Thursday, May 26, 2011

Funding Opportunities (June to September) 1

A total of 103 KaBOOM! Grants worth $2.1 million are available to Playful City USA recognized cities and towns between 2011-13. Grants range in values of $15,000 to $30,000 and will be awarded to existing Playful City USA communities as well as communities receiving Playful City USA recognition for the first time. Communities wishing to receive grants and apply for Playful City USA status must meet five core commitments of the program: create a local play commission task force; design an annual action plan for play; conduct a playspace audit of all publicly accessible play areas; identify current spending on capital projects and maintenance of playspaces; and proclaim and celebrate an annual "KaBOOM! Play Day". Cities and towns can apply to become a Playful City USA community by completing the online application by June 1. Go to: http://bit.ly/eM5MCz .

NEA Foundation-Nickelodeon Big Help Grants are available in the form of Student Achievement grants of up to $5,000 for K-8 public school educators in the United States. The Big Help Grants program is dedicated to the development and implementation of ideas, techniques, and approaches to addressing four key concerns: environmental awareness, health and wellness, students' right to a quality public education, and active community involvement. The grants target these four concerns as areas of great promise in helping 21st Century students develop a sense of global awareness that encourages and enables them to make a difference in their world. The application process is the same as for the NEA Foundation's Student Achievement Grants. Applicants should specify that their request is for the Big Help Grants program in their application. The application must be submitted by June 1. Visit the NEA Foundation website for complete program information: http://www.neafoundation.org/ .

Mitsubishi Electric American Foundation accepts proposals for grants that target children and youth with disabilities, and that have a national scope and impact. They are also looking for programs with potential to be replicated elsewhere and that represent an innovative approach that involves technology. Mitsubishi deadlines are rolling, however, concept papers must be submitted by June 1, 2011. Grants are up to $100,000 each. Applicants are strongly discouraged from phoning in during the application process. Instead, the Foundation suggests that you visit the Frequently Asked Questions link on the website for answers. For more information, contact the Foundation at: http://www.meaf.org/grants.php .

The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation seeks to provide non-profits with the means to educate the public about the special needs of children across the U.S. and provides funding to nonprofits that 1) contribute to the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual welfare of children through the dissemination of knowledge about new and innovative organizations and/or programs designed to benefit youth; and/or 2) contribute to the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual welfare of children through the dissemination of knowledge already possessed by well-established organizations so that such information can be more adequately used by society. Applications are invited from non-profit, tax-exempt organizations conducting programs that have the potential to help American children in a large geographic area (more than one state). Grants may not be used for the normal, day-to-day operating expenses of the grantee or for special operating expenses connected with the grant. In 2010, the foundation awarded a total of $666,670 in grants to twenty-one non-profit organizations. Applications must be submitted by July 15. Visit the foundation website for complete program guidelines, application instructions, and information on previously funded projects. http://cwf-inc.org/ .

The Catalog for Giving is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of New York City’s underserved children. The Catalog identifies, funds, and supports innovative, community-based start-up organizations that provide education and life skills to at-risk youth, and in doing so set them on new paths to success. Every three years, the Catalog selects ten programs to become “member organizations.” Selected organizations will be funded for three years. The funding is generally in the vicinity of $30,000-60,000 per fiscal year. Only organizations that meet all of the following criteria are eligible. Organizations must have as their primary mission the provision of direct services to low-income children or teens; have an operating budget between $150,000 and $1.5 million per fiscal year; be a certified 501(c)3 non-profit organization; be independent and not a subsidiary or branch of a national organization; be located and operate within New York City; and have been in existence for at least 2 years, but no more than 10 years. The application is due no later than 5pm on June 30. For additional information, and to request an application, contact: The Catalog for Giving of New York City, 1115 Broadway, Suite 1200, New York, NY 10010, T 212-765-8212, F 212-765-8190, development@cfgnyc.org,
Twitter: @Catalog4Giving.

