GrantStation Insider: April 6, 2023

Special Opportunities | National | Regional | Federal | Partner Depot | PathFinder | Online Education | Announcements | Subscribe

Special Funding Opportunities 
Opportunities related to specific current issues

Current funding opportunities for COVID-19 and Ukraine are available to the public on our website.

National Funding 
Opportunities throughout the U.S.

Funding Strengthens Family Literacy and Engagement 
National Center for Families Learning: Sharon Darling Innovation Fund 
The National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) supports family success and well-being through education in the United States. The NCFL's Sharon Darling Innovation Fund is currently seeking proposals to develop and implement innovative programs, initiatives, products, processes, or strategies aimed at significantly improving the status quo in family literacy, family engagement, and family leadership. Support will be provided for programs and initiatives addressing the following objectives: increasing access to and the quality of educational opportunities for parenting adults and their families, increasing the number of families participating in literacy and learning activities, improving the learning outcomes for children and their parents, enhancing and increasing positive interactions between parenting adults and their children, developing the leadership skills of parenting adults and caregivers, and supporting and promoting the development of strong, positive relationships and engagement between families and schools or communities. Organizations including adult education programs, early childhood programs, childcare programs, out-of-school time programs, school districts, etc. may apply. The maximum grant award is $30,000 to be used for up to 18 months. Applications are due May 1, 2023. Visit the NCFL website to submit a proposal online.

Respite Programs Serving People With Dementia Supported 
Brookdale National Group Respite Program  
The Brookdale Foundation Group works to improve the lives of elders in the United States. Through the Brookdale National Group Respite Program's 2023 request for proposals, support will be provided to establish or expand dementia-specific group respite programs or specialized programs for people with early memory loss. Seed grants of $20,000 for the first year with an opportunity for a second-tier grant of $10,000 are available. 501(c)(3) or equivalent nonprofit service agencies seeking to expand or start up a new community-based day program for people with dementia, their families, and care partners are eligible to apply. Applications are due July 6, 2023. Visit the Brookdale Foundation Group website to download the guidelines and application form.

Grants Expand Solar Energy Systems in Tribal Communities 
Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund: Tribal Facility and Residential Grant Program 
The Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF) catalyzes the growth of solar energy and expands solar job opportunities in tribal communities across the United States. TSAF's Tribal Facility and Residential Grant Program provides grants of up to $200,000 for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems. Eligible applicants include federally recognized tribes and tribally led 501(c)3 organizations in support of federally recognized tribes in the lower 48 states and Alaska. Facility funding can support rooftop, carport, or ground-mount solar installations that meet the energy needs of the tribal community, while residential funding is designated for solar energy installed on a single-family home or small multi-family complex to significantly reduce the burden of electricity costs. Applications will be accepted through May 31, 2023. Visit the TSAF website for more information on the Tribal Facility and Residential Grant Program, as well as other funding opportunities and programs that will open in 2023.

Education Initiatives Funded 
Cigna Foundation: Education and Workforce Development Grants 
The Cigna Foundation's Education and Workforce Development program supports underserved populations by investing in students at all education levels. Grants are provided for education initiatives focused on students enrolled in pre-K, K-8, high school, and post-secondary and adult education. In the area of post-secondary and adult education, the Foundation seeks to support the educational and employment path of individuals who are considering health-related jobs, including increasing the number of practitioners who identify with groups that have been underrepresented and underserved and learning opportunities for all practitioners on how to better understand and address health disparities among diverse groups. Nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. can apply for grants between $50,000 and $125,000. New applications will be accepted from April 10 to May 5, 2023. Visit the Cigna website to review the areas of interest for the specific grant categories as well as access the online application.

Regional Funding 
Opportunities for specific geographic areas

Support Provided in 26 States 
U.S. Bank Foundation: Community Possible Grant Program 
U.S. Bank Foundation's Community Possible Grant Program provides support to nonprofit organizations in the 26 states served by U.S. Bank. Grants are provided in the following categories: 1) play, with a focus on access to artistic and cultural enrichment, learning through play, and preserving, protecting, and enhancing outdoor places to play; 2) work, with a focus on small business and workforce development, pathways to higher education, and financial literacy; and 3) home, with a focus on safe, affordable, energy efficient housing and home ownership education. Priority is given to organizations serving low- and moderate-income communities, women, and people of color as well as organizations led by people of color. A guidelines document (PDF) for the Community Possible Grant Program, which includes a list of eligible states, is available on the U.S. Bank website. Online letters of interest may be submitted throughout the year.

