For Nonprofits Only!
2010 Florida Fundraising Conference:
How to raise more money with Facebook,
Twitter, YouTube & other social media

(Fort Lauderdale, FL)—The 2010 Florida Fundraising Conference: "How to raise more money with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube & other social media" will be held February 19, 2010 at the Sheraton Suites Cypress Creek, 555 N.W. 62nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. Program details, including nationally recognized presenters and registration information, are available at the conference website, www.socialmediafundraising.org.

"The full day program is designed to take all the mystery out of using social media for fundraising success," says Dr. Stephen L. Goldstein, one of the event organizers. "So many people in nonprofits hear all the buzz about using social media, and they genuinely want to get on board. But they don't know where to start. And while they're waiting on the sidelines and missing opportunities, others are actually raising money. We've designed the conference to give every participant a solid grounding—from the basics to more sophisticated uses of social media."

Katya Andresen of Network for Good (Washington, D.C.) lays the groundwork for the program. She opens the conference presenting "What to do before you even think of tweeting: The 11 steps to success with social networking and the six most miserable mistakes of social marketing." Skip Kimpel, author of the forthcoming Social Networking for Nonprofits: Making it work and making it matter, will take participants through a "social networking boot camp"—giving the nuts and bolts of venues from Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to others. After that, he'll reveal his formulas for creating a social networking fundraising strategy. Peter Panepento of The Chronicle of Philanthropy will discuss a number of case studies, proving that nonprofits are using social media for fundraising—with success. Social media consultant Brian Ross Lee will reveal ways to take the guesswork out of using social media by showing how to monitor nonprofits' success with social media through Google analytics and other programs. And finally, Dr. Stephen L. Goldstein, consultant and author of 30 Days to Successful Fundraising and www.fundraisingguru.blogspot.com, will present "Social media and high tech fail without high touch: How to turn the 7 expectations of social media users into dollars!"

February 19, 2010
at the Sheraton Suites Cypress Creek,
555 N.W. 62nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Fees - Regular Price: $145
C-One will award two half-price scholarships in a drawing THIS MONDAY, Feb.15

For more conference info, visit www.socialmediafundraising.org or call 954-772-7868.

Jump Start Your Fundraising; Deadlines

Everyone I talk to is in the same boat these days - How do I raise money for my programs in this economy?

Maybe you've used the same techniques and approached the same donors for years. Have you heard the term "Donor Fatigue?"

Maybe you need something to jumpstart your fundraising for the coming season - new ideas, a new approach, a new system.

I've assembled a couple of products and resources that may help:

Let's Raise Money: An Inside Look From Author's Two Decades Of Observing Outstanding Ideas And Practices Of America's Great Fundraising Volunteers. Click Here! The author is offering an outstanding introductory sale.

Stree Free and Profitable Fundraising: Everything You Need To Know About Fund Raising But Didn't Know Whom To Ask. Fundraising & Fund Raisers Secrets You Must Know!Click Here! One of my longtime favorites.

Fundraiser Help: a great site with lots of resources for fundraising. Click Here!

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Contact me at info@pegasuswriter.com if I can be of assistance with your grant writing/searching needs.
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Did you know that Simply Grant Writing has over 500 subscribers in Miami-Dade and Broward? Contact me at info@pegasuswriter.com if you would like to sponsor our newsletter or publicize your event.

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Deadlines:

August:
1st- Tiger Woods
4th - M-D Dept. of Cultural Affairs YEP
6th - American Express LOI
7th - M-D Dept. of Cultural Affairs DAN
8th - M-D Dept. of Cultural Affairs Choreographer's Fellowship
11th - NEA
15th - GOB Historic Preservation

News for Non-Profits

Good2Gether

"Our FREE web service puts your nonprofit on high-traffic websites, in front of millions of visitors each month. Create a free profile in 5 minutes. Add events, volunteer opportunities, donation needs, and more. Launching in Boston, San Francisco, Atlanta, New York, Houston, Philly, and dozens of other cities soon! Join now at http://ga0.org/ct/6d_54Ep14L_t/"

If this concept works, it should help lots of non-profits. Basically, a link to your non-profit will show up next to news articles about various social problems (Katrina, Darfur, education budget cuts, lack of arts education, etc.) on the website of local partner news organizations so that readers can simply click on the link and donate to your organization. Free to join.


