Upcoming Grant Opportunities

UPCOMING:

Capezio Ballet Makers Dance Foundation Offers Grants for Dance
Programs
Deadline: April 1, annually
The Capezio Ballet Makers Dance Foundation ( http://www.capeziodance.net/about/foundation/index.html ) offers grants to fund dance and certain other national, state, and local organizations that provide essential services to the field.
The foundation offers support for not-for profit, tax-exempt, national, regional, state, and local dance service and other org- anizations (e.g., festivals, councils, alliances, associations, guilds, art centers) whose programs and activities have a broad and significant impact on the field; unusual and imaginative efforts that clearly demonstrate and promote the value of the art form in all of its manifestations (e.g., ballet, modern, avant-garde, ethnic, show-dance, jazz, tap); programs or projects that bring together different interest groups to share informa- tion, strengthen management practices, solve common problems, and improve communications; and special pilot projects that meet clearly identified and unmet needs, and that have the potential to provide a model for the field.
Most grants range from $500 to $1,000 each, and the foundation will consider requests for program, project, and general oper- ating support only.
Visit the Capezio Ballet Makers Web site for complete grant guidelines.

----------------------------<<>>---------------------------
Coming Up Taller Awards to Honor After-School and Out-of-
School Arts and Humanities Programs
Deadline: January 31, 2008
The Coming Up Taller Awards ( http://www.cominguptaller.org/ ) annually recognize and reward excellence in afterschool and out- of-school arts and humanities programs for underserved children and youth in the United States.
The awards support afterschool and out-of-school programs that are tangible examples of the power of the arts and the humanities to encourage young people's creativity and to provide them with learning opportunities, chances to contribute to their community, and ways to take responsibility for their own futures.
Programs initiated by museums, libraries, performing arts organi- zations, universities, colleges, arts centers, community service organizations, schools, businesses, and eligible government enti- ties are encouraged to consider participating.
All programs must be nominated, although self-nominations are accepted. Programs must have been operational since January 2004 for a minimum of five years, including 2008. Organizations must be nonprofit and tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Inter- nal Revenue Code, a unit of state or local government, or a federally recognized tribal community.
Fifteen award recipients will receive $10,000 each, an individ- ualized plaque, and an invitation to attend the annual Coming Up Taller Leadership Enhancement Conference.
Visit the Coming Up Taller Web site for complete program guidelines, eligibility restrictions, and application procedures.

________________________________________________________________


Multi-Arts Production Fund Offers Support for New Work in the
Performing Arts
Deadline: February 1, 2008
The Multi-Arts (MAP) Production Fund ( http://www.mapfund.org/ ), a program of Creative Capital ( http://www.creative-capital.org/ ), supported by the Rockefeller Foundation ( http://rockfound.org/ ), seeks to assist artists who "are exploring the dynamics of live- performance within our changing society, thus reflecting our culture's innovation and growing diversity."
In keeping with the mandate of its founding organization, the Rockefeller Foundation, MAP seeks to support work that brings insight to the issue of cultural difference, be that in class, gender, generation, ethnicity, or tradition. MAP guidelines place a special emphasis on innovation, cross-cultural collaboration, and art that springs from cultural critique.
Applications for MAP support must come from U.S.-based organiza- tions that have current nonprofit 501(c)(3) status. Nonprofit artist-services organization may apply as fiscal sponsors on behalf of unincorporated artists or ensembles. Both the organiza- tion and the artists involved in a project must have a two-year history of professional activity. The fund supports only artistic projects that contain or will contain a live-performance compo- nent. Support may be applied to any phase of a project, up to and including its premiere run. The touring of completed projects is not eligible for MAP funding. MAP is especially interested in providing support for work early in its development.
Up to forty awards ranging from $10,000 to $45,000 each will be made. The average award amount is $22,000.
Completed applications may be sent electronically between January
1 and February 1, 2008. Visit the MAP Web site for complete program information and application procedures.