The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust seeks to support organizations that are most effective at creating positive and measurable outcomes for children with disabilities and providing healthcare services for underserved populations. Last year, the trust awarded grants to more than seventy organizations for programs focused on autism, technology, life and workforce skills, and access to health care. The trust seeks applications from organizations that are providing the following support services and programs for children under the age of 21 and their families: early intervention — therapeutic and support services designed to meet the needs of infants and toddlers who have a developmental delay or disability; parental support and education programs that educate, prepare, and assist parents in the care giving and support of their children; assistive technology programs that provide access to equipment or training on assistive technologies that help children learn, communicate, and thrive; and programs that support the development of social skills and/or independent living skills, including camp programs. CVS Caremark is most interested in funding proposals where support can help an organization expand or enhance an existing program with proven success, enable organizations to support innovative new approaches that produce positive outcomes for targeted populations, or support one-time capital needs (excluding bricks and mortar). Non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. One-year grants will range from $10,000 to $50,000. Previous grantees are eligible to apply in the following year if they can demonstrate significant positive outcomes. For this year's program, the trust will accept online applications from May 1 to June 15, 2011, for applications targeting children with disabilities; and from July 1 to August 15, 2011, for applications targeting health care services for underserved populations. Visit the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust Web site for complete program guidelines and the application form: http://info.cvscaremark.com/community/our-impact/charitable-trust .

The Mazda Foundation is committed to building a better tomorrow through its support of meaningful programs that make a difference. Those programs should advance education and literacy; environmental conservation; cross-cultural understanding; social welfare; and scientific research. Non-profit organizations are eligible to apply; grants typically range between $5,000 and $15,000 each. Applications will be accepted from May 1 – July 1. For more information, contact the Mazda Foundation at: MazdaFoundationApplications@gmail.com .

The Build-A-Bear Workshop has announced that in 2011 the Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation will be accepting and reviewing grant applications on a rolling basis until October for the following funding categories: Children's Health & Wellness — Grants for non-profit organizations such as childhood disease research foundations, child safety organizations, and organizations that serve children with special needs; Domestic Pets — Grants to support animals in domestic pet programs, including animal welfare organizations, pet rescue and rehabilitation organizations, and therapeutic and humane education pet programs; and Literacy and Education — Grants to support children's literacy and education programs such as summer reading programs, early childhood education programs, and literacy programs for children with special needs. The Build-A-Bear foundations will also consider miscellaneous grant requests from organizations that support children, families, and animals through programs that are not easily categorized. U.S. applicants must be tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations. Canadian applicants must be registered Canadian charities. Priority is given to organizations located near Build-A-Bear Workshop stores. Organizations are eligible to apply only once a year. Organizations that received funding in 2010 are ineligible to apply for a grant again until 2012. Organizations that received funding prior to 2010 may re-apply for a grant in 2011, but priority will be given to new applicants. Grants are made as one-time contributions and will range from $1,000 to $10,000 each, with an average grant size of $1,500. The grant application is rolling until the end of October. Visit the Build-A-Bear website for complete grant guidelines and application procedures: http://www.buildabear.com/shopping/contents/content.jsp?catId=400002&id=700016&sc_hpan=footer&sc_hpdr=footer_veryright .

Scholastic's Be Big Fund will help bring the winning BIG Idea that helps make your community a better place to live with help from Clifford, HandsOn Network and American Family Insurance. Awards include one $25,000 Grand Prize honoree, ten $2,500 first place honorees and nineteen $1,315 second place honorees. Be Big Fund prizes must be used to implement the winning proposals. The submission deadline is June 17. For additional information, go to: http://bit.ly/eSU7Om .

The Best Buy Children's Foundation @15 Community Grants empower teens to thrive by helping them excel in school, engage in their communities, and develop life and leadership skills. Nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations located within 50 miles of a Best Buy store or Regional Distribution Center and provide positive experiences that empower early adolescents (primarily ages 13-18) to excel in school, engage in their communities, and develop life and leadership skills are eligible. The deadline for applications is August 1, 2011. For more information, visit: http://www.bestbuy-communityrelations.com/community_grants_rfp.htm .

Net Literacy is a student-founded nonprofit where students comprise 50% of the board of directors. Thanks to support from State Farm, students from across the country are encouraged to submit short videos that teach a lesson about the importance of financial literacy. Video entries win $100 to $500 and web-based games win $500 to $1,000. They hope to give away $100,000 in prizes as students provide the content to build a national financial literacy video using their words to explain the importance of being financially literate. All full-time or part-time students (videos and games can be developed by a student, a group of students, or a classroom project) are eligible to win. The deadline is rolling through June 30. Go to: http://bit.ly/eDkDlX for more information.