Fundraising Tips
Online ...They've Got Mail: 10 marketing strategies
The current economic situation nationwide, combined with higher costs and tighter regulations relating to postal fundraising, will make online marketing even more important in upcoming years.
Vinay Bhagat, chief strategy officer for online fundraising firm Convio, maintains that nonprofits will need to invest in effective online marketing programs. He offers 10 best practices for getting started online:
read more at Non-Profit Times

Flip Flops for a Great Cause!

For all of you professional fundraisers and non-profits out there, take a look at this idea. This is a great fundraising product, not just because it is a functional item. It is perfect for an organization in Miami, and the slogan aptly ties in with the organization's mission.

· Just in time for another hot Miami summer, the Casa Valentina “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes” Flip Flops are a fun and easy way to show support for the cause.
· They are a great birthday, graduation and Mother’s Day gift and a must-have accessory for the beach, pool and spa.
· The flip flops cost $30 per pair and come in three sizes (Small 5-6, Medium 7-8, Large 9-10).
· They can be purchased by credit card (via Pay Pal) on our Web site at http://www.casavalentina.org/ or by calling the office at 305-403-5380. A $5 shipping & handling fee will be added to each order.
· All profits benefit Casa Valentina and help us provide high quality and effective programs and services to our residents.
· We can all play a role in helping these young women walk on the right path towards a bright and successful future!

So if you are planning to try to sell a product as a fundraiser for your organization, don't just pick any product out of the blue. Choose something that you can relate to your message, services, or mission; find a price point that lets you make a profit but still is sellable; and market to your audience!

Donors Forum South Florida

Connecting Funders for Community Impact

There are only 20 spots left for nonprofits to attend Donors Forum of South Florida's Spring Philanthropy Conference on April 30th. If you are interested in participating in this once a year opportunity to interact with grantmakers across South Florida, be sure to sign up by the deadline of Wednesday, April 23rd.

As part of its one-day conference for grantmakers, Donors Forum is offering a special track for nonprofits. All participants will start the day off at the IMPACT Awards Breakfast where Donors Forum will announce the recipients of this year's awards, which honor funders for grants that have made a positive impact on the community. Following breakfast, nonprofits will participate in a special-two part session entitled "Handling Funding Cuts" to help address the reality of working with shrinking financial resources.

Nonprofit participants are also invited to complete a profile highlighting their programs and funding needs that will be distributed to the nearly 150 funders attending the conference. There will also be an opportunity to distribute nonprofit annual reports, brochures etc. as part of a Nonprofit Showcase.

The cost for nonprofits to participate is $150 ($100 for those connected to a 2008 IMPACT Award nomination).

Download the Conference Brochure at www.donorsforumsf.org
Register Online at www.eventville.com/donorsforum

Conference Announcement

FUND DEVELOPMENT: DONORS FORUM OF S. FLORIDA PHILANTHROPY CONFERENCED

onors Forum of South Florida is having its annual South Florida Philanthropy Conference, "Making Connections," on April 30, 2008. The conference is designed specifically for funders, but Donors Forum is inviting nonprofits to participate in a special conference track as a way of building stronger connections between funders and nonprofit grantees. Nonprofit slots are limited to 100 participants, so be sure to sign up early. For more info on the conference and how nonprofits can participate, visit www.donorsforumsf.org.

News from Kresge

A clarification to the Kresge application process.

The Kresge Foundation is a private foundation that supports communities by building the capacity of nonprofit organizations in six particular fields of interest: health, the environment, arts and culture, education, human services and community development.

Organizations that are currently in the process of completing full proposals have until March 31, 2008 to submit their proposals. Organizations that have not begun the application process but are planning to submit a new application are encouraged to first submit a Letter of Intent. This will be a requirement beginning April 1, 2008. Letters of Intent are accepted year round and reviewed throughout the year.

