******************
Events
Grass Roots Economic
Development Training
Community Development Institute East (http://www.wvu.edu/%7Eagexten/temp/CDIBroc.pdf)
A course in
"Grass Roots Economic Development and Community Capacity Building" will be held
in Charleston, WV on September 28 through October 3, 2003. Course topics are
covered using a combination of lectures and real-world examples drawn from a
wide array of public and private sector experiences. The Institute's curriculum
is designed to meet the needs of chambers of commerce, private and public sector
community and economic development organizations, utility companies, planners,
banks, extension services, municipal and county officials, and grass roots
leaders and groups. For more information contact Leone Ohnoutka at 304-424-1960,
leone.ohnoutka@wvu.edu, or visit the above website.
******************
Turning Power into Potential
Grantmakers for Children, Youth and Family Annual Conference (http://www.gcyf.org/a-schedule.html)
The theme of
the annual Grantmakers for Children, Youth and Family conference is "The Power
and Promise of Philanthropy in Changing Times." The conference will help
grantmakers address the questions of how to balance the power of being the
provider of funds with conflicts over resource allocation, decision-making,
knowledge and direction. The conference will be held October 1-3, 2003 in
Detroit, MI. For registration information, visit the website above.
******************
Funding Opportunities
More Than Just Building
Kresge Foundation (http://www.kresge.org)
The Kresge
Foundation supports a range of organizations, reflecting almost the entire
breadth of the nonprofit sector. The Foundation primarily makes challenge grants
for building construction or renovation through its Bricks and Mortar Program.
Grants are also given for the purchase of major equipment and real estate. The
Foundation staff prefers that their applicants have an aggressive local and
regional campaign in progress before applying. In addition, the Foundation
typically comes in once two-thirds of the cost of the building or renovation has
been raised. Requests are reviewed quarterly. Check the above website for
complete information.
******************
Positive Change Through Young
People
YouthActionNet Awards Program (http://www.youthactionnet.org/minigrants.php)
YouthActionNet awards small grants to youth leaders and their emerging projects
that promote social change and connect youth with local communities throughout
the world.
Award
recipients will receive $500 and funds for a disposable camera to photo-document
their project for an online photo gallery. Award recipients will also have the
opportunity to take part in an online journal and contribute to a booklet of
case studies highlighting the work of young people bringing positive change to
their communities around the world. Both individuals and groups may apply, and
the next deadline for applications is October 1, 2003. For more information,
visit the above website.
******************
Improving the Health Care
of All Americans
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (http://www.rwjf.org/index.jsp)
The Robert
Wood Johnson Foundation seeks to improve the health and health care of all
Americans. The Foundation concentrates grantmaking in four areas: to assure that
all Americans have access to quality health care at reasonable costs; to improve
the quality of care and support for people with chronic health conditions; to
promote healthy communities and lifestyles; and to reduce the personal, social
and economic harm caused by substance abuse - tobacco, alcohol, and illicit
drugs. The Foundation awards grants in two ways: "Calls for Proposals" are
offered under competitive national programs, and unsolicited proposals are
accepted that address one of the Foundation's focused portfolios. For more
information, go to the website above.
******************
Alleviating the Root Causes of
Poverty
Catholic Campaign for Human Development Grant Programs (http://www.nccbuscc.org/cchd/organizing.htm)
The Catholic
Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is a national social justice program of
the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. CCHD's mission is to address
the root causes of poverty in America through promotion and support of community
controlled, self-help organizations, and through transformative education with
the non-poor. CCHD funds the following two categories of projects: The Community
Organizing Grant Program supports projects in which poor and marginalized people
join together to seek solutions to local problems and find ways to improve their
lives and neighborhoods. The Economic Development Program assists organized
groups of poor and low-income people seeking to develop businesses and to create
jobs that are owned by, and benefit, members of low-income communities. Grants
range from $10,000 to $50,000 and application deadlines vary by program. For
more information, visit the above website.
