Anyone who has worked for a nonprofit organization is aware of the amount of heart it takes for the staff, Board, volunteers and other supporters to keep growing and advancing their mission. Budget cuts, small staff size and competition with a myriad of other deserving non-profits are just of few of the challenges these groups face. Since we don’t have a national nonprofit appreciation day I would like to take this opportunity to say “thank you.” I have worked for and volunteered for many nonprofit organizations and I know how much it means when someone recognizes the importance of the work you do.

Today I am highlighting two funding opportunities that support and acknowledge our nonprofit sector. August 13th, 2007 is the deadline to submit an application for the Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation. This initiative grants unrestricted awards of $35,000 for first place and two runner-up awards of $7,000 and $5,000. The purpose is to recognize U.S. nonprofit organizations with an innovative, existing program that has made a difference in the lives of the people it serves. Entry instructions can be found at http://www.cgu.edu/pages/2420.asp.

A new scholarship program for nonprofit leaders has been established by the American Management Association and Leader to Leader Institute. The AMA Scholarship Program will assist social sector nonprofit organizations in developing “the strong leaders today who will lead the organizations of the future."

Funding is available for 75 scholarships and benefits include:

• one management education and professional development seminar offered by AMA;
• one year of individual member benefits, including access to members-only Web site, subscriptions to e-newsletters and journals, and discount pricing on all other AMA products and services; and
• a one-year membership with the Leader to Leader Institute, including subscription to Leader to Leader Journal and discounts on the Institute's publications and services.

The submission deadline is November 15, 2007. Go to the Leader to Leader Institute Web site for complete program information
http://www.leadertoleader.org/collaboration/ama/index.html