The America Honda Foundation awards grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organizations, public school districts, and private/public elementary and secondary schools. Funding priorities are focused on youth education in the areas of: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM); the Environment; Job Training and Literacy. To be considered for funding, organizations must have two years of audited financial statements examined by an independent CPA. If gross revenue is less than $500,000 and the organization does not have audits, it may submit two years of financial statements accompanied by an independent CPA’s review report instead. Applications are due August 1 and November 1. Go to the website for more information: http://corporate.honda.com/america/philanthropy.aspx?id=ahf .

The mission of BJ’s Foundation is to enhance and enrich community programs that primarily benefit children and families. Funding goes to community organizations that provide services (in the form of hunger prevention, self-sufficiency, health care and education) to those in need in the 15 states where BJ’s Clubs are located. Educational support will be given to nonprofits that provide academic and vocational opportunities for the disadvantaged and includes the purchase of supplies for literacy skills, mentoring, tutoring and career development. The deadline for submission is July 9 and October 8. The maximum award is $5,000 for new applicants. For additional information, visit: http://www.bjs.com/about/community/charity.shtml .

Youth, I.N.C. has announced new applicant information sessions for its training and support program for New York City-based non-profit organizations that serve youth. Grantees will receive the following directly from Youth, I.N.C.: up to four years of consulting related to the program's annual fundraising event; an annual fundraising event produced and underwritten by Youth, I.N.C.; monthly workshops led by industry experts in fundraising and marketing; introductions to prospective board members from the corporate sector; and the opportunity to apply for significant cash support for capacity-building initiatives. Youth, I.N.C. is accepting applications on a rolling basis from non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations that have been serving youth in New York City for at least three years. Applications must be submitted by non-profits within six weeks of their attendance at an information session; the applications have a rolling deadline. To RSVP for a New Applicant Information Session, email infosessions@youthinc-usa.org and include name, position, organization name, contact information, and website.

GTECH's After-School Advantage program provides state-of-the-art computer labs to organizations in inner-city communities. GTECH supports after-school programs by targeting disadvantaged youth and at-risk children aged 5-15 with multiple awards, ranging up to $15,000 each. Eligible applicants include nonprofits with existing after-school programs in need of a computer lab. Awards include up to $15,000 worth of computers, online technology and computer software. More than 90 After School Advantage computer centers already are operating successfully since 1999. More than 20,000 children between the ages of 5-18 have gained access to computers. There is a rolling deadline for applications. Go to the GTECH website for guidelines and additional information: http://www.gtech.com/about_gtech/proposal_guidelines.asp.

Office Depot supports local non-profit organizations that directly affect the health, education and welfare of children. Office Depot is accepting applications for its Taking Care of Kids & Schools grants program. Funds should be used to directly provide services. For financial donations, organizations must be a nonprofit with an established track record of community advocacy. The maximum award is $10,000. Special consideration will be given to programs that serve a diverse population in local or regional communities; build social, academic, leadership, and/or life skills in early adolescents (primarily ages 13-18); show positive results against a demonstrated community need; and reach at-risk children in working families. The application deadlines are rolling. For more information, go to: http://www.community.officedepot.com/local.asp .

WaysToHelp.org invites teens in the United States to apply for grants to fund their community service ideas across any one of 16 issue areas. Apply for a grant by visiting any issue area. Select "See Ways to Help" followed by "Apply for a Grant." Applications are short - just 5,000 words or less - and should summarize: how the project will involve others, who it will help, what effect it's expected to have, when it will start and how the funds will be used. The deadline is open - grant requests are reviewed and responded to on a monthly basis. Topic areas include: Environment, Democracy & Equality, Health, and Community Issues. For more information, go to: www.waystohelp.org.

The Cinereach Company and Foundation invites letters of inquiry from 501(c)(3) organizations that are fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization to support feature-length nonfiction and fiction films that are at the intersection of engaging storytelling, visual artistry, and vital subject matter. Cinereach supports films that utilize cinematic artistry and storytelling to provide insight and spark dialogue, challenge prejudice and advance human rights, discover humanity and hope, and foster global community. There are two grant cycles per year (summer and winter). Within each cycle, between five and fifteen projects are selected to receive support. For more information, visit: http://www.cinereach.org/grants/granting-program-guidelines .

