The Improve Group is currently in a reporting stage on our evaluation of the Performing Arts Workshop’s AEMDD grant work in the schools of San Francisco. Their emphasis for this grant is arts integration with special education classrooms and students. Teaching artists from “the Workshop” have been involved with General Education Classes with Inclusion (Special Education) Students and Special Day Classes (SDC). It has been very gratifying to observe the artists and students engaged in inclusive and beneficial learning activities. My pick for this week would like to celebrate those who are making inroads for inclusion of young people with disabilities.

This week’s pick: The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) is honoring those who are embracing inclusion and offering the same opportunities to youth with or without disabilities. The MEAF Inclusion Champion Award is for those who are “helping to create a culture of inclusion within an organization or community or developing innovative strategies for inclusive programming in: school activities, after-school programs, community service, and leadership development.” Deadline to nominate individuals is December 1, 2008 and the maximum award amount is $1,000 for the charity of your choosing and a trophy for the nominated individual.. For more information on the nomination process please click here.

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I grew up in a smaller, manufacturing town in Wisconsin. We had American Motors, American Brass, Simmons Mattress and other companies that have not survived the financial times. One of the factors facing the manufacturing and engineering sector today is a lack of skilled labor. Not everyone feels the call to white collar occupations and people are talented in a million different ways.

My now-retired father is one of the most talented men I know and his background is in the car and manufacturing industries. He can build furniture, add rooms to a home and restore a classic car with the kind of ease that others run a staff meeting or write a work plan. I have always been very proud of him and I am proud of the following funders who are trying to open up the spectrum of future job options for our youth.

This week’s pick: The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Foundation and the Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs Foundation want to help nonprofits and educational organizations to provide manufacturing career experiences for young people through overnight or day camps in the summer. The FMA is a charitable organization that promotes metal forming and fabricating technology in manufacturing. The Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs Foundation helps young people to develop needed manufacturing skills and has actor John Ratzenberger of Cheers fame as the Foundation founder and spokeperson.

Camps should have hands-on programs targeting youth between the ages of 12 and 16 and preference will be given to those serving minority populations. Applications for funding summer 2009 camps must be submitted by December 12, 2008. Grants rage from $2,500 to $5,000. For further info on applying, please click here.

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I can’t count the number of hours I have spent in libraries and what that has done for my education and my well-being. I am happy to say I am raising two sons who also love libraries and are very lucky to attend public schools that have great library facilities. Our office staff enjoys time in the library which is extremely important to the field of research and evaluation. One of our own Improve Group staff members is currently seeking a Masters degree in library and information science.

My funder today wants to help school libraries and serve students who come from lower economic backgrounds by awarding money for needed library resources.

This week’s pick: The National Education Association Foundation believes “public education is the gateway to opportunity.” To assist in providing public schools with the resources they need for quality education the Foundation offers the NEA’s Books Across America Library Books Awards. Fifty awards of $1,000 each will be made to purchase books and other reading materials for public school libraries.

Applicants must be public school librarians, teachers or education support professionals. Seventy percent of the students in applicant schools must be eligible for free or reduced lunch. The deadline to apply is November 20, 2008. Applications are online and submitted via email. Click here to learn more.

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In the past month I have had the pleasure of conducting interviews on a 20-year arts education initiative in the State of South Carolina. I learned a great deal from those who have been involved in this ever-evolving and fully-engaged effort to integrate arts education so that every school child in South Carolina has the opportunity to experience and reap the benefits of what the arts disciplines have to offer. I have been particularly impressed with the management of this statewide initiative and the time talented individuals have put into making it a success.

One of the lessons I learned from their experience is the importance of getting the right people involved and impassioned about the work at hand. Everyone brings specific skills to the table. My funder this week is looking for skilled people to help in urban education settings through residencies in K-12 school districts.

This Week’s Pick: “The Broad Residency is an opportunity to use your education, business experience and passion to make a difference in a management career that truly counts.” The Broad Foundations offers two-year managerial placements in urban school districts and charter management organizations to have an impact in areas such as, new school openings, budgeting, operational efficiencies and human services.

