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 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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posted by admin on Oct 1

So you think you want to dance…Getting Started

NOTE: To get a foundation grant you must have a non-profit status from the Internal Revenue Service (501(c)3).

(1) The Foundation Tables that follow have been categorized by concepts and may fund multiple concept categories – see the bottom of the table. The Foundation Tables are arranged by concepts in the “Categories” button to the right. For the most part I was looking for foundations that fund workforce and financial literacy concepts. Geographically, the Foundations listed in the Tables fund in every state – making the process more competitive – you really have to show demonstrated performance to get funded.(2) If you are looking for your non-profit’s first grant and have established a project plan with goals/objectives/measurable outcomes, I suggest you start with your area’s local foundations. Just do a google for “local foundations in your town”, and see what you get – then do your foundation research – go to their websites to “hear” clearly the foundation’s mission and purpose to see if your non-profit’s mission and purpose align.(3) Annual Reports usually indicate who was funded, if you cannot find one on the foundation website go to Guidestar.com they have a copy of the foundation’s IRS forms that indicate who, where and how much was funded, these are available to the public. This is good information to know for financial project planning. Go to the funded organization’s websites and see what you can learn about how they aligned concepts.(4) The foundation’s websites have guidelines for submission and most applications are done on-line. Most of the foundations that I have seen have very minor applications, some require a Letter of Inquiry first to determine if your concept really does fit their mission before inviting you to submit the full application – when you submit the application they will require a copy of your 501©3 non-profit certification and financial documentation; i.e. audit, tax returns….

If you have a grant question – just ask.

posted by admin on May 28

posted by admin on Feb 2