******************
Support Given for Financial
Literacy
ING Foundation (http://www.ing-usa.com/about/connect/index.html)
The ING
Foundation's primary goal is to educate the public on becoming financially
independent through increased understanding and comfort with financial services
products. ING grants are intended to assist nonprofit organizations in
motivating individuals to assume personal responsibility for their financial
well-being. Although ING funds national initiatives, the Foundation's
contribution program primarily focuses its community resources in the areas
where employees are based and customers live. The Foundation provides support in
company communities by building youth leadership through Junior Achievement;
sponsoring financial literacy programs in underserved communities; investing in
arts institutions and civic efforts that create diverse, economically sound
neighborhoods; and improving the financial savvy of women and people of color
starting small businesses. Requests for funding are accepted at any time. Visit
the website for more information.
******************
Changing the Face of Disability
ELA Foundation (http://www.ela.org/)
The ELA
Foundation funds organizations that are led by or that support programs for
people with disabilities. The Foundation is involved in the areas of education,
advocacy, and the arts and especially encourages distinctive projects where the
organization is making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities.
Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000 per project and the next application deadline
is November 1. For detailed information, go to the above website.
******************
The Community
Foundation for the National Capital Region
http://www.cfncr.org
August 20-The Community Foundation for the National Capital
Region's Common Ground Fund Announces $200,000 Available in Grants. Applications
are due
September 12, 2003 by
5:00 p.m.
Washington,
DC – The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region's Common Ground
Fund invites nonprofit organizations in the Greater Washington region to apply
for grants to address social justice issues. The total amount of funds available
to grant is $200,000. Applications are due September 12, 2003 by
5:00 p.m.
The Common Ground Fund, formerly the Initiative to Strengthen
Neighborhood Inter-Group Assets, became a program of The Community Foundation's
in January 2000. The mission of The Common Ground Fund is to address social
justice issues impacting communities of color with a focus on investing in
racially diverse neighborhoods. The work of Common Ground has become
increasingly vital as recent Census data illustrates the evolution of
Washington, DC
into a nation's capital filled with great racial, cultural and economic
diversity.
Over the last seven years, The Common Ground Fund has awarded more
than $1.3 million. These investments have leveraged significant additional
philanthropic investments to support the ability of neighborhood leaders to
tackle critical social justice issues in our region.
“Through support from The Common Ground Fund, residents of
different backgrounds are using their collective power to build flourishing
communities that embrace all residents, “ said Thelma Jones, co-chair of the
Common Ground Fund and Community Outreach Coordinator for the World Bank Group.
As a result of the work of The Common Ground Fund: African American
and Latino tenants in Columbia Heights have preserved affordable housing for
their families and neighbors; low-income residents in Alexandria advocated for
and won access to affordable healthcare; and racially diverse parents in Silver
Spring established an enrichment program at Piney Branch Elementary School to
address the growing achievement gap.
The Common Ground Fund is supported by resources from The Community
Foundation for the National Capital Region, the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer
Foundation, the Fannie Mae Foundation, the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz
Foundation, the Prince Charitable Trusts, the Weissberg Foundation, and the
World Bank Group. For application and more information, visit The Community
Foundation's web site at www.cfncr.org. In 2003, The Community Foundation
celebrates 30 years of growing philanthropy in the greater
Washington
region. Established in 1973, The Community Foundation for the National Capital
Region leverages the philanthropic investments of families, individuals and
corporate donors with the expertise and resources of the area's largest
community of givers. The Community Foundation is a collection of funds that
support nonprofits that address our community's most pressing needs and works to
enrich our lives. Last year, donors with funds at The Community Foundation
awarded $56 million to nonprofit organizations, with nearly 70% of these grants
supporting programs in the region.
******************
Tips
The Funder's Checklist: An Inside Look at How Funders Evaluate Proposals and
Nonprofit Organizations
The Funder's Checklist, written by Dynell A. Garron, walks
grantseekers through the proposal evaluation process used by foundation and
corporate funders.
Please visit the link below for ordering and pricing information.
http://www.funderschecklist.com
Publication date: 2002
Source:
Email info@funderschecklist.com
******************
The Wilder Nonprofit Field Guide to Conducting Community Forums: Engaging
Citizens, Mobilizing Communities
Community
forums are powerful tools for educating the public, building consensus, focusing
action, and influencing policy. They can be an effective mechanism for public
debate on issues. Forums can ensure that the community's voice is included in
decision making and increase awareness and understanding of key issues facing
communities. They can generate hope and confidence in communities that are short
on both, and they can help build social capital -- strong relationships and
connections among people.