For more information please visit http://www.kresge.org/content/displaycontent.aspx?CID=98

Grant Funding Announcement

http://www.knightarts.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=2
Knight Arts Partnership
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has announced the Knight Arts Partnership, a $60 million initiative to support the arts in South Florida. The initiative has two parts: three large grants totaling $20 million to the Miami Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Arts in North Miami, and the New World Symphony; and a community challenge through which the foundation will commit $20 million over five years as challenge grants to fund innovative ideas in the arts in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The challenge invites ideas from nonprofits,
companies, and individuals, as well as from applicants of all nationalities and ages. While programs or projects must take place in Miami-Dade or Broward, the program is open to outstanding ideas from anyone in Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe, and Palm Beach counties. However, applicants must find other funding to match the grant from Knight. Application deadline: April 15, 2008.

http://www.kresge.org/content/displaycontent.aspx?CID=89
Challenge Grant Program
The Kresge Foundation has broadened the reach of its Challenge Grant Program to better support nonprofit organizations that are working to address society’s pressing issues in six fields of interest: health, the environment, arts and culture, education, human services, and community development. The goal is to help organizations to strengthen their long-term sustainability. Eligible facilities capital projects include: construction of facilities; renovation of facilities; purchase of real estate and conservation easements; and major integrated equipment systems. Eligible applicants include: 501 (c)(3) organizations not classified as private foundations; government entities; religious organizations; fully accredited degree granting colleges and universities; Elementary and secondary schools that serve predominately students with physical and/or developmental disabilities; Hospitals that are accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations; and charitable international organizations. Application deadline: March 31, 2008.

http://www.motorola.com/content.jsp?globalObjectId=8772
Motorola Lincoln Grants
The Motorola Foundation, the philanthropic arm of global communications company Motorola, will partner with the Chicago History Museum to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Working in collaboration, the groups will identify projects developed by civic, educational, and cultural organizations that actively engage the public in lessons drawn from Lincoln's life. The $750,000 grant program will fund programs that focus on three themes: Bringing history into the future; Engaging in current events; and Leadership skills. The awards will fund curriculum design, speech competitions and debates, community programming developed by educators in schools, community organizations, museums, arts and culture organizations, and other nonprofits exploring themes such as diversity, freedom, history, and leadership. Applicants may request up to $25,000. Select organizations may be asked to apply for larger grants. Grants will be awarded in two cycles: organizations must apply for spring grants by March 30, 2008; the fall application deadline is July 30, 2008.


http://www.florida-arts.org/grants/statetouring/index.htm
State Touring Program – Presenters
The purpose of the State Touring Program is to bring live performance to every corner of the state by the finest of Florida’s performing and visual artists. The Presenters component supports live performances by Florida’s performing and visual artists by providing matching grants to non-profit organizations wishing to present companies listed on the State Touring Roster. Priority is given to underpopulated counties. Applicants (presenters) may request fee support to represent artists featured in the State Touring Program Roster. The next deadline for presenters to apply is May 1, 2008.

Grant Funding Announcement

From The Children's Trust:

Topic:
Match Funding Policy
Type:
NOFA
Release Date:
2/20/2008 5:40:00 PM
Submission Deadline:
OPEN
Schedule:
Proposal Description:
Match refers to a contribution of direct fiscal investments among multiple parties. This component has been established as an incentive for agencies to apply for dollars from other sources that require an applicant to obtain a match (typically a specified percentage of the grant award) from local sources. Written documentation of the match requirement of the other funding source is required as part of the application. Match funds are only to be utilized to bring new or expanded resources to the community, and will not be used to supplant existing or current match funding or to assume the responsibilities of other public entities. “In-kind” match arrangements, while certainly not discouraged, will not be considered as a fundable match under this policy. Match proposals may be made to The Children’s Trust either during the initial funding proposal submission process to the other funder, or after the availability of match funds has been confirmed by the other funder. Awards from The Trust Match Fund will not be granted until confirmation of award from the primary funder, and will be limited to the percent of match required by that funding source. Written documentation confirming award from the other funding source and acknowledging The Trust as the local match funder will be required with the contract. Some of the match characteristics considered in evaluating proposals include the following:
Does match arrangement bring in NEW funds to the County (i.e., not simply replace an existing match or match local dollars that would be in the community regardless)?
Ongoing match availability; one-time only match opportunity versus ongoing resources, with priority toward recurring, sustainable funds
Degree to which the match program has had a significant impact in other communities
Development of potential revenue maximization opportunities (e.g., Medicaid targeted case management, EPSDT, IV-E, TANF, UPL) through offering resources to build capacity and meet the requirements needed to access these resources.