Residents earn starting annual salaries of $85,000 to $95,000. Those with an advanced degree, four years of work experience, and who work in more than one area of business (marketing, strategic planning, budgeting, etc.) may apply. Having an ability to lead, strong problem solving skills and a real interest in urban education are desired. Interested candidates should submit a resume online at www.broadresidency.org.

Schedule to Apply:

• Resumes submitted by Dec 1
• Full applications by Dec 15
• Followed by phone interviews
• In person interviews by Feb/Mar
• Final interviews Apr
• Offers no later than May 29
• Residency begin Jul/Aug 09

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One of the key findings of the Rand Corporation’s 2005 research on early childhood education was that “early childhood intervention programs have been shown to yield benefits in academic achievement, behavior, educational progression and attainment, delinquency and crime, and labor market success, among other domains.” (See http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9145/index1.html). This plus many, many other early ed research projects support the need for enriching early childhood opportunities for children. The funder I am looking at today feels the same way.

This Week’s Pick: The A.L. Mailman Foundation offers the Mailman Family Foundation Grants “to promote the building of sustainable systems that provide access to high quality early learning experiences for all children.” Their funding priorities are:

• System-wide change
• Creating quality curriculum tools
• Providing families, teacher and caregivers knowledge and support to nurture and inform children

An application to the Foundation begins with a letter of inquiry - with the next deadline of December 1, 2008. Final submissions are by invitation only. Interested organizations must be 501©3 nonprofits with a national reach or a scope that entails more than one state. Typical grants amounts are in the $25,000 to $35,000 range. For more information and application guidelines, click here.

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As I continue to pay on a multitude of health care bills for my oldest son’s operations I feel immensely lucky to have an employer who offers health insurance to help ease some of the huge financial burden these bills pose. I know that my retired parents do not have health insurance. I worry about them and the thousands of others who are not adequately covered. Today’s funder has grants to help nonprofits serve this underserved population.

This Week’s Pick: McKesson International is a health care pharmaceutical and IT software company. Every year the McKesson Foundation grants $5 million in support of non-profits in the communities where they have an employee presence. The Foundation primarily funds direct health care services for uninsured and underinsured children for specific projects and programs, but general operating support will be considered in some circumstances.

Online applications for the $5,000 to $50,000 grants are accepted throughout the year and decided upon on at the end of the calendar year with distributions made the following March.

501©3 nonprofits in the following communities are eligible to apply:

Atlanta, GA
Broomfield, CO
Canada
Carrollton, TX
Charlotte, NC
Chicago, IL
Delran/Philadelphia
Dubuque, IA
Hadley, MA
Hartford, CT
Lakeland/Orlando, FL Livonia, MI
Los Angeles, CA
Memphis, TN
Newton, MA
Pittsburgh, PA
Richmond, VA
San Francisco, CA
Scottsdale, AZ
Springfield, MO
Twin Cities, MN

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I conduct interviews for the Improve Group and I speak with people from all walks of life. Just recently, I have had the privilege of speaking to a wide constutuency of community members - small social service non-profits, deans of colleges, foundations officials, teachers, state representatives, and minority group organizers. Everyone relays their economic concerns about the impact shrinkng budgets have on services. With the amount of unease around our country’s financial situation, whenever possible, I will do my best to find opportunities for sustainability in my upcoming Grant Gazings.

This Weeks’ Pick: The Archibald Bush Foundation is devoted to community involvement in problem solving by providing many avenues for funding. The opportunity I want to highlight today supports mid-sized arts organizations through the Foundation’s Regional Arts Development Program II (RADPII).

“The intention is to fund successful applicants for a period of 10 years in a series of separate grants.” Use of this grant money should emphasize organizational long-range planning, improvement and accountability.

Minnesota, North and South Dakota humanities and arts organizations with annual operating budgets larger than $250,000 but no greater than $5 million for the last three fiscal years are eligible to apply. Deadline for applications is November 17, 2008 at 5:00 pm.

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A training opportunity for those seeking funds for their organization.

Access Philanthropy is offering workshops on grant writing and prospect research for new and experienced development staff. From October 2008 through February 2009 the following topics will be covered:

• Grant Writing and Prospecting
• Corporate Funders - Minnesota Based and Outstate
• On-Line Grant Applications
• Grant Writing and Prospecting for Board Members and Others
• Working with Family Foundations
• Nooks-n-Crannies Funders

Fees for each session are $65. Go to www.accessphilanthropy.com for more details on the workshops and how to register.