This book is
intended to help community groups -- whether citizens, nonprofits, government,
or business -- achieve their community building goals and make good use of their
scarce resources. It is organized into five sections:
Available in
bookstores.
Publication date:
May 2003
******************
Sustainability Toolkit: 10 Steps to Maintaining Your Community Improvements
This toolkit takes you through a 10-step process for determining
which efforts should be maintained and deciding how to successfully continue
them.
The Sustainability Toolkit contains:
·
Examples and
stories from communities throughout the nation
·
Activities you
can complete, which are included on a CD-ROM
·
Sample plans,
timelines, and completed activities
·
Tips and
resources
Please visit the link below for ordering and pricing information.
http://www.civicpartnerships.org/default.asp?id=227
Publication date: 2001
Source:
Center for Civic Partnerships
1851 Heritage Lane, Suite 250
Sacramento,
CA 95815
916-646-8680
Fax 916-646-8660
******************
Maximum Youth involvement: The Complete Gameplan for Community Change
This planning manual for youth/adult collaboraton on advocacy
projects compares various models to figure out what level of youth involvement
makes sense for you and identifies essential organizational supports. It also
has an extensive appendix of reproducible handouts and worksheets plus an action
handbook.
Please visit the link below for ordering and pricing information.
http://www.youthactivism.com/myitoc.htm
Publication date: 2003
Source:
Youth Activism Project
P.O. Box E
Kensington,
MD 20895
1-800-KID-POWER
******************
Jobs/Internships
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT:
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION
MARYLAND VIETNAMESE MUTUAL ASSOCIATION, INC. (MVMA)
Personnel Needs:
MVMA is looking for an energetic professional to lead the organization in the
Executive Director position. The Executive Director has the key responsibilities
of: 1) managing the daily operations and program activities of the organization
as well as managing and developing staff; 2) developing financial resources to
grow the organization, and 3) working with the Board to initiate and develop
policies and programs that support the organization’s mission. This is a
part-time position of 20 to 25 hours per week with the potential of growing to a
full time position as MVMA programs expand.
Background:
MVMA is a small but well-established non-profit organization founded in 1982.
The mission of MVMA is:
* To provide educational, social, immigration, employment and
housing services to refugees and immigrants from diverse ethnic and cultural
backgrounds;
* To promote the active participation of Asian Americans in
community and civic affairs at all levels;
* To preserve the cultural heritage of Vietnamese Americans;
* To foster a deeper understanding among ethnic groups and the
community-at-large.
Selection
Criteria:
* Four year college degree at an accredited institution, preferably
in Social Work, English, or Communication;
* Demonstrated success in leadership, organizational and financial
management
* Experience working with non-profit organizations;
* Strong oral and written communication skills; Experience in
writing funding proposal is a plus.
* Basic computer skills;
* Willingness to undertake a flexible work schedule, including
attending night and weekend activities;
*
U.S.
Citizen; Bilingual in English and Vietnamese is preferred.
Salary
Range: $20,000 to $25,000 depending on experience.
Application
Process:
* Send resume, cover letter, writing sample and three references
to:
MVMA: ED Search Committee
11501 Georgia Avenue, Suite 312
Wheaton,
MD 20902
* All inquiries should be sent to the above address.
* Deadline for submission:
October 3, 2003.
Note: MVMA is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse
workplace. All candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
For more background information please visit our website at:
www.mdvietmutual.org
******************
JOB OPENING: EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR, Washington
State Human
Rights Commission
Salary:
Exempt, compensation range $89,000 - $100,000 DOQ.
Location: Olympia, Washington, with travel state-wide.
Closing
Date: October 14, 2003
The
Human Rights Commission is seeking a visionary and dynamic leader to join our
agency. This high-level position serves at the pleasure of a five-member
Commission appointed by the Governor for five-year terms. The Executive
Director is accountable for the direction and administration of an agency whose
statutory responsibility is set by the Washington State Law Against
Discrimination (RCW 49.60).
AGENCY PROFILE:
The
mission of the Human Rights Commission is to eliminate and prevent
discrimination through the fair application of the law, the efficient use of
resources, and the establishment of partnerships with the community. The
Commission's home office is located in Olympia, which is the State capitol.
Branch offices are located in Seattle, Spokane and Yakima. The professional
staff of approximately 45 includes managers, investigators and support staff.
The operating budget for the 2003-2005 biennium is approximately $6 million.