_____________________________________________________________

NOTICE:

BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES BOND PROGRAM
HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND
ADDENDUM NUMBER 1
DATE: December 27, 2007
TO: ALL PROSPECTIVE RESPONDENTS
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) NO. HPF0708
This addendum becomes a part of RFP No. HPF0708 titled: “Historic Preservation
Fund Guidelines and Application Forms FY 2007-2008.”
1. The deadline for submitting the submittals has been extended to April 25, 2008
by 2:00 pm. The location in which the submittals are to be delivered remains the
same.
2. The deadline to submit questions in writing has been extended until March
28, 2008.
The other dates listed in the RFP will be shifting accordingly based on the extension of
the submittal deadline. The second addendum to this RFP will provide answers to the
questions received at the pre-submittal conference and any we have received in writing.
We are preparing an agenda item for our Board’s consideration that if approved will
impact this RFP and that is the reason for the two changes listed above.

____________________________________________________________

REMINDERS:

United Way 2008-2010 Response Fund due Noon, Friday Jan 11, 2008
Florida Department of Cultural Affairs Culture Builds Florida due Feb 19, 2008 (new grant)

Let me know if Pegasus Consulting Group can assist you with your grant writing or editing needs. Contact Lisa at info@pegasuswriter.com or 305-984-0404

Children's Trust Bidder's Conference

The Children's Trust Announces...
Out-of-School Bidders' ConferenceOut-of-school (OOS) grant applicants are invited to a Bidders' Conference and Application Training in South Dade on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 9:30 AM.Click Here to RegisterClick here for a map to YMCA Homestead Branch.

Please let me know if you'd like assistance from Pegasus Consulting for this application. email info@pegasuswriter.com.

Thank You
Lisa

New Funding Announcements:

Please let me know if Pegasus Consulting can assist your organization in these or any other grant applications; call 305-984-0404 or email info@pegasuswriter.com.

http://es.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2008/2008_baa.html
Broad Agency Announcement for Conferences, Workshops, and/or Meetings
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) soliciting applications from eligible applicants for the planning, arranging, administering and/or conducting of conferences, workshops, and/or meetings that focus on research to protect human health and safeguard the environment. Specifically, EPA is interested in supporting scientific and technical research conferences that address the following research program areas: human health; ecosystems, water, and security; economics and sustainability; air and global climate change; and technology. Eligible applicants include: public/private nonprofit institutions located in the U.S.; state and local governments; Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments; and U.S. territories or possessions. Award ceiling: $500,000. Application deadline: January 7, 2008; June 5, 2008; and December 9, 2008.

http://www.oscars.org/grants/institutional/index.html
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Foundation Grants
The Academy Foundation, the educational and preservation wing of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, distributes through its Institutional Grants Program funding to film-related nonprofit organizations, schools, and colleges. Academy Institutional Grants are awarded only to nonprofit film organizations and to film programs within schools, colleges, universities, and other institutions and nonprofit organizations. Typical award amounts range from $5,000 to $15,000 per institution. Funds are not awarded directly to individuals engaged in the performing arts, or to cover the expenses of developing scripts, producing films, or funding educational expenses of any kind; nor are funds awarded to film festivals. Application deadline: January 15, 2008.

http://www.floridahousing.org/webboard/
Florida Housing Finance Corporation
The Florida Housing Finance Corporation will be holding a workshop for a 2008 Special Needs SAIL funding cycle. The meeting is scheduled for January 16, 2008 at 1 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport. There will be up to $13 million dollars available through a request for proposals process. If you would like to learn more about this meeting or similar FHFC initiatives for people with special needs, please take a moment to sign up for the the FHFC Special Needs Housing WebBoard to keep up to date on the process.

Earn money for your non-profit with Shop and Raise

As you may know, today marked the start of the online holiday shopping season. What better time to try a new service for non-profit organizations that allows you to raise money by letting your website visitors shop online? I found out about this site and just had to let all of my non-profit organizations know about it. All you need is a website.


About Shop & Raise
Private & Public Schools, Not-for-Profit's, Religious organizations, Sports teams, and PTAs are finally recognizing the magnitude of how traditional online purchasing can easily turn into their top producing fundraising program for the year - and for MANY years to come!

