Bridge Photo
June/2011
Volume 4
Issue 6
In This Issue
Featured Site: Google for Non-Profits
Errors by Grant Applicants
CCR Services and Amenities
Trainings
Funding Opportunities
Featured Site

 

Google Logo

 

Google has announced a new program for non-profits rich with tools and features to make online-marketing a breeze.  Approved non-profits can have access to several Google tools to make it easier for people to find them and to donate.  These include Adwords (up to $10,000 a month in grants to non-profits), Apps, Analytics, Website Optimizer, Geo and others, such as premium features for YouTube. 

 

These Google features and Partners are offering their services for free or at heavily discounted costs.  You can find out more by watching these videos:

 

How to reach more donors with Google for Nonprofits 

 

Google for Nonprofits: Make a Change 

 

To apply, visit: http://google.com/nonprofits 

Like UsFollow Us
Read UsLink to UsWatch Us
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List


Community Development Professionals

 

332 Dayton Street
Hamilton, OH 45011

 

Phone: (513) 858-1738
Fax: (513) 858-1739
Bridgeworks Logo

Connect

 

Errors by Grant Applicants    

paper stack

 

The Chronicle of Philanthropy recently interviewed several grant makers and consultants at the Council on Foundations annual meeting in Philadelphia.  The topic: common mistakes made by grant applicants.  Here are the high points of those interviews including some of the extra points given in the comments.

Overpromising

Overpromising is a big no-no.  It's easy to do, though, with all the competition out there.  However, don't let the stress of getting the funds get in the way of truth.  Be sure to make realistic goals and have the data to back them up.

"Only One" Mentality

One funder states that it is risky to say your organization is the only one accomplishing a certain task.  They might even know of an organization offering a similar program .  Again, have the data or proof to back up your claims.

Flying Solo

Several of the comments centered around organizations writing an entire proposal without checking with the foundation at all.  With this has come many errors along the lines of not knowing the proper way to apply for a grant, who to send the paperwork to, and not knowing the appropriate amount for which to ask.  This is problematic and a fairly immediate turn-off for most foundations.  It says that the organization didn't care enough to properly research the Foundation or isn't concerned with details. 

Shooting Blind

Complementing the previous topic is this one where organizations request an amount totally contrary to what the foundation typically awards.  This can be easily found out by contacting the foundation, reading the previous year's 990, checking out the annual report and probably by reading the RFP (Request for Proposal).  A big mistake would be to ask for $100,000 when the foundation typically only funds up to $10,000 or requesting $10,000 when they might consider $100,000.  Some organizations were also completely unaware of the mission of the foundation.  If the foundation was established to assist work to people with disabilities, the proposal should meet that need as well.

In summary, read and follow directions.  Don't be afraid to ask questions.  Be honest and factual about what you do and can do.  Lastly, proofread what you are sending.  Double, no, triple-check everything before you send it out.  If a proposal is filled with typos (check even the spelling of the Foundation and contact's name), it will probably be tossed out before they really get a chance to read it.

Watch the video here.

CDP is offering our "Mastering the Art of Grant Writing" training July 7, 2011.  If you would like to register for this training, or any others, follow the link found below in the CDP Bridgeworks Training section.
CCR Services and Amenities 
CCR Logo 

 

With funding cuts, donations down and non-profits like you being forced to squeeze even more out of every dollar, it's a struggle to just get through each day.  You are not alone - we are here to help!  Non-profits spend hundreds of dollars each year on operations and back-office expenses.  Besides offering office space for rent, the CCR has special Membership levels giving you access to valuable resources.

 

For only $150 per month (Investment Member)

  • 4 hours of free consulting on issues related to accounting, funding, marketing, program development and more!  We will answer questions on bookkeeping and software without charging by the call.  We will review a grant before you submit it or help you fill out the forms.  If you need help designing a new program or want to start something new, we can help.  And much more!
  • Access to equipment such as a projector, screen, marketing display board, digital camera, commercial-grade copier and more.
  • Access to software including PowerPoint, MSWord, Excel, Access, Adobe Professional and Creative Suite which includes InDesign, Photoshop and more.
  • Exposure through our partnership with TVHamilton.  Be a guest on CDP's new show In the City to promote your non-profit or event.
  • Access to meeting spaces including a board room, small conference room and training room, as well as, private office space each available by reservation.
     

We are also offering the Investment Plus Membership for only $250 per month, which includes everything above plus 2 hours of professional services each month.  These services include non-profit formation, grant writing, bookkeeping, grant compliance, marketing or website development and handyman services. 

 

We appreciate what you do to make our community better.  Call us today at 513.858.1738 to discuss membership! 