POSITION PROFILE:
The
Executive Director reports to the Commissioners and is responsible for
implementing the Commission's programs and policies and for directing the
Commission's staff and office operations. The Executive Director provides
overall management of the agency, including strategic planning, budget, quality
initiatives, policy, regulations, investigation, compliance, technical
assistance, education and training and outreach throughout the state.
This
position:
§
Oversees the operational and policy-making activities of the agency, ensuring
effective management of agency functions.
§
Enforces and ensures compliance with the State Law Against Discrimination.
§
Performs strategic long-range planning, including development of performance
standards and measures.
§
Develops and manages the agency's biennial budget.
§
Develops and implements agency policies and procedures.
§
Develops and negotiates working agreements, relationships and contracts with
local, state and federal complaint processing agencies.
§
Interprets and explains the State Law Against Discrimination and agency
operations to complainants, respondents, attorneys, public officials, the
legislature, media, stakeholder groups and the general public.
§
Provides testimony and information to legislature regarding civil rights laws
and programs.
§
Provides expert advice on emerging civil rights issues to affected stakeholder
groups, community organizations and the general public.
§
Participates in activities of regional and national civil rights organizations.
§
Provides leadership and partnerships to support the state's workforce diversity
goals.
CANDIDATE PROFILE:
The
Commission is seeking candidates who meet or exceed the following profile:
§
Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to the principles and enforcement of
civil rights law.
§
Demonstrated ability to provide visionary leadership.
§
Demonstrated ability to work with external constituencies to build partnerships
and promote the agency.
§
Demonstrated experience and accomplishments in budget development and
administration, personnel systems, and administrative and information systems.
§
Demonstrated understanding of and ability to lead and work effectively in the
political environment of a state agency and within the confines of the direction
provided by the governing Board of Commissioners.
§
Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
§
Experience supervising and managing professional staff.
§
Demonstrated support of and experience in the collective bargaining arena.
§
Demonstrated successful track record in working with diverse groups to build
consensus on difficult and sometimes contentious issues.
§
Demonstrated success in building partnerships with business, labor, human and
civil rights agencies and organizations, the disabled community, and
community-based groups.
§
Experience in budget formulation and implementation, legislative testimony,
multi-party negotiation and arbitration, labor management relations and
organizational theory and development.
DESIRABLE QUALITIES and ATTRIBUTES:
The
Board is also interested in non-traditional candidates - individuals whose
distinguished careers are outside of public administration, but who can
demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of civil rights law and government
systems and processes. Critical to this position are strong character and
integrity and the ability to articulate the vision of the agency. Must be able
to inspire confidence and develop staff and build effective teams. Must be a
leader who can create and sustain an agency that epitomizes the mission and
vision and enhances organizational recognition and image.
DESIRABLE EDUCATION:
The
ideal candidate will possess at least a bachelor's degree in or with an emphasis
on public administration and management, social or political science, business
administration, law, organizational development, planning or related fields.
DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE:
The
ideal candidate will possess at least ten years of professional experience that
encompasses the skills, abilities, and performance criteria included in this
recruitment announcement.
COMPENSATION:
This
position serves at the pleasure of the five-member board of Commissioners and is
exempt from civil service laws. The maximum annual compensation for the
position is $80,000-$100,000, dependant on qualifications. Washington state has
a generous benefit package, including health, dental and life insurance,
retirement, and an optional deferred compensation program.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Individuals interested in this position may apply by submitting a current
chronological resume that includes employment history and education. Only those
individuals who demonstrate the stated qualifications will be considered.
Applicants of interest will be personally contacted by the recruiter for further
and more detailed information.
Executive Search Services - ESS199 Voice/Message: (360) 664-1953
E-mail:
steins@dop.wa.gov
CLICK
HERE TO APPLY:
http://hr.dop.wa.gov/ess/jobredirect.htm
Resumes
must be received by October 14, 2003. The hiring authority reserves the right
and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision prior to this date.
Candidate evaluation will be ongoing, and it will be to the applicant's
advantage to submit materials as soon as possible. The State of Washington
actively supports diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity
employer. Applicants wishing assistance or alternative formats in the process
should contact (360) 664-1951, E-mail:
lindar@dop.wa.gov, or TDD at (360) 664-6211.