The Shop & Raise program has been designed to enable organizations with websites the unique opportunity to drive their families/members/supporters to THEIR website and offer them a place to support their cause, simply by doing what they do every day...shopping online!
Become active in the $200 Billion online retailing industry
Increase traffic to your website
Create an ongoing fundraising arm for your organization

This program requires absolutely no work on your part - the only implementation is for your web manager to place ONE LINE OF CODE onto your website and Moms-for-Profit manages the rest!

This program does not cost you one penny. It's FREE.If you're interested in creating this type of fundraising program for your organization contact us here! Feel free to click here and experience the ease of shopping from the Shop&Raise program. Don't just imagine it on your website - get it started now! Call today 1-877-792-7487

Fundraising Tips for December

Hope you are all enjoying the start to the holiday season. I just wanted to pass along some tips for increasing your fundraising:

• Engaging Your Board In Creating Sustainable FundingThis highly engaging free session, designed for board members and executive directors/CEOs, provides a formula for leaving a legacy of a stream of donors who will give for operations, capital, and endowment. Presenter: Terry Axelrod. Takes place Monday, Nov. 26, 4-6 PM, Lehrman Community Day School, 727 77th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33141.Click here to register or call Alaina Szlachta at (206) 709-9400 ext. 132 for details.
• Great article on writing a winning Letter of Interest at http://nonprofit.about.com/od/fundraising/a/LOI.htm
• Would you like to attract more sponsors? A new book tells you how: http://nonprofit.about.com/od/fundraising/fr/sponsor.htm?nl=1

Good luck, and as always, contact me at info@pegasuswriter if I can be of any grant writing or searching assistance.

Thank You

Lisa

Non-Profit Blogging/RFP Announcement

Consider a blog for your non-profit

If you don't have a blog for your non-profit organization, you are missing out on a tremendous, free opportunity for connecting with your supporters and raising money.

If you want to get started in blogging and don't know where to begin, contact me at pegasuslm@comcast.net for more information. Building blogs for customers is one of our new services at Pegasus Consulting Group, Inc.

RFP Announcement:

Miami Dade County Building Better Communities Historic Preservation Fund
The Request For Proposals for this fund will be made available on Monday, November 5, 2007. Please click here in order to be able to view and download the package.
A Historic Preservation Fund totaling $10 million will provide matching monies for eligible projects through grants to municipalities, organizations and individual property owners in the County for the purpose of rehabilitating historic sites and structures.

REMINDER:
Dade Community Foundation deadline November 15, 2007. Contact me to proof or edit your application.

Grant Search Service:

If you haven't seen a grant announcement that suits your organization, ask about our grant search service. email pegasuslm@comcast.net or call 305-984-0404.

Thanks
Lisa Merritt, President
Pegasus Consulting Group
pegasuslm@comcast.net

Children's Trust Bidders Conference

Bidders Conference for OOS Funding OpportunityA bidder's conference will be held Wednesday, Nov. 7 from 9:30 AM-12:30 PM for the RFP (request for proposals) for agencies that provide after-school and summer programs (OOS) for school-age children that are easily accessible and located geographically around Miami-Dade County. The conference will be held at Temple Israel, 137 NE 19th Street, Miami. Call: Emilio de la Cruz at (305) 571-5700 Ext. 227 or Click here to register.

Let me know if you'd like assistance info@pegasuswriter.com

Upcoming grants

Contact me for grant writing services at info@pegasuswriter.com

http://www.cintasfoundation.org/fellowships.htm <http://www.cintasfoundation.org/fellowships.htm>
Cintas Fellowships to Support Creative Artists of Cuban Lineage
The Cintas Foundation awards fellowships annually to creative artists of Cuban lineage who are currently residing outside of Cuba. For 2008, fellowships will be awarded in the categories of visual arts, music composition, and creative writing. The category of "visual arts" may include painting, installation art, sculpture, photography, video art, and filmmaking. Eligibility is limited to artists of Cuban citizenship or direct descent (having a Cuban parent or grandparent). Cintas may pursue their artistic activities as they wish. Fellowships are not awarded for academic study or research, or to performing artists. Award ceiling: $15,000. Application deadline: January 14, 2008.

