING

 

TOM'S OF MAINE's 50 States for Good initiative supports grassroots organizations throughout the country working to do good in their communities. In 2015, the program will provide grants of $20,000 each to one grassroots nonprofit organization in every state and the District of Columbia. Any individual 18 years of age or older is eligible to nominate a nonprofit organization for consideration. Eligible organizations must be valid 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations in good standing that are community-based. (National organizations are not eligible.) Deadline for nominations: 8/26/2015. Visit the 50 States for Good website here to review the official rules and to submit a nomination via the website, Twitter, or Instagram.

 

Bush Foundation Accepting Applications for Native Nation Rebuilders Program - DEADLINE: August 27, 2015

The program will provide emerging or existing leaders in the twenty-three Native nations served by the foundation with access to ideas and information, peer networks, leadership training, and other resources....

 

HUD is offering grant funding to institutions of higher education, public housing authorities or Indian housing authorities, and nonprofit organizations to hire service coordinators to assess the needs of public and Indian housing residents and link them to supportive services that enable participants to increase earned income, reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance, and make progress toward achieving economic independence and housing self-sufficiency. Deadline: 8/31/2015. Click here to review application guidelines.

 

HUD is offering funding to national nonprofit organizations with ongoing experience in rural housing, including experience working with rural housing organizations, local governments, and Indian tribes, as evidenced by past and continuing work in one or more states in five or more of the federal regions through the Rural Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing Grants program. Deadline: 9/14/2015. This U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program will provide funds to help communities develop the skills and technical capabilities necessary to undertake effective community development activities. For more information and to apply, click here.

 

Family Travel Forum Seeks Submissions for Teen Travel Writing Scholarships - DEADLINE: September 14, 2015

Scholarship grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded for blogs by teens that share their travel experiences in words and images....

 

NEA Invites Creative Placemaking Proposals for Our Town Grant Program - DEADLINE: September 21, 2015

Grants of up to $200,000 will be awarded for creative placemaking projects that contribute toward the livability of communities....

 

Nominations Invited for I Love My Librarian Award - DEADLINE: September 28, 2015

Up to ten winners will be selected to receive a $5,000 cash award, a plaque, and a $500 travel stipend to attend the awards reception in New York City....

Service Area Competition Funding for Health Center Program (Areas Served with a Project Period Start Date of March 1, 2016) - Application deadline: Sep 28, 2015
Funding to provide comprehensive primary health care services to an underserved area or population. Sponsor: Bureau of Primary Health Care

Substance Abuse Service Expansion - Application deadline: Sep 28, 2015
Supplemental funds to improve and expand substance abuse services at existing Health Centers, with a focus on Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) in opioid use disorders. Sponsor: Bureau of Primary Health Care

Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program - Application deadline: Sep 30, 2015
This program furnishes loans and loan guarantees to provide funds for the construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas.
Sponsor: USDA Rural Development

Target Accepting Applications for K-12 Field Trip Grants Program - DEADLINE: September 30, 2015

More than 3,600 grants of up to $700 each will be awarded to fund visits to art, science, and cultural museums; community service or civic projects; career enrichment opportunities; and other events or activities for K-12 students in the United States....

 

THE BBVA COMPASS FOUNDATION is offering grant support to nonprofit organizations that are making a positive impact in the communities the bank serves in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, New York, and Texas. The Foundation gives priority to requests that best reflect the following focus areas: community development/financial literacy, education, health and human services, arts and culture, environment and natural resources, and diversity and inclusion. Deadline: Online applications are due 9/30/2015. (Prior to submitting a grant request, organizations interested in applying are invited to join one of the Charitable Contributions Process Conference Calls/Webinar Presentations to be held on August 21 and September 11.) Visit the bank’s website here to learn more about the Foundation’s guidelines and application process.

Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) - Application deadline: Oct 7, 2015
Awards funding to Native American/Alaska Native tribes and tribal organizations to implement activities and services aimed at reducing the risk of diabetes, providing high quality care to those with diagnosed diabetes, and/or reducing the complications of diabetes. Sponsor: Indian Health Service

Ben & Jerry's Foundation Seeks Proposals for Social and Environmental Justice Projects - DEADLINE: October 15, 2015 (Pre-applications)

Grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to nonprofit community-organizing groups in the United States working to further social and environmental justice and support sustainable and just-food systems....

 

THE INSTITUTE FOR RURAL AMERICA has issued a request for proposals for a $5,000 Leadership Training Grant. The competitive grant is awarded for creative and educationally focused proposals targeted at groups desiring to develop and foster leadership within their member base. Successful applications will clearly outline a leadership training plan. Proposals that include cooperators who can assist with project planning, evaluation, or information dissemination will be viewed favorably. Deadline: 10/15/2015. Click here to learn more about the program and to apply.  

 

NCTM Accepting Applications for Pre-K-5 Teacher Development Grants - DEADLINE: November 6, 2015

Grants of up to $2,000 will be awarded for professional development plans aimed at improving teacher competency and student learning....

 

Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation Accepting Applications for USArtists International Grant Program - DEADLINE: Various

Grants of up to $15,000 are available to American dance, music, and theater ensembles that have been invited to perform at international festivals anywhere in the world outside the United States....

 

NCTM Accepting Applications for Classroom Research Grants for Teachers of Grades 7-12 - DEADLINE: November 6, 2015

Grants of up to $6,000 will be awarded to support and encourage classroom-based research in precollege mathematics education....

 

NCTM Accepting Applications From Music Projects to Teach Pre-K-2 Mathematics  - DEADLINE: November 6, 2015

Grants of up to $3,000 will be awarded to individual classroom teachers or small groups of teachers collaborating on the single grade level or across grade levels....