From the State of Florida:


http://www.florida-arts.org/grants/statetouring/index.htm
State Touring Program – Presenters
The purpose of the State Touring Program is to bring live performance to every corner of the state by the finest of Florida’s performing and visual artists. The Presenters component supports live performances by Florida’s performing and visual artists by providing matching grants to non-profit organizations wishing to present companies listed on the State Touring Roster. Priority is given to underpopulated counties. Applicants (presenters) may request fee support to represent artists featured in the State Touring Program Roster. The next deadline for presenters to apply is May 1, 2008.

Upcoming Grants and Events

Miami Dade County Cultural Grants

http://www.miamidadearts.org/org_programs.aspx
Cultural Access Network Grants Program
The Miami-Dade County Cultural Access Network (CAN) Grants Program provides direct funding to non-profit cultural organizations for outreach programming, in addition to the organization’s normal season, in one or more CAN designated neighborhood cultural facilities. Projects should be designed to improve opportunities and access for under-served communities and/or to introduce this network of neighborhood cultural facilities to a new clientele of arts organizations that would not ordinarily utilize these facilities. Applicants to this program must have a total prior year’s organizational budget between $100,000 and $1,000,000. Applications will be made available on July 7, 2008. Award ceiling: $10,000. Application deadline: August 6, 2008.

http://www.miamidadearts.org/org_programs.aspx
Developing Arts in Neighborhoods Grants Program
Miami-Dade County funds small and/or developing cultural groups with annual organizational budgets under $100,000, providing artistic activities at the grassroots level including underserved neighborhoods, communities or populations. Successful applicants in this program will participate in a technical assistance workshop series designed to develop and enhance each organization’s management infrastructure and address stability issues common to emerging and small organizations. Applications will be made available on July 7, 2008. Award ceiling: $15,000. Application deadline: August 7, 2008.

http://www.miamidadearts.org/org_programs.aspx
Festivals and Special Events Grants Program
Miami-Dade County supports non-profit organizations presenting major annual festivals and special events in Miami-Dade County which have an established reputation for excellence and credibility, are capable of attracting visitors on regional, national and/or international levels, and have a significant and positive impact on the perception of Miami-Dade County as a dynamic cultural community. Organizations are considered in either of two categories: Cultural Organizations and Community Organizations. Cultural Organizations provides grants to non-profit organizations whose missions predominately emphasize a close examination of artistic disciplines with primarily indoor activities consisting of performances and presentations, which may include significant ancillary components such as the presentation of workshops, panel discussions, lecture/demonstrations, and publications. Community Organizations provides grants to non-profit organizations whose missions predominately emphasize the presentation and celebration of heritages, artistic and entertainment activities during primarily outdoor activities. In each of the two categories, Division A addresses organizations with cash budgets in excess of $500,000, and Division B addresses organizations with cash budgets between $150,000 and $500,000. Award ceiling Division A: $80,000. Award ceiling Division B: $50,000. Application deadline: April 10, 2008.

http://www.miamidadearts.org/org_programs.aspx
International Cultural Exchange Grants Program
Miami-Dade County provides grants to Miami-Dade County-based professional cultural organizations to support meaningful artistic exchange, partnerships or collaborations with professional artists, arts professionals and/or organizations abroad. The program aims to elevate Miami-Dade County’s image abroad and to support the efforts of Miami-Dade’s artists and cultural organizations to improve their work by engaging in meaningful arts activities with artists, arts professionals (such as curators, historians, designers) and/or organizations abroad. Award ceiling: $40,000 with matching requirements. Application deadline: March 5, 2008.

