GrantStation Insider: January 21, 2021

COVID-19 | National | Regional | Federal | Tracks to Success | PathFinder | Online Education | Announcements | Subscribe

COVID-19 Related Funding
Opportunities related to the COVID-19 pandemic

Poetry Organizations Eligible for Emergency Support
Poetry Foundation: Emergency Grants Fund
The Poetry Foundation's Emergency Grants Fund supports poetry and affiliated art organizations struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. This fund is open to national and Illinois-based poetry organizations as well as organizations that use poetry as an expression of their missions. This includes organizations fighting for social justice and working to advance racial equity in poetry and affiliated art. The application deadlines are January 31 and March 31, 2021.

Grants for Organizations in the Central Savannah River Area of Georgia and South Carolina
Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area: COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund
The Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area's COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund awards grants to nonprofit organizations for programs serving the immediate needs of economically vulnerable populations in Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Jefferson, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Taliaferro, Warren, and Wilkes counties in Georgia, and Aiken, Edgefield, and McCormick counties in South Carolina. Programs should address one or more of the following: food insecurity, emergency shelter or rent, utility assistance, medical supports, and child care. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Relief Funding for Denver Area Nonprofits
Denver Foundation
The Denver Foundation is offering COVID-19 relief funding to local nonprofit organizations through two programs: The COVID-19 Recovery & Resilience program funds systems-level solutions developed by organizations in response to COVID-19. Support will be concentrated in the areas of Public Health, Social Systems, Economic Recovery, Education Equity, Public Policy Improvements, Systems Improvement, and Racially Healing and Equity. Letters of inquiry are reviewed on a rolling basis. The COVID-19 Arts & Culture Relief Fund supports nonprofit organizations in the arts and creative sector that are experiencing a dramatic, unexpected loss in revenue. The application deadline for this fund is January 27, 2021.

For more grant opportunities, visit our COVID-19 Related Funding page.

National Funding
Opportunities throughout the U.S.

Major Support for Solutions Addressing Issues Facing Disadvantaged Communities
Andrew Family Foundation
The Andrew Family Foundation seeks to partner with one or more nonprofit organizations in the United States offering creative solutions that address issues facing under-resourced communities as well as the protection and preservation of the natural environment in which they live. The Foundation seeks to support one or more organizations focused on alleviating disparities in food access, affordable housing, high quality education, physical and psychological healthcare, and/or criminal justice. Preference will be given to organizations whose programming is intersectional, alleviating these disparities while demonstrating an interest to conserve our planet's natural resources and promote environmental sustainability. The Foundation will award grant(s) of up to $600,000 to be paid over a three-year period. The annual program budget for applying organizations should be $1 million to $4 million. Letters of inquiry are due by March 15, 2021; the deadline for invited full proposals is May 1, 2021. To review the full request for proposal and to submit a letter of inquiry, please visit the Foundation's webpage.

Direct Service Programs for Traumatized Children Funded
Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation Children's Initiative
The Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation's Children's Initiative provides support to direct service programs throughout the United States that promote resilience, stability, and pyscho-social health for youth ages 14 to 21 who have been traumatized by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Eligible programs must directly serve youth who have been significantly traumatized by ACEs, offer age-appropriate therapeutic interventions, provide services that go beyond crisis intervention, include a plan for evaluating program effectiveness, enhance the relationship between the child and at least one significant adult, be a new program or a new therapeutic component to an existing program, and use trauma informed practices. The average grant size is $30,000 or less. The deadline for Stage One Applications is March 1, 2021; invited Stage Two Applications will be due by August 1, 2021. Visit the Foundation's website to learn more about the funding guidelines and application process.

Grants Promote Youth Justice Efforts
Visionary Freedom Fund
The Visionary Freedom Fund, administered by the Andrus Family Fund, seeks to ensure that Black, Brown, and Indigenous (BIPOC) youth impacted by the youth justice system on the frontlines have the resources, capacities, infrastructure, and relationships they need to develop and implement inspiring long-term, visionary change in their communities. Grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 will support organizations where leadership is impacted by the carceral state, criminal legal system, and/or systems of criminalization. Applying organizations must have young people in decision-making leadership roles. General operating grants are provided, with an emphasis on funding for organizations that are often left out of traditional philanthropic giving. The application deadline is February 26, 2021. The request for proposals is available on the Andrus Family Fund's website.

Community Gardens in the U.S. and Canada Supported
Nature's Path: Gardens for Good
The Nature's Path Gardens for Good program supports nonprofit organizations with community garden projects in the U.S. and Canada. The focus is on community gardens that make fresh organic food more accessible in the local neighborhood. Grants must be used specifically for the development of an organic garden that will supply food to a nonprofit feeding agency such as a food bank, soup kitchen, emergency pantry, shelter, before- or after-school program, or other similar type of program. Projects must demonstrate high community support and a viable plan for the project. For 2021, Nature's Path will award 21 grants of $5,000 each. The application cycle will be open from February 5 to March 24, 2021. Visit the Nature's Path website to download the program's rules and regulations.

Regional Funding
Opportunities for specific geographic areas

Funds for Literacy Programs in Company Communities
Dollar General Literacy Foundation
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and libraries that offer literacy programs in communities served by Dollar General in every state with the exception of Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, and Montana. The Foundation provides support through the following grant programs: Adult Literacy Grants support nonprofit organizations that provide direct services to adults in need of literacy assistance. Family Literacy Grants support family literacy service providers that combine parent and youth literacy instruction. Summer Reading Grants help nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries with the creation or expansion of summer reading programs for students who are below grade level readers or readers with learning disabilities. Online applications for the three programs described above must be submitted by February 18, 2021. In addition, Youth Literacy Grants support nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries that work to help students who are new or below grade level readers or who have learning disabilities. The application deadline for this program will be available in February. Visit the Foundation's website to access guidelines for each grant program.

Grants Focus on Cancer Issues in Oregon Communities
OHSU Knight Cancer Institute: Community Partnership Program
The Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) Knight Cancer Institute is an international leader in research and cancer treatment. OHSU's Community Partnership Program supports the development of sustainable collaborations with Oregon communities to address community-identified cancer needs. Grants ranging up to $50,000 fund projects anywhere along the cancer continuum from prevention and early detection to survivorship. Funding is available in three different tiers: Tier 1 (Define Need), Tier 2 (Develop and Pilot), and Tier 3 (Evaluate and Sustain). Proposals that address cancer-related health disparities and increase equity for Oregon communities that have been historically disadvantaged or marginalized are highly encouraged. Applicants affiliated with an academic institution are required to partner with a community-based organization to ensure funds are invested into the target community. Online intent to apply forms must be submitted by February 16, 2021; proposals are due March 16, 2021. Visit the OHSU website to download the 2021 request for proposals.

Project and Operating Support for Social Justice Collaborations in Alaska
Alaska Community Foundation: Social Justice Fund
The Alaska Community Foundation works to connect people, organizations, and causes to strengthen Alaska's communities. The goal for the Foundation's Social Justice Fund is to support strategic collaborations that prioritize leadership development and allow Alaskans to address the root causes of challenging social justice issues within their communities and across the state. Nonprofit organizations, tribes, schools, faith-based organizations, local government agencies, and grassroots organizations may apply for programmatic and general operating support. Grants will range from $5,000 to $15,000. Applications will be accepted through February 24, 2021. (Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to call Foundation staff prior to submitting an online application.) Visit the Alaska Community Foundation website for more information about the Social Justice Fund.

Matching Funds for Healthy Living Projects in Iowa and South Dakota
The Wellmark Foundation: Matching Assets to Community Health
The Wellmark Foundation is dedicated to improving the health of Iowans, South Dakotans, and their communities. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations and community groups that develop, implement, and enhance sustainable projects that 1) increase access to and consumption of nutritious foods, or 2) promote safe and healthy environments in which to be physically active. The Foundation's Matching Assets to Community Health (MATCH) grant program is designed to bring other funders together to support community health projects. The following two grant opportunities are offered: Large MATCH Grants of up to $100,000 must be matched 100 percent. The application deadline for this program is February 17, 2021. Small MATCH Grants of up to $25,000 must be matched at 50 percent. The deadline for this program is May 26, 2021. Visit the Foundation's website to download the 2021 MATCH Grant RFP.

Federal Funding
Opportunities from the U.S. government

Wetland Conservation Supported
Fish and Wildlife Service
The North American Wetlands Conservation Act U.S. Standard Grants Program offers matching grants to support public-private partnerships carrying out projects that further the goals of the Act. Projects must involve long-term protection, restoration, enhancement, or establishment of wetland and associated upland habitats to benefit migratory birds. Applications are due February 26 and July 9, 2021. There are additional grant cycles for Canadian and Mexican projects, as well as U.S. small grants.

Funds Available for Fire Safety Research and Fire Prevention
Department of Homeland Security
The Fire Prevention and Safety Grant program supports fire prevention programs and firefighter health and safety research and development. Categories of support include activities designed to reach high-risk target groups and mitigate incidences of death and injuries caused by fire and fire-related hazards, and research and development activities aimed at improving firefighter safety. The program is open to fire departments; national, regional, state, local, tribal, and nonprofit organizations, such as academic institutions (e.g., universities); public health and occupational health organizations; and injury prevention institutions. The application deadline is February 26, 2021.

Tracks to Success
Feature articles focused on a particular grantmaker or philanthropic trend

Maintaining the Self in the Digital Era
by Sid Davis

Humanity's relationship to technology has been a burning existential issue ever since the invention of machinery. The typewriter was once excoriated by social observers for replacing the human element of handwriting with that of soulless machine communication. Doubts about technology grew as machinery evolved into automation, and automation into digitization. In 2020 the question of our relationship to technology remains as relevant as ever, and as unanswered as ever.

But there are always thinkers wrestling with it. Dr. Anthony Silard is an expert in the field of digital technology's relationship to humans. Read more...

PathFinder: Featured Resource
A library of quality resources designed to help you develop your career path as a grants professional

Moving Toward Equitable Funding Practices: Findings from Research on Community Foundation Practices
Community foundations were quick to respond to the challenges posed by COVID-19. How have they responded to calls for racial justice? A report by Community Wealth Partners entitled Moving Toward Equitable Funding Practices: Findings from Research on Community Foundation Practices distills highlights and themes from interviews with community foundations and other funding intermediaries on questions regarding racial equity, meeting critical community needs, and making an impact.

Upcoming Online Education Trainings
Live Webinars

Unless otherwise noted, all Online Education Trainings are webinars,
are 90 minutes in duration, and are scheduled to begin at 2 PM Eastern Time.

How to Use Storytelling and Virtual Donor Experiences to Raise More Money (NEW)
Donor stewardship has always been a time-consuming activity. Since these days nearly all meetings and gatherings are virtual for health safety, how are you keeping your donors engaged and ready to give? Holding virtual donor experiences that include sharing mission moment stories is an effective, time-saving, engaging, and inspiring way to tackle donor stewardship during the pandemic. In this session, Lori L. Jacobwith, Fundraising Culture Change Expert and Master Storyteller at IgnitedFundraising.com, will inspire your creativity for keeping your donors engaged throughout the year. During the webinar you will learn the outline for crafting a powerful virtual donor experience; learn the specific messages that make your experience inspiring, engaging, and relevant—no matter your mission; and receive a checklist to help plan your own knock-their-socks off experience. This session will benefit executive directors, fundraising and communication staff, and board members, and is relevant for small shops as well as organizations with a large fund development team. The webinar will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2021.

Building the "Total Value" Proposal Budget: A Step-by-Step Framework
An A+ proposal budget provides an honest, complete, and clear picture of the total value of everything it takes to do our work successfully. It also stands as an invaluable management and evaluation tool when it comes to running the grant-funded program. So…how do we get there from here? That's the question Maryn Boess will explore in this down-to-earth, myth-busting session. What you'll take away from this session: You'll understand the importance of taking a "total value" approach to budget-building, to clearly and compellingly show the value of everything it takes to do our work successfully. You'll learn why the form the grantmaker gives you is (almost always) the wrong tool for planning your budget—and what you can use instead. You'll have the chance to whip out your calculator and try your hand at thinking through some of the "total-value" challenges in our real-life scenario—some are pretty tricky! You'll get a behind-the-scenes view of how grantmakers evaluate your proposal budget and what your budget tells them about your organization. And we'll clear away the confusion around the value of volunteer time, accounting for "match," handling administrative/indirect costs, and other perennially perplexing budget issues. BONUS: In this session, you'll be introduced to GrantsMagic U's exclusive Master Budget Planning Checklist and Worksheet, a powerful planning tool to help you craft a budget that is comprehensive, realistic, and bullet-proof—and that will work for you, your organization, and your grantmaking partners. The webinar will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2021.

Strategic Planning 101
This course offers a step-by-step guide on how to develop a strategic plan for a nonprofit organization. Discover how to pull the right team together, brainstorm effectively, develop the vision, and articulate a plan that can be implemented over time. Mindy Muller, President/CEO of Community Development Professionals, LLC, will review the key concepts of external and internal vision, mission, and core values and how those concepts set the foundation for identifying activities for the next three to five years. Participants will be challenged to develop action items to apply learned concepts within their respective organizations. During this webinar, participants will 1) understand the need for planning for long-term sustainability; 2) identify concepts of vision, mission, core values, and strategic plan and application toward long-term growth and sustainability; 3) acquire knowledge of methodology to develop a long-term strategy for the organization; and 4) recognize the value of the planning team and how to convene the right team for the organization. The webinar will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2021.

GrantStation Announcements
The latest updates from GrantStation

Actionable Research at Your Fingertips
A New GrantStation Partner: ARNOVA
by Cynthia M. Adams, CEO, GrantStation

The web is littered with blog posts, trainings, and articles on how to build, manage, and grow your nonprofit based on one person's experience, which is not just overwhelming, it can also be dangerous. Whom do you listen to? Whom do you trust to deliver well-reasoned information?

What intrigued me about ARNOVA is that it represents "a diverse community of scholars, educators, and practice leaders that strengthens the field of nonprofit and philanthropic research in order to improve civil society and human life." The idea of engaging researchers, and the important work they are doing, and delivering their thoughts and ideas to all of our readers, not only made sense, it also felt like a bridge that needed to be built.

Read about our new partnership...

Funding Alerts
GrantStation shares database profiles of local, national, Canadian, and international grantmakers with upcoming deadlines each week. Check out the current Funding Alerts for more grant opportunities!

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Editor: Julie Kaufman
Copy Editor: Ashlyn Simmons
Contributing Writer: Kevin Peters