CDPBridgeworks Training 

Bridgeworks Logo
  

Register for 
"Image Development"

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Center for Community Revitalization
332 Dayton St.
Hamilton, OH 45011

 

The Image Development workshop focuses on assisting organizations with creating an Image Development Plan. Participants will learn creative ways to market their organization and use the media to promote the programs and services of the organization. This workshop is appropriate for Executive Directors, Directors of Development, Marketing Directors, Board members or other staff persons involved in marketing and public relations. Half-day workshop (AM) 

 

Upcoming Bridgeworks Trainings

Understanding Budgets: Tues, Jun 28, 2011: Hamilton, OH
Mastering the Art of Grant Writing: Thurs, Jul 7, 2011: Hamilton, OH
Volunteer Recruitment and Management: Thurs, Jul 21, 2011: Hamilton, OH
Working with the Federal Government: Wed, Jul 27: Hamilton, OH
  

CDPBridgeworks Connect to Funding  

  
Grants to Tribes, Tribal Organizations and Migrant Programs for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention Programs
Administration on Children, Youth and Families
SUMMARY: The primary purpose of this funding opportunity announcement is to provide financial support to selected Tribes, Tribal Organizations, and Migrant Programs for child abuse prevention programs and activities that are consistent with the goals outlined by Title II of Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act.  This legislation specifies that one percent of the available funding from Title II will be reserved to fund Tribes, Tribal Organizations and Migrant Programs. The goal of the programs and activities supported by these funds is to prevent the occurrence or recurrence of abuse or neglect within the Tribal and Migrant populations. The funds must support more effective and comprehensive child abuse prevention activities and family support services, including an emphasis on strengthening family life and reaching out to include fathers, that will enhance the lives and ensure the safety and well-being of Migrant and Native American children and their families. Some examples of programs that may be funded include, but are not limited to, voluntary home visiting, respite care, parenting education, mutual support, family resource centers, marriage education, and other family support services.
ELIGIBILITY: Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and migrant programs with the capacity to establish, maintain, and evaluate community-based programs for the prevention of child abuse and neglect are eligible to apply. Applicants must specify if they are applying as a "Tribe" or "Tribal Organization" or "Migrant Program". Non-profit organizations (with and without 501(c)(3) status) are eligible to apply if they operate or plan to operate migrant programs. Collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts are acceptable, but applications must identify a primary applicant responsible for administering the grant.
DEADLINE: July 5, 2011
FULL ANNOUNCEMENT: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/open/foa/view/HHS-2011-ACF-ACYF-CA-0147
 
Bridging Cultures Implementation Grant
National Endowment for the Humanities
SUMMARY: In setting forth its vision for the National Endowment for the Humanities, Congress declared that "the humanities reflect the high place accorded by the American people to the nation's rich cultural heritage and to the fostering of mutual respect for the diverse beliefs and values of all persons and groups." To help Americans better understand our own rich cultural heritage, while enhancing public knowledge of and respect for others both here and abroad, NEH has launched the Bridging Cultures initiative. The initiative encourages projects that explore the ways in which cultures from around the globe, as well as the myriad subcultures within America's borders, have influenced American society.
ELIGIBILITY: State, county, city or township governments, Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, Federally recognized Native American tribal governments, Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, private institutions of high education.
DEADLINE: August 2, 2011
FULL ANNOUNCEMENT: http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/BridgingCulturesImplementation.html

NEA Arts in Media, FY2012
National Endowment for the Arts
SUMMARY: The Arts Endowment's support of a project may start on May 1, 2012, or any time thereafter. Through this category, the National Endowment for the Arts seeks to make the excellence and diversity of the arts widely available to the American public through every available media platform including television, radio, the Internet, interactive and mobile technologies, digital games, and satellite. By increasing the accessibility and impact of the arts, the Arts Endowment aims to strengthen the creativity of our nation. Grants are available to support the development, production, and national distribution of innovative media projects about the arts (e.g., visual arts, music, dance, literature, design, theater, musical theater, opera, folk & traditional arts, and media arts including film, audio, animation, and digital art) and media projects that can be considered works of art.
ELIGIBILITY: State, county, city or township governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.
DEADLINE: September 1, 2011 - Applicants are required to submit their applications electronically through Grants.gov.
FULL ANNOUNCEMENT: http://www.arts.gov/grants/apply/AIM/index.html

Documenting Democracy: Access to Historical Records Projects
National Archives and Records Administration
SUMMARY: The National Historical Publications and Records Commission seeks proposals that promote the preservation and use of the nation's most valuable archival resources. Projects should expand our understanding of the American past by facilitating and enhancing access to primary source materials. The Commission will support such activities as establishing archives programs, processing archival collections at the basic or detailed levels, surveying and accessioning archival records, and converting existing archival collection finding aids to new online formats. Applicants may submit proposals for one or any combination of the following four project categories. 1. Basic Processing; 2. Detailed Processing; 3. Documentary Heritage; and 4. Retrospective Conversion of Descriptive Information.
ELIGIBILITY: State, county, city or township governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments, Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS and private institutions of high education.
DEADLINE: October 6, 2011
FULL ANNOUNCEMENT: http://www.archives.gov/nhprc/announcement/access.html

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
SUMMARY: Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts.
ELIGIBILITY: Tax-exempt public agencies, Universities, Public charities, a small percentage of grants go to individuals and for-profit organizations for work that is charitable or exempt under 501(c)(3) by the IRS.  There is a long list of what they do not fund on their website here.
DEADLINE: on-going
FULL-ANNOUNCEMENT: http://www.knightfoundation.org/apply/