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Each year my younger son’s grade school has a great program called Theaters of Learning. In this program, teachers and community members are allowed to bring their unique talents to teach in the school and students are given the opportunity to choose their own elementary-level elective twice a year. Topics are widely varied and applied by grade level. Students can chose from interesting subjects like learning about the Hmong culture, to an in-depth look at specific authors, to healthy eating and exercise, to filmmaking. It is a great program and I think it deserves more recognition than it gets. If you have a special school program out there and want to find some support for creating a unique school experience, take a look at this week’s funder.

This Week’s Pick: The ING global financial service company funds innovative classroom projects through the ING Unsung Heroes program.

Public or private K-12 educators in the United States are eligible to apply. 100 finalists will each receive a $2,000 award to further their education project within the school or school system. From these 100 finalists first, second and third place awards will be given out of $25,000, $10,000 and $5,000, respectively.

Questions regarding the program should be addressed to Scholarship America at ing@scholarshipamerica.org. Application information for the 2009 school year can be found by clicking here. Applications must be postmarked by April 30, 2009.

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My earlier Grant Gazings have talked about the love of literature among our staff here at the Improve Group. This type of respect for the written word often begins at home when we are children. We see our parents’ example or we have an inspiring teacher that brings us the joy of reading. Sometimes it is the work of one special book or an exciting library storybook hour that helps grab our interest. This exposure to reading and literacy skills is essential to produce upcoming readers and writers, and in creating an educated society. The funders today want to encourage our youth to involve themselves in a quest to honor and expand literacy in our country.

This Week’s Pick: Youth Service America (YSA) in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts awards funds for student-lead projects through their Youth Leaders for Literacy initiative. This program started in 2001 to “encourage and celebrate literacy service of our nation's young people, and to provide them with resources to conduct reading-related activities that benefit others.”

Projects are evaluated by their ability to show leadership, provide youth involvement, show the ability to administer the grant and provide outcomes (an evaluation report is required from those who are selected). Twenty grants of $500 are awarded. Applicants 21 years of age or younger may apply and this year’s deadline is October 30, 2008. To get more information click here.

FYI: The NEA's Read Across America Day starts March 2, 2009 and concludes on Global Youth Service Day 2009 on April 24-26, 2009

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If you are a parent, like many of us here at the Improve Group, you may have already received a form to fill out for a school field trip. I have. The first one I received this year asked for a $15.00 donation from the parents. With rising gas prices for transportation it is no wonder schools need help providing quality out-of-school education experiences for their students. Here’s a little help from today’s highlighted funder.

This week’s pick: Minnesota’s own Target Foundation is accepting requests for their Target Field Trip Grants program from US teacher, educators, principals, paraprofessionals or classified staff. Field trip grants are intended to “fund trips to art museums, cultural events, civic experiences, and environmental sites”.

Those interested may submit their applications electronically by November 1, 2008. Grant maximum is $800. Target plans to award up to 5,000 grants to schools across the US. For more information, click here to go to the Target website. Be sure to check out the many other community and education grants offered by Target.

Clip art licensed from the Clip Art Gallery on DiscoverySchool.com

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Whether you travel in your own town, state, country or around the world, you are bound to come across special places that are sacred to people. I have been lucky enough to do a lot of traveling in my life and I am particularly touched by places like Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota or the Indian Mounds Park in Saint Paul, MN. You can feel the spirit and history of the people when you visit a spots like Redwood National Park, Pipestone Monument, or Pearl Harbor. These important places are too numerous to mention, but I will say that the loss of any one of them would be a loss to humanity. My funder today has a mission to support issues of residency and status of American Indian lands and that includes preservation of the places they hold as hallowed.

This week’s pick: The Indian Land Tenure Foundation offers a unique grant opportunity to preserve, educate about, and protect places that are sacred to Native American people. Their RFP for the Protection of Sacred Sites “seeks projects that convey the importance of ties between Indian culture and land to as many people as possible.” Important to this funder is giving native tribes the resources to take action to strengthen Indian culture and land management.

Past grants amounts have ranged between $20,000 and $70,000. The deadline is October 16, 2008 for tribes to submit proposals on projects that will identify, secure and protect sacred land. The application form and requirements can be found by clicking here.

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The Improve Group is currently working with the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota on a strategic planning initiative. I am impressed when I meet with the bright, dedicated people who work there and those that volunteer their time to help immigrant populations in Minnesota. The funder I am highlighting today wants to be sure there is an understanding of the immigrant struggle and their place in the community.

This week’s pick: The American Immigrant Law Foundation (AILF) provides a Teacher Grant Program to fund creative classroom programs that involve education on issues of immigration and multiculturalism. “The Foundation seeks to fund activities that are innovative and support AILF's mission of promoting the benefits of immigrants to our nation.”

Grants between $100 and $500 will be given to K-12 educators teaching in public or private primary, intermediate, and secondary-level schools. Special consideration will be given to applications on classroom-based programs containing the following:

• Innovative use of technology
• Underrepresented minorities
• Community outreach and partnerships with community-based organizations
• Math and science

The deadline to respond is November 28, 2008 and more information can be found by clicking here.

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Through our work at the Improve Group we have been very fortunate to meet and work with a great many dedicated and involved educators. Professional development, networking opportunities, and finding the time and funds to be part of programs that increase their abilities and effectiveness as teachers are very important to them. The following grant brings funding to schools to help develop educator skills.

This week’s pick: the Minnesota Office of Higher Education administers the funding for the competitive Federal Higher Education Improving Teacher Quality Program. This funding supports in-service programs affecting K-12 educators in the subject areas of science, economics, mathematics, geography, history or civics/government.

Requests must come from partnerships composed of “an accredited Minnesota private or public higher education institution and the division of the institution that prepares teachers, a school of arts and sciences within the higher education institution, and a high need Local Education Agency (school district).”

Total Minnesota support available for activities for 2009-2010 is $1,000,533. Proposals are due by 4:30 p.m., Monday, November 17, 2008. For additional information on this opportunity, click here.

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I just took a Dream Weaver 8 class from a woman who told me she has been in computer education since the early 80’s. I was impressed. With the passing of Randy Pausch I have been even more aware of the great things that have been accomplished through education and collaborations in the technology field. His contribution to merging the artistic and technological sides in computer science has left some great tools and opened doors for all youth to get excited about computer programming and the virtual world. For those of you who want to learn more about this work, check out the Alice Project for high schools and colleges, and Storytelling Alice for middle school youth. My pick this week is a nod to Professor Pausch because it highlights fellowships merging the arts and technology.

This week’s pick: Artists on the Verge (AOV), a new fellowship program of The Jerome Foundation, Northern Lights and Forecast Public Art, who have recently announced this “new two-track fellowship and mentoring program for emerging Minnesota-based artists working experimentally at the intersection of technology, with a focus on practices that are social, collaborative, and/or participatory.” The two fellowships are as follows:

1. The AOV program looks to support emerging Minnesota artists that are producing exciting, experimental work. Commissions of $6,000 each will be awarded to three selected artists. Projects forms might include:
• broadcast; citizen science;
• demo scene; DIY practices;
• gaming;
• hypertext;
• immersive environments;
• interactive art;
• interactive television;
• Internet art;
• mixed media;
• mobile devices;
• pod-casting;
• responsive architecture; virtual worlds; and,
• Web 2.0.

2. The AOV Mentorship Program will select three artists to receive $4,000 each with an additional $2,000 each available for technical assistance.

Applicants must be Minnesota residents and emerging artists. The deadline to submit an application is September 8, 2008. The application and guidelines can be accessed through the Northern Lights website.

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I think we all admire an organization that turns the world upside down by the energy they put toward doing good for others. I am awed by a great lady who runs a grief and loss group through a local church. She and the volunteers for the group go far beyond the call in assisting the families who attend the meetings. Non-profit organizations are filled with dedicated people and could not function nearly as well without this devotion and assistance. The funder selected for today recognizes the importance of those who strive to help others.

Today’s pick: This grant opportunity comes from the Reader’s Digest Foundation. “Every month for ten months, Reader’s Digest (RD) will choose one individual whose story of giving back serves as an inspiration to others.” The Make It Matter initiative is collecting stories about individuals who have inspired others by their ability to give back to the world around them. Reader’s Digest will donate $100,000 to a charity in the name of each person whose story is chosen for publication in the magazine. The deadline to submit entries is January 9, 2009. Articles will appear in a new Make it Matter column starting in April 2009.

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(This is my birthday Grant Gazing and I am always pleased to see another birthday and celebrate life – I hope you are too).

I was driving back from Sioux Falls, South Dakota last weekend when I got caught in a terrible storm on the notorious Interstate 90. If you are not familiar with it, picture Minnesota’s own version of the Bermuda Triangle. The weather for this trip was fine until I hit I90 and encountered zero visibility with rain and lightening. I edged my way off the road and headed south for a while to escape the treacherous driving. It seems our entire spring and summer have been filled with bad storms and so many people have had heart-breaking consequences because of them. I am hoping the funder I am highlighting today can bring relief to some.

This week’s pick: The Alliant Energy Foundation is offering flood grants to non-profit organizations in their Rebuilding Our Communities Grant Program. Alliant has a large wind electric system project here in Minnesota. Their foundation’s grant program will “provide unrestricted grants in the amount of $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 to organizations for increased operating and other expenses incurred as a direct result of the recent flooding.”

Grant applications from 501©3 organizations must be submitted by October 1, 2008. If you are eligible, a determination will be made within 14 days of submission. Those needing to re-establish essential community services will be given priority.

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The Improve Group team members conducting the DHS Waiver Reviews are once again off visiting counties far and wide here in Minnesota. The smallest towns are always favorites with our staff. We enjoy sampling the local cuisine and meeting the good folks that work to keep rural Minnesotans healthy. Unfortunately, the more remote the location, the harder it can be to get the needed services for the people in their population. Lack of availability of providers and the distance they must travel can be a big factor in scarce resources. My choice for Grant Gazing today is an opportunity from the federal government to assist rural health communities.

This week’s pick: The Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant Program from the federal Office of Rural Health Policy.

“This program encourages the development of new and innovative health care delivery systems in rural communities that lack essential care services. The emphasis of the grant program is on service delivery through collaboration, requiring the grantee to form a consortium with at least two additional partners.”

Total funding for all projects granted is $11,000,000. The grant application and further requirements can be accessed through Grants.gov by CDFA #93.912. Projects funding is for 3 years with an award date of May 1, 2009.

Keep in mind - federal grants take a good lead time to prepare so anyone who might be interested should starts planning their collaboration right away. The application deadline is October 16, 2008.

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(NOTE: My vacation and the summer holiday have me a week behind so I will post two Grant Gazings this week.)

My children and I were very fortunate to spend the 4th of July with my folks. My dad is a Korean War Veteran and he’s expressed what it cost him to be a part of that conflict. He is one of my personal heroes. Since his tour happened before I was born, I didn’t have to feel the fear and separation a child has for a parent away from home while serving their country. I do currently have relatives in the army, air force and marines and I know the worry that is part of the families’ daily lives. Our next funder tries to keep the child in childhood for military families.

This week’s pick: Our Military Kids, founded in 2004, exists to support children whose parents are deployed in U.S. military service. The type of activities that may receive grants “ensure that the children have access to activities and support that help the children better cope with challenges arising during a parent's deployment or injury recovery.”

Eligible activities include:
Youth Sports Programs
Fine Arts Programs
Tutoring Programs
Miscellaneous Other

There are two separate applications; one for the Air Force Reserve or National Guard, and one for the Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve. Links for these can be found here. No grant request or award can exceed $500. Family income is not a consideration when applying for a grant and specific documentation is needed to complete the submission process.

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The 4th of July is almost upon us and the boys and I will be taking the annual summer trip home to Wisconsin to be with the family which includes: grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and the extended group we aren’t quite sure how we are related to, but consider to be family anyway. I have always felt most fortunate to have a close-knit family and it is one thing I wish everyone had. In the spirit of July unity, I present a very patriotic group that is working to assist children all acorss our country.

This week’s pick: The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation has a unique philanthropic priority – “to provide other nonprofit organizations with the means to educate the public about the special needs of children across this nation.” You must be a non-profit with the potential for helping American children to be eligible to apply.

The Foundation prefers to grant to applicants who can affect the welfare of children in a large geographical area. Grants amounts in 2007 ranged from $5,000 to $64,000. Click here to access more information on the submission process and to connect to the online application. Deadline for applications for the next granting round is July 15, 2008.

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GRANT GAZING 6/17/08 by Susan Murphy

As is the case with many working parents, my children spend time in a child care facility. I am blessed by having a great place for my boys to spend their summer and before and after schools time. The head of our center (Helen) does a phenomenal job teaching and encouraging all the ages of children who attend. It is hard for parents to leave their children in the hands of others, so knowing that they are well taken care of makes a world of difference to those of us who cannot stay at home. My funding choice today honors those care-givers who help our kids grown in a safe and loving environment.

This week’s pick: The Terri Lynne Lykoff Foundation’s – Children’s Tylenol National Child Care Teacher Awards. This foundation gives fifty awards across the country to dedicated, quality child care providers. Part of the application process requires submitting a project idea that will benefit their child care environment. Award recipients will get between $500 and $1,000 for their own personal use and another $500 to implement their proposed project. Of the top ten recipients, one person will be chosen to receive the Helen Marks Award which comes with an additional $1,000 shopping spree.

The deadline to apply is December 5, 2008 . Complete eligibility requirements and the application form can be found at the Foundation website.

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Being a woman (and once a girl), I have a soft spot for opportunities that assist women and girls and promote their new ideas and the projects they develop into. The Improve Group was one woman’s idea that developed into a great organization. It is exciting to see where a strong spark of interest and some support will bring you.

This week’s pick: If your project is led by and benefitting women and girls, the Open Meadows Foundation might be the funder for you. This grant-making organization gives funding up to $2,000 to small, nonprofits (or those with a tax-exempt sponsor) for projects that are designed and implemented by women and girls. Start-up organizations and those who have not received the Foundation’s funding in the past are encouraged to apply. The next due date for application submissions is August 15, 2008. More information can be found by clicking here. While you are at their website, check out the six additional special funds they offer.

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Once the weather shaped up the animal life appeared in abundance. Our apartment parking lot had a gaggle wild turkeys running around in it and there have been spottings of everything from owls to hedgehogs. Animals are so enriching to our lives. Almost everyone on the Improve Group staff has a pet and we all appreciate the comfort they bring. Some animals do far more than that. My neighbor trains guide dogs and it is amazing to see what these canines can accomplish. My grant today is a nod to our furry friends.

This week’s pick: Planet Dog Foundation promotes and financially supports 501©3 non-profit and their programs such as those addressing:

• service dogs
• therapy dogs
• animal assisted therapy
• search and rescue dogs
• police, fire, military dogs
• other innovative canine service programs

Grants range between $5,000 and $10,000. Letters of Intent must be received via mail or email by August 1, 2008 for the fall funding cycle.

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When I was a teen my family friends used to throw Mary Kay Cosmetics parties. Everything came in the color pink and the best part was hearing the story of Mary Kay Ash who found her life’s work by establishing her own direct sales business with $5,000 and the help of her son. Not only had she never used animal testing with her products, but her company won an award from the United Nations Environmental Program for leadership in environmental policies within the cosmetic industry. However, one of her best legacies has been her support of women and the quality of life they lead.

This week’s pick: The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation (MKACF), founded in 1996 by Mary Kay Ash, the late head of Mary Kay Cosmetics, brings support to women who lack opportunity and financial resources. Currently applications for the 2008 Shelter Grant Program are being accepted. The Foundation awards $20,000 grants to 150 women’s shelters across the United States. Among the 2007 grantees were shelters in Saint Paul, Wilmar and Red Wing, Minnesota.

Monies received must be used for the operating budget of the shelter with the only exception being for staff travel. Submissions are due by Monday, June 30, 2008. For the Shelter Grant application, click here.

Other areas of interest that are funded through the Ash Foundation are cancer research and violence prevention for women.

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I hinted at it in my last blog and I am happy to say it happened. Minnesota has actually seen good weather. I was even able to have an outdoor birthday party for my oldest with 10 children ranging in age from 7 to 13. Thank goodness they didn’t all have to pile into our place for long. With the warm weather and sunlight comes another concern, however, and that is skin protection. We are all pulling out the bottles of SPF 15 and up and trying to keep our families safe from damaging rays. I found a very unique grant opportunity this week that will provide children with a nice place out of the sun when they need it.

This week’s pick: The American Academy of Dermatology’s (Academy) Shade Structure Program makes grants for the purchase of permanent equipment to provide shade from the sun’s ultraviolet rays in outdoor areas. “The Academy receives support for this program from Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company.”

Grant awards are $2,000 each and grantees are also given a sign by the Academy to place near their shade structure which promotes the importance of sun safety. You must be a 501(c)(3) organizations that serves children and teenagers, ages 18 and younger to be eligible. Those applying will need a member dermatologist of the Academy to sponsor the application and send a letter of support. Their website provides a locator for dermatologists. Click here for application download.

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I am skeptical, but hope springs eternal that we may be seeing the first signs of Spring here in Minnesota. I want this to be so, because cabin fever has hit hard in our household. My kids and I are dying to bike. There are so many beautiful places to take a bike ride in our area and we all need the fresh air and exercise after the never-ending winter. This Grant Gazing is for everyone who loves the bicycling experience and appreciates the good things that come from leaving the car at home.

This week’s pick: The Bikes Belong Grants Program of the Bikes Belong Coalition. The Coalition “welcomes grant applications from organizations and agencies within the United States that are committed to putting more people on bicycles more often.” Possible projects include bike trails, lanes, routes, Mountain Bike Areas and BMX facilities. The grant application areas are facilities and advocacy projects.

Bikes Belong aims their grants at nonprofits that support bicycle advocacy and public agencies and departments with this same goal. Groups that encourage support and growth of bicycling can receive grants that generally range from $5,000 to $10,000. Grant rounds are in cycles through the year and the next three are May 26, August 25 and November 24, 2008. Submission is through online application.

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The Improve Group’s work for the Minnesota Department of Human Services has given us insight into the intricate process of accurate, up-to-date health records about program participants. Providers and health departments have a multitude of details to track to help ensure the best care for individuals. The opportunities I am highlighting today assist in the efforts to maintain valid health care recording systems.

This week’s pick: The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is offering an Electronic Health Record System Revolving Loan Program to community clinics, rural hospitals and physician clinics in towns of less than 50,000 and nursing facilities and other health care providers. These loans are at no interest for six-years and will “assist in financing the installation or support of interoperable health record systems.” Those interested in applying need to submit the online pre-application form describing your project and providing preliminary budgeting information. Grants are made on a first come-first served basis.

MDH is also offering Electronic Health Record Grants for readiness assessment ($50,000) and implementation ($750,000). Applications are available July 14, 2008 with submissions due September 8th. Contact Anne Schloegel for information on either of these opportunities at:
Anne.Schloegel@health.state.mn.us.

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As a young girl I was crazy about Barbie Dolls. I still have them stashed in my parents’ attic. I gave my imagination quite a workout while playing with those toys. To me, Mattel was a very magic company and I owe it a lot of happy hours in my youth. It is no wonder Mattel has continued to make kids happy by providing grants to United States organizations that benefit children.

This week’s pick: Mattel (http://www.mattel.com) and the Mattel Children's Foundation have a domestic grant program that directly supports children. To be eligible, organizations must be a child-serving 501 © 3 non-profit impacting children in need. Main areas of concentration are:

• Learning
• Health
• Girl Empowerment

Applications for program and operating support will be considered. Awards range from $5,000 to $25,000 and the deadline for this grant is July 15, 2008. To see the criteria and application form visit the Mattel web site.

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The Improve Group treasures its relationship with the arts community. Among the staff who work here, some of us are performers; some are strictly audience members; but all of us appreciate the gifts the arts bring to our lives. Just this month Marian will be performing in a play, Leah’s daughter was in a mermaid in a youth performance and my youngest son and I attended his first big, professional theater production in downtown Minneapolis. We are fortunate that our state is rich with cultural, artistic venues. My pick this week is an opportunity to share our arts/culture and make positive connections to what inspires people in other countries.