Grants Advance Efforts to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in MN, WI, and IA 
McKnight Foundation: Midwest Climate & Energy 
The goal of the McKnight Foundation's Midwest Climate & Energy program is to take bold action on the climate crisis by dramatically cutting carbon pollution in the Midwest by 2030. Proposals are accepted from nonprofit organizations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, at scale, as quickly as possible. Program strategies include transforming the energy system, decarbonizing transportation and buildings, supporting working lands, and strengthening democratic participation. Support is provided for efforts that build power through partnership, aligning climate and equity goals to advance bold action on the climate crisis. Before starting an application, organizations that align with the program's funding strategies may contact the Midwest Climate & Energy team. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Visit the Foundation's website for more information on the program's approach and how to apply.

Funds Address Montana Health Challenges 
Montana Healthcare Foundation 
The Montana Healthcare Foundation supports innovative ideas for improving health and well-being in Montana. Through the 2023 call for proposals, support will be provided to Montana-based organizations to design and pilot innovative solutions to key health challenges in Montana. Examples of funded projects include, but are not limited to, public health and prevention, strategic and business planning, direct collaboration among community agencies to address a significant health issue, partnerships outside the health sector to address upstream influences on health and well-being, and oral health. Grants, which support both planning and implementation projects, range between $10,000 and $50,000 for one-year projects and up to $100,000 for two-year projects. Nonprofit organizations and educational institutions as well as state, tribal, or local government agencies are eligible to apply. Applications will be accepted from March 15 to May 15, 2023. Visit the Foundation's website to review the call for proposals.

Projects Improving the Quality of Life in New Jersey Supported 
Robert and Joan Dircks Foundation 
The Robert and Joan Dircks Foundation supports small nonprofit organizations that enrich and improve the quality of life for individuals primarily in New Jersey. The focus is on innovative programs and projects that benefit and improve the lives of children and adults who are physically, mentally, or economically disadvantaged. Grants, typically ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, support programs and projects to prevent or solve problems, rather than operational needs. Letters of intent may be submitted at any time; invited full proposals are reviewed five times per year. The remaining 2023 deadlines for full proposals are May 24, August 16, and November 3. Visit the Foundation's website for application guidelines.

Federal Funding 
Opportunities from the U.S. government

Funds Available to Promote Local Food 
Department of Agriculture  
The Local Food Promotion Program supports projects that develop, coordinate, and expand local and regional food business enterprises that engage as intermediaries in indirect producer-to-consumer marketing to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. The program focuses on supporting the processing, aggregation, distribution, and storage of local and regional food products that are marketed locally or regionally, including value-added agricultural products; encouraging the development of value-added agricultural products; assisting with business development plans and feasibility studies; developing marketing strategies for producers of local food products and value-added agricultural products in new and existing markets; facilitating regional food chain coordination and mid-tier value chain development; promoting new business opportunities and marketing strategies to reduce on-farm food waste; responding to changing technology needs in indirect producer-to-consumer marketing; and covering expenses related to costs incurred in obtaining food safety certification and improvements to food safety practices and equipment. The application deadline is May 2, 2023.

Program Helps Create Jobs for Low-Income Individuals 
Department of Health and Human Services  
The Community Economic Development Projects program supports well-planned, financially viable, and innovative projects to enhance job creation and business development for individuals with low incomes. The program funds projects that address the personal and community barriers that must be overcome for individuals with low incomes to become self-sufficient. Funds can also be used for costs associated with business startup or expansion activities, provided that the expenditures result in the creation of positions that can be filled with individuals with low incomes. Eligible efforts may also include the re-creation or restoration of full-time, full-year positions that were lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The application deadline is May 8, 2023.