******************
News
California Leads U.S. in Foreign Born
The
numbers top 40% in
Santa Ana,
Los Angeles and Anaheim, the Census Bureau says.
By
Jennifer Mena, Times Staff Writer
Seven
California cities, led by Santa Ana, are among the nation's top 10 ranked by
percentage of foreign-born residents, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Wednesday.
Based on
a 2002 survey, the bureau estimates that 48% of Santa Ana's population is
foreign-born, second in the
United States
to Miami, where an estimated 61% of the residents were born on foreign soil.
Ranking
behind Santa Ana were
Los Angeles,
with 41% of the population foreign-born;
Anaheim,
40%, and San Francisco, 37%. Also among the top 10 were San Jose, Long Beach and
San Diego.
The data
reflect variations from a 2001 survey that showed Santa Ana with a higher
percentage of foreign born residents, 56%, and Los Angeles with a slightly lower
estimate of 40%. The fluctuations are not considered statistically significant,
said Kevin Deardorff, chief of immigration statistics for the Census Bureau.
California
ranked first among the states for the proportion of its population — 27% — who
were foreign-born, followed by New York with 21%, and New Jersey, 19%, according
to the report. Nationwide, 12% of the population is foreign-born.
The
findings released Wednesday were based on responses from a sample of 740,000
people nationwide.
The
report "is a reconfirmation that Santa Ana is a welcoming place for new
immigrants," said Santa Ana Councilman Jose Solorio.
"They
come to achieve the American dream in Santa Ana, whether they are immigrants
from Mexico,
Vietnam or Europe. Many immigrants have made the city their home."
Solorio
said strong businesses and lower housing costs attract newcomers who work in
service jobs in Orange
County.
Dealing with new immigrants has become routine: The city prints information
about its services in English, Spanish and Vietnamese and hires mostly bilingual
employees.
Local
population statistics showing the number of foreign-born residents can help
public agencies fashion services, said Hans Johnson, a demographer at the Public
Policy Institute of California in San Francisco. For example, they might
influence the types of books purchased by local libraries, he said.
He and
others noted, however, that there were no surprises in Wednesday's data. "A
substantial share of our population is foreign-born and has been for years,"
said Johnson. "This set of statistics will not stop people in their tracks."
Census
data are helpful when tracked over time, showing trends in immigrant numbers,
their home ownership, income and other statistics, said James Allen, a
demographer at Cal State Northridge.
The
report once again puts
Santa Ana
among a list of cities with notable statistical profiles. In 2001, census data
showed the city as the "most Spanish speaking," with 74% of residents speaking
Spanish at home, more than any other city in the United States.
The
faces and customs behind the statistics bring comfort to such residents as
Maricarmen Ruvicalba, who came to
Santa Ana
nine years ago. She attends Spanish-language Mass and relies on the Main Street
market that stocks products she bought in
Mexico
years before: Jumex mango nectar, pinto beans and Mexican Ariel laundry
detergent.
"This is
a great place to live for someone who doesn't speak a lot of English and can't
make a living in Mexico. Everything is here for us," said Ruvicalba, 34, a
mother of three whose husband is a construction worker.
Deardorff said his agency in 2000 began producing more reports, known as the
American Community Survey, based on smaller samples with the intent of one day
eliminating the large studies done only once a decade.
The
smaller reports are intended to generate data not just on population, but on
issues ranging from child guardianship to commuting patterns.
The 2003
study will survey 3 million people in targeted cities, he said.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-census4sep04,1,2358099.story
******************
SAMHSA Releases Training Manual for Developing Competitive Grant Applications
Press
Release
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Rm 12-105 Parklawn Building
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
www.samhsa.gov
In an effort
to provide new grant applicants with the guidance needed to prepare competitive
grant applications, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA) released the manual, "Developing Competitive SAMHSA
Grant Applications: A Participant Manual."
"SAMHSA
recognizes that grassroots operations often are in the best position to make
healthy changes in their neighborhoods," said SAMHSA Administrator Charles
Curie. "We want to award grants to a variety of projects. Therefore, it is
critical that new applicants have the skills and guidance to prepare competitive
applications. We anticipate that this manual will be particularly helpful to
community-based organizations, faith-based organizations and community groups."
The
Participant Manual was developed for use in workshop settings, and also to be
used as a reference guide. The manual covers topics on the following:
