posted by admin on Feb 12

Texas Rural Communities (TRC) Grant Application Available – Due February 26

Texas Rural Communities, Inc. (TRC), offers grants for community programs…environmental…economic…educational. The projects have to be located in rural areas and they must advance community development.

When applying, there are two types of funding to consider…

(1) Recognition grants are for new or existing programs that are making, or have the potential to make, a significant difference in the community. The award ceiling is $5,000.00

(2) Impact grants are for programs that demonstrate innovation or have the potential to serve as model programs for other communities. The award ceiling ranges from $5,001 to $25,000.00.

To submit an application, you must be a nonprofit community-based organizations located in a rural community…the funding rules do not allow a governmental or quasi-governmental organization(s) to be the submitting applicant.

posted by admin on Feb 3

HHS Assets for Independence – Spring Cycle Grant applications due March 25 – $19 million estimated funding for 55-65 grant awards

“Most young people stumble through their lives learning financial literacy by trial and error” – Jumpstart Coalition

There is a lack of financial literacy in the US of A to determine it an urgency… a crisis and non-profits are desperately needed to step up and think about offering financial literacy type of programs. Here is your chance with the Health and Human Services Assets for Independence Program (AFI).

The financial literacy concept in the Assets for Independence program provides five-year grants to nonprofit organizations — including faith-based organizations — and government agencies. The financial literacy programs should “empower low-income families to become economically self-sufficient for the long-term”.

AFI grantees provide financial education training on money management issues, and assist participants to save earned income in special accounts that are matched, sometimes, four dollars to each one dollar and are called Individual Development Accounts (IDAs).

Participants use the IDAs to accumulate funds with the goal of acquiring a first home, post-secondary education, or starting up or expanding a small business.
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posted by admin on Feb 2

Texas – one of the first states to approve Summer Youth Program…more states to come

The Texas Workforce Commission, has approved “stimulus” funds… (WIA – American Recovery Reinvestment Act (ARRA)… to implement “Summer Youth Programs”. TWC Staff has completed planning for this year’s Summer Youth Program. The plan has gone through the “bureaucratic” tiers- nonprofits…workforce board…state…fed…. “This year’s Summer Youth Program is poised to implement some great programs,“ said a TWC staffer.

So nonprofits, education, churches…START PLANNING!!!…Nonprofits that work with youth have a great opportunity to “co-enroll” youth with the “Summer Youth Program”… churches and education need to channel the youth to get enrolled quickly help get more information by contacting a workforce board staffer.

In the state of Texas there are 28 workforce boards that will receive the funds. The youth will receive money and other “perks” to participate…but most of the youth will receive work experience and instruction that teaches them the “right” workplace behavior…like “no pants on the ground”… ethical behavior… foundation skills.
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posted by admin on Jan 28

First Lady’s Family Literacy Initiative for Texas – Applications Due March 5

The First Lady’s Family Literacy Initiative for Texas, a program of The Barbara Bush Texas Fund for Family Literacy, announces its 2010 grant competition. The grants of up to $50,000 each are given to enable an established literacy program to build on existing service to a single generation, i.e., children or adults, and create a complete family literacy program.

A successful grant application includes clearly stated objectives, along with a solid assessment plan to measure progress toward those objectives. Collaborative partnerships with other community groups are strongly encouraged.

The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, March 5, with Grant winners announced in May 2010.  For more information go to the website

posted by admin on Jan 27

OneStar Foundation “Renewing Our Communities Account”

The Texas OneStar Foundation (OSF) has issued a Request For Proposals (RFP) for the Renewing Our Communities Account (ROCA). Application deadline is February 19, 2010.

The RFP will be used to build capacity of small- to mid-size faith-based and community organizations (FBCOs) and their partners. Applicants must describe who among the organizational and community partners will work to support the capacity building process…what activities they want to implement to address capacity building needs…the proposal must demonstrate an openness and willingness to change. Proposals must include both organizational and community partner capacity building activities and describe how this grant opportunity will help their organization and collaborative partners build capacity. The proposals must describe how the collaboration intends to apply what they will learn to improve their social service delivery system.
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posted by admin on Jan 26

Affordable Housing Program – Federal Home Loan Bank Affordable Housing Program – February 15 – April 15, 2010

The Affordable Housing Program (AHP) is a great opportunity for organizations – like Habitat for Humanity…NeighborWorks…affordable housing entities… to receive gap assistance for low to moderate income homebuyers. The program provides direct grants and subsidized loans to assist in meeting the community’s affordable housing needs.

The AHP Funds must be used to benefit households with incomes at or below 80 percent of the median income for the area…and can be used to pay closing costs or down payments…buy down principal amounts or interest rates…refinance an existing loan (provided that the equity proceeds are used for the development of AHP-eligible housing)…assist with rehabilitation or construction costs…homebuyer education and counseling costs also qualify…the funds are intended for gap financing,
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