Youth Fitness:

http://www.sauconyrunforgood.com/
Saucony Run For Good Foundation
The Saucony Run For Good Foundation is accepting applications for its grant program established to help end childhood obesity by providing financial support to nonprofits across the United States that support children's running and fitness programs. The grants are open to nonprofit organizations that initiate and support running and fitness programs for kids. Eligible applicants are programs whose participants are 18 years of age or less, have 501(c)(3) status, and can demonstrate that their program positively impacts the lives of participants through their increased participation in running. The foundation has two grant cycles per year, with up to seven awards granted each cycle. Grants are in amounts up to a maximum of $10,000 each. Application deadline: June 13, 2008.

Youth Education:

http://www.tommy.com/opencms/opencms/corporate/foundation/grantdeadlines.html
Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation
The Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation believes that education is the cornerstone for today's youth, and that for America to remain competitive in the global marketplace, a stronger emphasis should be placed on exposing youth to educational experiences and career-related opportunities. By focusing on preparing students for the demands of today's global society, the foundation strives to be a major force in improving education. The foundation believes that the physical well-being of today's youth is at the heart of building a healthy and civil society. Therefore, the foundation is committed to investing in health-related organizations and cultural programs that impact a diverse population of youth. Eligible applicants include: 501(c)(3) organizations. Award ceiling: $25,000. All proposals must be received by April 1 to be eligible for funding July 15, and by October 1 to be eligible for funding January 15, annually.

Award:

http://www.worldofchildren.org/Home.htm
World of Children Grant Awards
World of Children recognizes and elevates self-less individuals who make a difference in the lives of children across the globe. World of Children honors these leaders and grants them funds to support the proven, high-impact programs they have created. In 2008, two grants (one Humanitarian and one Health) of up to $100,000 each will be given to support the proven, sustainable programs created and managed by adult award winners. The Humanitarian Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant lifetime contribution to children in the areas of social services, education, or humanitarian services. The Health Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant lifetime contribution to children in the fields of health, medicine, or the sciences. Also this year, two Founder's Awards for Youth of up to $25,000 each will be presented to young people (under the age of 21) who are making extraordinary contributions to the lives of other children. Nominees must have an existing nonprofit organization in good standing that can receive grant funds if awarded. Adult nominees must do this work over and above their normal employment. Adult nominees must have must have been doing this (or related work) for a minimum of ten years. Youth nominees can be nominated for the Founder's Award only and must be under the age of 21. Application deadline: April 11, 2008.

Education:

http://www.prudential.com/view/page/public/12334
Prudential Foundation
The Prudential Foundation provides grants focusing on education and economic development. The Foundation supports initiatives that strengthen public education. Emphasis is placed on systemic school reform; improving leadership skills for education stakeholders; increasing parental involvement and community engagement; providing opportunities for arts education and youth development programs; and ensuring that parents and caregivers have the resources needed to support the development of their children. The Foundation also supports initiatives that increase employment opportunities by strengthening job skills, creating jobs through business development, and promoting neighborhood development activities. Programs involve workforce development and increasing entrepreneurship through training and access to capital. In addition, the Foundation promotes creation of decent, affordable housing. The Prudential Foundation supports nonprofit, charitable organizations and programs whose mission and operations are broad and nondiscriminatory, or whose activities address social needs or benefit underserved groups and communities. Application deadline: ongoing.

UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENT:
Hello CN Members, FYI, this Saturday, February 23rd, the Humane Society of Greater Miami/Adopt-A-Pet is holding their annual Walk for the Animals (sponsored by Purina) in Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami, 301 North Biscayne Boulevard. This is a fun outdoor event for both people and their canine companions.
Check-in is at 8:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 10 a.m.For more details, you can visit the event website at:
http://www.humanesocietymiami.org/walk08.htm/

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

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.