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CDP PRESS
July 2011
Volume 9, Issue 7 

What Data Is and What It Isn't  

 

Pie Chart"Data are widely available; what is scarce is the ability to extract wisdom from them." - Hal Varian (Google)

Data. Data. Data.  Our society is so chock-full of data and we love it.  But data can only do so much for us.  Often the words "data" and "information" become confused with each other.  The dictionary says that data is "individual facts, statistics or items of information." Dictionary.com.

Jeff Stanger, of Center for Digital Information, (see below for link to full article) states that data is simply the result of research.  It does not inform on its own but carries the potential to inform.  Data is anything that can be digitized, such as numbers and text.  An example would be walking outside and deciding it was "hot" and "humid." Or taking a thermometer and barometer to measure the temperature as 90F and the air pressure.  Both forms are data, just different kinds.  This data, however, only becomes useful as information when it's communicated.  Without communication, data is only personal knowledge or even useless raw material.  Not only this, but if it is communicated in the wrong language, too softly or in some other form that is not accepted, the data may still be good, but the communication has failed.

The way we communicate is extremely important, therefore.  According to the Center for the Digital Future, 82% of Americans have access to the Internet and 78% of these say that the Internet is important or very important as a source of information.  In another study by Pew Research Center, 85% of American adults have mobile phones, most of which have access to the Internet. 

With all of this digital technology, the ability to collect and store data from research is easier than ever.  As non-profits, data is collected all the time for reporting and it's important to convey this data, not just for legal/financial purposes, but to the general public as well.  The method doesn't have to be fancy, just so long as the information is getting out there in a manner which is easy to understand.  Here are some great examples of interactive data on websites:

CIA World Factbook
ProPublica: How the Heart Rhythm Society Sells Access
What will happen to the world's population?

For the full, original article, visit here.

Dollar SignFunding Opportunities

 For assistance in researching these or other grant opportunities, contact CDP.  
   
 

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/

3M Foundation
SUMMARY: The goal of the 3M Contributions Program is to positively impact 3M communities by preparing individuals and families for success.  3M  funds initiatives that produce measurable and sustainable results in the company's five areas of interest: K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, arts and culture and environment.
ELIGIBILITY: Non-profit organizations. Limited to only communities where 3M has a facility (view here) and does not include individuals, for-profit organizations, disease-related organizations, hospitals, individual K-12 schools, religious, fraternal, social, veterans or military organizations, government agencies, hospice programs, athletic treatment centers or scholarship funds or organizations.
DEADLINE: none
FULL ANNOUNCEMENT: http://www.3M.com/about3M/community  
In This Issue
What Data Is and What It Isn't
Funding Opportunities
Tip of the Month
Community Calendar
Useful Resources
MonthlyTipTIP OF THE MONTH 
Writing a Volunteer Job Description   

Volunteer Hands


Writing a volunteer job description is just as important as one for a paid position.  Here are some guidelines and points to include in a great volunteer job description:

The Position Title should give readers a sense of identity and a clear understanding of the assigned role.  The title should be descriptive of the function of the position, not the pay scale.

Work Location is the place where the individual will be working.  Will there be any traveling involved?

Responsibilities and Duties should be specific and clearly defined for the position.

Describe the purpose of the overall project/program and what the Volunteer Impact will be on its outcome.

If there are specific Qualifications, they should be listed out in a clear and concise manner.  These would include education, personal characteristics, skills, abilities and/or experience required.

Things that also should be included would be the Time Commitment Required, any Training which might be needed/provided, the Date the description was made or revised and the Volunteer Supervisor Name and Contact Info.

See a sample Job Description on About.com.

This information will be discussed in more detail at our next training, Volunteer Recruitment and Management, July 21st.  Register here.
About CDP Press 
CDP Press is a free publication for local government officials, non-profit professionals and educators who are working together to develop viable communities.  

Community Development Professionals
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Hamilton, OH 45011
(513) 858-1738

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Community Calendar

 
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Wed-Fri, July 13-15, 2011
2011 National Conference on Ending Homelessness
National Alliance to End Homelessness
https://help.endhomelessness.org/events/17#/events/17
Renaissance Washington DC Hotel, Washington, DC
Registration Early registration until Tues, May 31, 2011 for $475. Discount for multiple registrants from the same organization. Regular registration ends Wed, Jun 22, 2011 for $525.  For more information, see website above. 

Thursday, July 21, 2011, 9a-4p
Volunteer Recruitment and Management
CDP Bridgeworks Training
The Center for Community Revitalization, Hamilton, OH

Description Volunteer Recruitment and Management is a full-day workshop focusing on topics such as how to recruit and retain volunteers, record keeping for volunteers, and the role of volunteers in non-profit organizations. This workshop is appropriate for Executive Directors, Board members or other staff persons involved in volunteer management.    

 

Wednesday, July 27, 2011, 9a-4p

Working with the Federal Government

CDP Bridgeworks Training

The Center for Community Revitalization, Hamilton, OH

Description This full-day workshop is designed to help participants create more qualified and competitive federal proposals by taking an in-depth look at the federal environment. You will learn about the structure of federal departments, where federal funding comes from, the federal budgeting process, federal requests for proposals, and the grants.gov website. You will leave knowing how to prepare, qualify and apply for federal funds, and understand the reporting requirements that go with receiving those funds. This training is appropriate for Board members, Executive Directors, grant writers and other key staff persons involved in resource development.

 

Monday, August 1, 2011, 9a-4p

Back to Basics

CDP Bridgeworks Training

The Center for Community Revitalization, Hamilton, OH

Description This is the basic training for CDP's non-profit partners and recommended as a precursor to CDP's other trainings and workshops. Organizations will learn the six components of organizational development and will be given the tools they need to address each component effectively. This training is highly interactive and requires active participation on the part of each attendee. Organizations are required to commit to action items at the end of training and are offered a certificate upon successful completion of training and action items. Organizations are encouraged to send the Executive Director, 2 or more Board members and 1 or more key staff persons to this training. (Full day training)   

 

Tues-Fri, August 23-26, 2011

Community Action Partnership Annual Convention

http://www.communityactionpartnership.com/ 

San Francisco Marriott Marquis, San Francisco, CA

Description Community Action changes people's lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. CAP cares about the entire community, and is dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other. Visit the website above for pricing, hotel reservations and workshop details.

 
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332 Dayton St.
Hamilton, OH  45011
Phone: 513-858-1738