FOUNDATIONS/GRANTS

CONTENTS:

• Government Grants
  • Congressman Traficant's Guide to Federal Funding
  • Federal Assistance Monitor
  • Federal Register
  • Nonprofit Gateway
• Foundation Grants
  • Grantsmart.org
  • American Association of University Women
  • Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids
  • National Rosie's for All Kids Foundation

As a prospect researcher and proposal writer, my preference is to work with private foundations and to develop relationships with the program officer, foundation board member and/or member of the foundation's founding family. The personal relationship and inside link makes writing the proposal a very easy proposition, almost an afterthought. Words from a program officer like "Yes! That's exactly what we are interested in supporting. Send me something in writing that I can take to my board." speed a proposal along, particularly when the request comes in response to the family's or the foundation's relationship with my organization's chief executive officer.

Seeking funding from government sources, whether at the federal, state or local county levels, however, presents a totally different challenge. This month, I've outlined some quick and easy-to-use government grant sources along with a private foundation grant source and several recent requests for proposals that relate to community development. Happy hunting!

GOVERNMENT GRANTS

CONGRESSMAN TRAFICANT'S GUIDE TO FEDERAL FUNDING

It always helps to get advice from an insider. Congressman Traficant has served as a U.S. Representative from Ohio since 1985. In the spirit of sharing the wealth, Traficant's guide contains an overview of the federal funding process, where to find funding opportunities, tips for writing and presenting your proposal and, finally, what happens after you submit your proposal.

http://www.house.gov/traficant/funding_guide/intro.htm

FEDERAL ASSISTANCE MONITOR

This site features a comprehensive review of federal funding announcements, private grants and legislative actions affecting community programs, including education, economic development, housing, children and youth services, substance abuse and health care. Each grant notice is categorized by subject matter. A Grant Update section, which lists grant programs currently accepting proposals, is available online and includes information on how to subscribe to both the print and the online version.

http://www.cdpublications.com/funding/federalassistance.htm

FEDERAL REGISTER

This is a daily publication, available in local libraries. It is where the federal government publishes all of its proposed and final texts of rules and regulations, as well as notices and orders issued by more than 200 government agencies, executive departments and independent agencies.

http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html

The Federal Register table of contents is available for in text and .pdf formats. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader for the .pdf documents.

http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/fr-cont.html

NONPROFIT GATEWAY

Designed as a central starting point, Nonprofit Gateway helps nonprofit organizations access online federal information and services. Linked to all Cabinet Departments and many agencies, it contains information about grants, regulations, taxes and other services as well as information on a wide range of other topics and programs.

http://www.nonprofit.gov

FOUNDATION GRANTS

GRANTSMART.ORG

GrantSmart is an informational and interactive resource center for and about the nonprofit community. It includes data about private foundation activities of interest to grant seekers, philanthropic organizations and individual donors. The goal is to encourage informed decision-making and diversification in funding. The site is operated on a nonprofit basis by Canyon Research, a private operating foundation, with funding and support from the J.C. Downing Foundation.

http://www.grantsmart.org

THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN (AAUW)

AAUW is offering Community Action Grants, which provide seed money to individual women, AAUW branches, AAUW state organizations and local community-based nonprofit organizations for innovative programs or non-degree research projects that promote education and equity for women and girls. One- year grants for start-up projects and two-year grants for projects focused on K-12 girls' achievements in math, science and/or technology are available. The deadline for applications is January 15.

http://www.aauw.org/3000/fdnfelgra/cag.html

BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS

This grant program provides funds to community-based organizations nationwide for direct services to assist people living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Since the majority of grant monies are raised through direct audience appeals at Broadway shows, the funding is unpredictable because of the tragic events of September 11. Nevertheless, it is hoped that the upcoming National Grants Program round will proceed. The deadline for applications is December 10.

http://www.bcefa.org/about/grantinfo.html

NATIONAL ROSIE'S FOR ALL KIDS FOUNDATION

National Rosie's For All Kids Foundation awards grants to help support the intellectual, social and cultural development of disadvantaged children throughout the United States. The Foundation's main focus is childcare and first priority is given to established programs serving low-income urban areas, where many families struggle to find affordable, quality childcare for their children. There is no deadline for applications.

http://rosieo.warnerbros.com/rosieo/allkids/grant.htm

Cathy Hampton