Contact me at info@pegasuswriter if you need help applying for grants!


http://kif.kiwanis.org/lit/download.asp?id=21 <http://kif.kiwanis.org/lit/download.asp?id=21>
Kiwanis International Foundation

Through its matching grant program, the Kiwanis International Foundation provides grants to projects involving young children that further the goals and ideals of Kiwanis and promote the growth and development of Kiwanis in the area. Award ceiling: $10,000. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations in the US with 501(c)(3) tax exemption status with proper liability insurance. Through its general grant program (http://kif.kiwanis.org/lit/download.asp?id=20), Kiwanis International Foundation provides grants to projects involving young children from Kiwanis clubs or Districts for Kiwanis only. Kiwanis-family sponsored programs are given top priority. Eligible organizations in the US must have 501(c)(3) tax exemption status with proper liability insurance. Award ceiling: $50,000. Application deadlines: July 15th, November 15th, and April 15th, annually (both programs).

http://www.teammatesforkids.com/indexOld.htm <http://www.teammatesforkids.com/indexOld.htm>

Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation Grants

The Teammates for Kids Foundation accepts proposals for grants from nonprofit organizations that specialize in working with children in the areas of health, education and inner-city services. Eligible applicants are organizations with 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status with the IRS. 100% of grant monies received from the Teammates for Kids Foundation must be used exclusively for the benefit of children. Award ceiling: $50,000. Application deadline: open.

Upcoming Grants for South Florida

Let me know if you need grant writing services!


Florida Marlins due 10/31

M-D Summer Arts and Science Camp due 11/05

Dade Community Foundation Due 11/15

Broward County Regional Operating due 11/15

Funding Arts Network due 12-07

State of Florida Cultural Support due 12/14

State of Florida Arts In Entertainment due 12/10

Shubert Foundation Offers Funding for U.S. Professional Theaters
Deadline: December 3, 2007
The Shubert Foundation ( http://www.shubertfoundation.org/ ) annually awards unrestricted grants for general operating support to not-for-profit, professional resident theaters in the United States.
Shubert Foundation grants are awarded exclusively to U.S. organi- zations, which must have current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. The foundation provides grants only to organizations that have an established artistic and administrative track record, as well as a history of fiscal responsibility.
RFP Link:
http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10009348/shubertfound
For additional RFPs in Arts and Culture, visit:
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_arts.jhtml

Season of the Arts: Time to Plan Ahead!

Fall is in the air – soon leaves will be changing and the weather will be crisp and clear. This is the time for football, back to school….. and back to the arts.

Fall and winter comprise what is known as high season for many different types of performance and exhibition organizations – Ballet, Opera, Theater – all are in full swing, taking advantage of the increased audiences during the school-year routine schedule and holidays.

Even though directors and producers may be swamped with all of the details of planning for and producing shows, you should also remember to organize all of your attachment information for next year’s fundraising campaign.

This is absolutely the best time to gather and organize everything you will need to make your grant writing campaign a success for next year:

1. Keep plenty of samples of your most impressive programs to use as grant attachments. This goes for brochures, newsletters, advertisements, and email campaigns too.
2. Gather all of the wonderful press you receive – news stories, mentions on websites, reviews. This is terrific support material for showing community support and artistic growth.
3. Keep all letters that you receive – even emails – from patrons who enjoyed your spectacular production.
4. Get the stats – how many people attended each show or exhibit, how much did you earn, who performed, tickets sold, waiting list that could not be accommodated – this is great justification for increased funding for a larger venue or additional performances.
5. Make sure to collect each and every email address, phone number, and address that you can from anyone attending – then conduct that fundraising drive in the off season using all of this information.
6. Keep track of expenses – advertising, space rentals, etc. – for each performance and revise your operating budget for next year accordingly.

File and track all of this information by show, event, or exhibit. Then for each grant application, you can combine it accordingly –by venue perhaps if you want to prove that you need extra nights in smaller venues, or by type of programming if you want to approach a children’s funder, or by type of artist if international programming proved particularly successful. Think of new types of funders to approach for your basic programming. Or ask your grant writer for advice.

It may be hard to plan ahead, but it is easier to keep track now than it will be to try to recover lost information later, in the middle of a grant request and up against a deadline.

Marketing on a Shoestring for Non-Profits

You have a great product or service. The best in its field, without a doubt. You get a great new website, open your doors, and…..

Wait. And wait.

You see, developing a great product is only half of the equation, maybe less. If no one knows about it, you won’t have any customers. How do you get people to find you and buy what you are offering?

It is very difficult to stand out in the marketplace today. Everyone is clamoring for attention, information overload is prevalent, and consumers have little time or money to spend looking for you. Unless you pop up on the first page of an internet search, very few customers will find you, but it is next to impossible to get on that first page without a lot of volume on your site! Classic Catch 22.

The key is for you to go out and find customers, don’t wait for them to find you!

Marketing campaigns and Search Engine Optimization providers can cost a lot of money, but here are some things you can try without breaking the bank:

1. What, you don’t have a website? You have to have a website to sell anything these days. Search around, there are many companies that will design your website for free if you host with them on a monthly basis. You might not get the most customized one, but at least it gets you out there. Or maybe you can barter one for a service that you provide.

2. Analyze your website. That’s right, not all websites are equal in the mechanical eyes of the search engines. You need to make sure that your website has the right key words, that the density of those key words is high in your site, and that your links work, etc. Type in “Search Engine Optimization” on Google or another search engine, and you will get a list of companies that provide services to improve the rank of your website. Just reading these sites will give you a wealth of information, but using some of the free tools on these sites can greatly improve your website and how traffic gets there. Of course if you can afford it, give them some business and let them analyze your site and redesign it for you!

3. Put the word out! Write letters, articles, email your friends and ask them to email their friends. Your local business section in the newspaper probably has a new businesses feature. Submit news about your product or service to ezines. All of this is free!

4. List on Craigslist.org. Its amazing how popular craigslist has become, and listings are free.

5. For a little more money, sell on ebay or Amazon. They have a variety of services for small businesses. Their customer service workers are knowledgeable and polite, so don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t know how to get your product up and running. Some services cost a monthly fee, some are one time, so make sure to read the fine print.

Get ready to start making sales!

How to Start Grant Writing

All non-profits face the same pressure when it comes to raising money, so why do some succeed and others fail? Why do some organizations get funded year after year, while others submit over and over without any funding? Why do some organizations never even start submitting grants, keeping them selves from receiving potentially thousands of dollars?

The biggest reason most non-profits don’t get funded is because they never submit! Starting the process of grant writing can seem daunting, but if you just take it in small increments, setting small goals, before you know it, your organization will be on the road to successfully submitting award winning grant applications.

First, you must have your 501(c)3 designation from the IRS. While some funders allow for fiscal agency (meaning, another organization that does have a 501(c)3 can submit on your behalf, and keep a percentage of the award to administer the grant funds), you really need to obtain your own designation to qualify for the most grant opportunities.

Second, gather your essential documents. While these vary from grant to grant, funders usually ask for enough information to make sure that your organization is legitimate and that it fits in with the area that they fund. These documents usually include your articles of incorporation; past, current, and projected organizational budget; list of Board of Directors; one-page history of organization; media reviews, programs, or any other publicity you may have; audited financial statement or most recent tax filing; and resumes or bios of key staff.

Third, find a funder. With the internet, it is simple to search for funders who make grants to your type of organization, in your state or region. The application is usually straightforward (although it might be lengthy) and accompanied by a set of guidelines that explain step by step exactly how to fill out the application, what documents to attach, how many copies to make, where to send, and the all-important deadline. Do not miss the deadline.

That’s it. Keep your writing to-the-point and simple, and if you have any questions at all, call the person listed in the guidelines as the grants administrator. Just be polite and introduce yourself, admit that this is your first application, and ask for any advice she may be able to offer. Often, funders offer a workshop or may even have samples of funded grants available.

Remember, if you don’t submit, you won’t get funded. So give it a try. You have nothing to lose, and thousands of dollars to gain.

Grant for Investing in Real Estate

By now, we have all seen the commercials shouting that you are a fool for not taking advantage of the government grants available for everything from starting your own business to investing in real estate. Does it sound too good to be true?

That depends. Certainly, some people have received a grant for investing in real estate. A very few have received a large grant for investing in real estate. And even though these grants exist, the requirements can be quite stringent, the competition very tough, and the amounts small.

However, there are some circumstances where it is possible to start or improve a real estate investing career by seeking and obtaining grants. Most often, local municipalities fund affordable housing initiatives. These may range from offering individuals grants to assist in a first-time-homeowner down payment, to grants to non-profit developers to build multi-unit affordable housing developments.

For example, currently in Miami, Florida, housing assistance grants are available (http://www.miamidade.gov/housing/library/hag_eng_span.pdf) for low-income individuals who meet needs criteria. This type of grant can be found by contacting the housing department of the municipality where you are looking to invest.

Other programs exist on a municipal or regional basis for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and persons with AIDS. If you fall into one of these categories and wish to purchase real estate, again the best place to start looking is your municipal housing authority or agency.

Another class of programs encourages “Sweat Equity,” or seeks to provide housing opportunities for people who are willing and able to provide some of the labor of building the home. One of the best known organizations in this category is Habitat for Humanity, although similar organizations exist on local levels.

Individuals may also qualify for downpayment assistance. This information from the website http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/grants-catalog-housing.html#020 illustrates a typical example of this type of grant:

AHP Homeownership Set-Aside Program of the FHLBank SystemFederal Housing Finance Board
An FHLBank may set aside up to the greater of $4.5 million or 35 percent of its AHP funds each year for a homebuyer program for low- and moderate-income households. Member lenders provide the set-aside funds as grants to eligible customers generally on a first-come, first-served basis. Set-aside funds may be used for down-payments, closing costs, rehabilitation, or homeownership counseling costs. Each FHLBank may set its own maximum grant amount, which may not exceed $15,000 per household.
To qualify for a grant, households must meet several criteria. Please contact your nearest FHLBank Community Investment Officer to learn more.
Contact: To find your nearest Community Investment Officer, visit http://www.fhfb.gov/FHLB/FHLBP_officers.htm.

It is also possible to obtain grants to make property improvements to a property that you own. These are most available in Community Redevelopment Areas and can be found through the municipality you are interested in. These types of grants are often available for commercial and residential properties, and may cover anything from disaster preparedness to exterior paint and landscaping to safety items. Rural areas may benefit from irrigation grants and other incentives from the US Department of Agriculture.

For non-profit organizations that seek to obtain grants to build affordable housing initiatives, the Federal government offers several types of grants for real estate investing. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers community development block grants that usually funnel through a competitive awards process to a municipality that in turn awards contracts to businesses to build houses for the low-income and underserved members of the community.

Contrary to popular belief, the Small Business Administration does not offer grants to start new small businesses, so if you have to invest your own funds to start a non-profit organization, you have to decide whether developing affordable housing will be a career that you will follow regardless of whether you obtain grants and contracts.

Other grants for real estate investing can be found for rural and farming assistance projects, tribal projects, and other miscellaneous specific projects.

If you do fall into one of the covered categories, a grant for investing in real estate may help start you on the road to owning property. You will still have to do the work of researching properties for purchase, making improvements on the property, reselling for a profit to convert extra cash into additional investments, and working up into bigger and more profitable deals. Seeking and obtaining a grant for real estate investing may help a hard working, motivated investor gain the leg up necessary to profit in real estate.

Multiple books exist that state they can supply information on available grants and how to obtain them. Internet searches also are quite useful in finding different types of funding opportunities. Municipal housing agencies are also a wealth of information for finding out about grant opportunities. For more information, try www.grants.gov or your local housing agency.

Lisa Merritt is the owner of Pegasus Consulting Group, Inc., and www.lockboxdeals.com, a real estate listing service. Realtors can post their best deals for free. Sign up for our weekly Top Ten Deals and let the deals come to you.