Partner Depot

Impactful Communications 
Join Foundant Technologies and renowned communication expert, speaker, author, coach, and University of Washington professor Erica Barnhart for tips and resources to help you achieve your mission by communicating in ways that are good for yourself, your team, your organization, and the world. Learn more and register for this free webinar on Wednesday, April 19 at 10 AM MT.

After the webinar, it's your turn to ask Erica anything! Join us for a follow-up Q&A session dedicated to nonprofit professionals. Learn more and register for this session on Thursday, April 27 at 10 AM MT.

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

2023 CCS Philanthropy Pulse 
Does your organization rely on fundraising as a revenue source? Are you looking to better inform your fundraising practices? The 2023 CCS Philanthropy Pulse report provides nonprofit leaders and fundraisers with helpful data to navigate the year ahead. This report provides a window into the fundraising practices of nearly 1,200 organizations across nonprofit sectors based on data collected in late 2022. In addition to the main report, it includes sector-specific spotlights for arts and culture, health, higher education, human services, primary and secondary schools, and faith.

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.

The Power of 3: Preparing for a Successful Capital Campaign 
A successful capital campaign will require extra effort on the part of your entire organization, from your staff to your board. During this Power of 3 series, Kevin Wallace and Carlyn Schulzke of CampaignCounsel.org will show you that while all communities, nonprofits, and their projects are unique, capital campaigns are built on a proven process. Following that process can help your organization succeed. In the first session, Are You Ready for a Capital Campaign?, you'll explore six vital questions to ask before you launch. This careful pre-planning will help you secure the support of your board, establish a reliable budget, and create your timeline. The second webinar, Essential Capital Campaign Preparations, will help you better understand needs assessments and feasibility studies. You'll see why it's important to assess what your organization should build and what it can sustain before trying to raise funds. During the final session, The Stages and Challenges to Expect During a Capital Campaign, you'll discover what happens during the five phases typical to most capital campaigns: the family, quiet, leadership, close-out, and public phases. You'll leave with an understanding of each phase's goals and the potential challenges you'll face along the way. The deadline to register for the series is Tuesday, April 11, 2023. The webinars may also be purchased individually.

Establishing Your Chart of Accounts for Success 
Your chart of accounts is one of your organization's most important building blocks. It creates an outline for budgeting and organizational planning. Beyond that, it provides the necessary structure for financial statements, giving you the opportunity to analyze the results of careful planning. It is the foundation that allows for efficiency and enables effectiveness. Unfortunately, for many nonprofit organizations the chart of accounts can become complex, especially if your organization has multiple programs or departments. The diverse structures and missions of nonprofits can also make it difficult to standardize a chart of accounts. During this webinar, Christian Spearow of Jitasa will show you how to design a chart of accounts that is efficient and enables your organization's effectiveness. The webinar will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2023.

Funding for Faith-Based Organizations 
As a faith-based organization, don't assume your organization isn't eligible for funds from government sources or private funders. Secular activities of faith-based organizations are frequently eligible for funding from the United States government as well as private and corporate grantmakers. If you provide community-based services which grow out of a faith teaching but are secular in nature (e.g. feeding the hungry or housing the homeless), then you may be eligible for funding from nonreligious grantmakers. However, it can be challenging to understand how to align your activities with the diverse requirements of different funders. During this TargetED, Alice Ruhnke will help you understand the types of funding your organization may be eligible for and how you can align with funders. The webinar will be held on Monday, April 17, 2023.

GrantStation Announcements 
The latest updates from GrantStation

Thank You! 
The 2,463 survey responses have been received and counted. Stay tuned for the 2023 State of Grantseeking Report, coming in mid-May!

With deepest appreciation for your participation and support,

Cynthia M. Adams, Founder 
Ellen C. Mowrer, Chief Executive Officer 
Juliet D. Vile, Vice President of Operations 
Diana Holder, Senior International Research Specialist and Content Curator

Funding Spotlight 
More funding opportunities are featured on the GrantStation homepage. Click here to see the grantmakers spotlighted this week!

Information contained in the GrantStation Insider may not be 
posted, reprinted, redistributed, or sold without permission.

Editor: Ashlyn Simmons 
Copy Editor: Diana Holder 
Contributing Writer: Kevin Peters