The WHO (Women Helping Others) Foundation supports grassroots charities that serve the overlooked needs of women and children in the United States and Puerto Rico. The foundation prioritizes specific projects and programs that address health and social service needs. The foundation recognizes the value of new programs created to respond to changing needs and will consider projects of an original or pioneering nature within an existing organization. Grant applications are welcome from non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations that have been incorporated for at least three years and that have total organizational budgets of $3 million or less. Preference will be given to organizations that are not dependent on government grants, and those with greater organizational program costs than personnel costs. Organizations that have previously received a WHO Foundation grant should wait three years before applying again. Grants are not provided to individuals, educational institutions, religious institutions, or governmental agencies, or for endowment campaigns, political causes, or capital campaigns. Grants will range from $1,000 to $40,000.Complete funding guidelines, eligibility restrictions, and application procedures are available at the WHO Foundation Web site. Applications are due September 6, 2011. Go to: http://www.whofoundation.org/index.asp .

The RGK Foundation is committed to supporting innovative projects in the areas of health, education, human services and community affairs. The foundation strives to advance knowledge, improve society and help realize human potential. Non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for funds. Letters of Inquiry are accepted on an ongoing basis. Contact: The RGK Foundation, 1301 W. 25th St., Suite 300, Austin, TX 78705, 512-474-9298 or go to the website: http://www.rgkfoundation.org .

The Merck Family Fund supports work by communities with few resources who are confronting significant social, economic and environmental challenges. The two areas of focus for the fund are to a) create green and open space, and b) support youth as agents of social change. Suggested programs include: involving youth in the design, operation, and evaluation of a project; training youth to learn skills, develop relationships, and gain experience while making a positive impact on the community; supporting youth to research issues of concern, design strategies for change, and implement action plans; and identifying youth as important stakeholders in the health and well-being of the community. The deadline is rolling and new requests for support should be made by a letter of inquiry. For additional information and guidelines, go to: http://www.merckff.org/grantguidelines.html .

The Helena Rubinstein Foundation supports programs in education, community services, arts/arts in education, and health, with a special interest in programs that benefit women and children and assist disadvantaged communities. Grants are mainly allocated to organizations in New York City. Although general operating grants are made, the Foundation prefers to support specific programs in the area above. Organizations seeking funds are asked to submit a letter outlining the project, its aims, budget, other funding sources, and amount requested, as well as a description of the organization. Letters should be addressed to: Diane Moss, President, Helena Rubinstein Foundation, 477 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022-5802. Proposals are accepted throughout the year. There is no application form; however, the New York Common Application Form may be used. Where feasible, a meeting or site visit will be arranged. Proposals are acted on by the Board of Directors, which meets semi-annually, in May and November. For complete guidelines, go to: http://www.helenarubinsteinfdn.org/guide.html .


ANNOUNCEMENTS

**MINI-GRANTS**
The Yes to Seed Fund, a non-profit program of personal care products company Yes to Carrots, has partnered with Whole Foods Market to offer grants for school gardens. The program is designed to provide students with engaging ways to learn about nutrition and the importance of fruits and vegetables. The partners will provide five Starter Garden Grants of $500 to schools nationwide. All K-12 schools in the United States are eligible to apply for the five Starter Seed Fund Grants. No one under the age of 13 can apply without parental supervision and oversight. Applying schools should have a pre-existing commitment to gardening and an internal champion for the project. Visit the Yes to Carrots website for access to complete program guidelines and application: http://www.yestocarrots.com/yes-to-seed-fund.html .

The Brooklyn Community Foundation’s Micro Grants program accepts grant requests for $500 or less to help support smaller-scale projects and organizations in Brooklyn, New York. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The Micro Grants program is designed to serve two purposes: support grassroots community efforts such as beautification campaigns, parent teacher associations, youth sports teams, and community gardens; and to serve as seed funding for start-up nonprofit groups to help support immediate needs as they build rapport within the community and with funders. Eligible applicants are organizations with annual budgets of $50,000 or less, and groups with no full-time employees. Organizations that have already received a grant of any size from the Brooklyn Community Foundation in the current calendar year are not eligible for a micro grant. For more information, go to: http://www.brooklyncommunityfoundation.org/ .