This week’s pick: The Cultural Programs Division of the Office of Citizen Exchanges, in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is presenting the 2008 Arts Exchanges on International Issues Program, an “open competition for grants to implement programs that utilize the arts to engage civil society - particularly youth and diverse and underserved populations - and that foster linkages and build partnerships between U.S. and overseas non-profit arts and cultural organizations, and local communities.” (Funding Opportunity Number: ECA/PE/C/CU-08-43)

ECA is particularly interested in projects in: Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala, Peru and Nicaragua.
Projects should be aimed at opening dialogues, countering negative perceptions, developing leadership and professionalism and involve key international arts and/or cultural issues. Grants will range between $200,000 and $600,000. The application must be submitted by May 22nd through Grants.gov.

Among those eligible to apply are:
• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education

Please note there are two specific project themes for which you can apply. Click masks to learn more:

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You can do it as two,
You can gather a crew,
You may do what you can,
If you just have a plan.

It will help out the air, water, wildlife and earth,
It will show Mother Nature you know what she’s worth.

(I love Dr. Seuss and I am so glad his writing is still getting kids excited about doing something good for the environment).

This week’s pick: Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Youth Venture in a partnership with Earth Island Institute are offering The Lorax Challenge. The Lorax, as most people know, is a wonderful character created by Dr. Seuss to help warn the world of the dangers of over-industrialization and misuse of natural resources.

This opportunity asks people ages 12 to 20 to submit action plans for earth-saving ideas. To be eligible for the Lorax Grant “a venture team must be youth-created, -led, and -managed; be community-benefiting; be structured as a lasting organization; involve a strong team with clear, attainable goals and budget and the commitment to lead their venture; and have at least one "Ally" — a supportive adult who guides and encourages the team.”

You can submit your application online and teams that are chosen will receive up to $1,000 each to make their dreams a reality. Five grand prize (high school-age) winners will be given a trip to the University of Florida for a weekend of fun and learning.

Deadline for submission, May 31, two-oh-oh-eight,
So get your mind moving, be fast don’t be late!
You’ll help save something wonderful from a very bad fate,
And best thing of all, it will make you feel great!

(My apologies to Theodor Geisel).

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Today I have a very worthy federal grant opportunity which is aimed at increasing employment for people living with disabilities. Whether it is for you, family members or friends it is imperative that anyone who has challenges in their lives also has equal opportunities to succeed.

This week’s pick: The Projects with Industry Program (PWI) through the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, asks private industry to partner with organizations in expanding competitive work opportunities for those with disabilities. A high priority will be given to applicants from faith-based and community organizations.

Awards range from $250,000 to $350,000. Those who are granted funds will need to establish a Business Advisory Council, identify jobs and the skills needed to perform them and develop training, placement and support programs for the target community. Deadline to submit an application is May 27th. More on this grant can be found by clicking here.

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I was gazing through the Federal grants today and it struck me how much evaluation continues to grow in importance as an integral part of the proposal process. With fewer government dollars being spread among an increasing need for services and assistance, the requirement for accountability grows. It is important to make the case for how well your organization will track the use of the funds long before a contract is ever struck. The following is a perfect example of a request asking for evaluation planning from the start in order to best qualify for the grant.

This week’s pick: The Department of Health and Human Services is granting funds for the 2008 Adolescent Family Life (AFL) Demonstration Program (CDFA #93995 and Funding Opportunity # PA-APH-08-021). “These grants are for projects to develop, implement and evaluate a multi-site primary abstinence education program targeting youth ages 12-18, as compared with a multi-site “enriched” program model.” Any public, private or nonprofit organization is eligible to apply and successful applicants will dedicate 20-25% of the Federal portion of the budget for evaluation activities. The award floor is $600,000 with a ceiling of $800,000. Funds are available for 4-5 projects.

The electronic grant application must be submitted by 11:00 am Eastern Time on June 11, 2008; mailed applications by 5:00 pm the same day. The Improve Group would be interested in providing evlaution services and working with organizations interested in applying. We are available to assist in writing the evaluation portion of the grant application. For more information on this grant, click here.

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