GrantStation International Insider - May 2018

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International Funding Opportunities

Funding Available to Implement Ambitious Ideas
The Audacious Project
The Audacious Project, a partnership between some of the most respected organizations in philanthropy and the public housed at TED, is a collaborative approach to funding ideas with the potential to create change at a thrilling pace. The Project aims to encourage the world’s greatest change-agents to dream bigger, shape the best ideas into viable multi-year plans, and present those ideas in a compelling way to potential supporters. The goal is to make philanthropy more collaborative, more inspiring, and more effective. Changemakers are invited to submit their best, boldest ideas for tackling the world’s biggest challenges. Selected ideas typically have a timeline of three to five years. Supporters will commit a level of financial support paid annually, provided project milestones are met. The deadline to apply is June 10, 2018; early applications are strongly encouraged. Visit the Audacious Project website to learn more and to submit an idea for consideration.

Grants Support Independent Filmmakers Worldwide
FILMMAKERS WITHOUT BORDERS
FILMMAKERS WITHOUT BORDERS (FWB) is an educational nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of digital storytellers. FWB provides grants for independent filmmakers around the world to share their stories, with the goals of empowering the next generation of digital storytellers, promoting diverse communities and cultures, sharing unique perspectives and stories, and supporting independent voices from around the world. Funds are available for short film, feature film, and new media projects in various stages of production, including development, production, post-production, and film festival applications. Proposed projects should address one of the following themes: social justice, women’s voices, youth voices, identity, cultural exchange, or climate change. Novice and experienced filmmakers from any country are eligible to apply. The annual application deadlines are January 1, June 1, and August 1. Online applications may be submitted on the FWB website.

Prize Recognizes Achievements in Sustainable Development
Zayed Sustainability Prize
The Zayed Sustainability Prize, formerly known as the Zayed Future Energy Prize, seeks to encourage, support, and reward sustainability solutions that deliver transformative impact at a community or global level. The Prize celebrates achievements that are driving impact, innovation, and inspiration across five distinct categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Global High Schools. A cash prize of $600,000 is awarded in each of the first four categories; in the Global High Schools category, six awards of up to $100,000 are given to high schools in the regions of the Americas, Europe and Central Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia and the Pacific, South Asia, and MENA. Eligible Prize recipients vary by category to include nonprofit and non-governmental organizations, social enterprises, small and medium enterprises, and high schools. The submission deadline is August 9, 2018. Submission guidelines for each of the Prize categories are available on the Zayed Sustainability Prize website.

Literacy Research Funded
Facebook Research: Global Literacy and Accessibility Challenge
Facebook Research strives to build communities across the globe and bring the world closer together. The Global Literacy and Accessibility Challenge request for proposals (RFP) aims to better understand and address global literacy and accessibility issues. Grants of up to $30,000 fund qualitative or quantitative research that contributes to the field of literacy. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, novel, scalable methods on assessing individual or population literacy levels; understanding the experiences and challenges associated with literacy issues (e.g. learning disabilities or English as a second language barriers); understanding the social, structural, and technological issues that prevent people from improving literacy skills; understanding the impact of literacy skills on individuals and society; digital, social technologies used to improve literacy levels, especially closing the gender gap; and design and development of technologies to elevate the literacy barrier, preferably with a focus on social and AI technologies. The deadline to apply is July 25, 2018. Visit the Facebook Research website to review the RFP.

Award Honors Female Human Rights Defenders
Amnesty International USA: Ginetta Sagan Award
Amnesty International USA works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, and truth are denied. The Ginetta Sagan Award recognizes and assists women who are working to protect the liberty and lives of women and children in areas where human rights violations are widespread. Nominees should be the founder or executive director of an organization, be under threat for her activism, be proven effective at addressing human rights issues, and have brought about significant change in her country, region, or issue through her work. A $20,000 cash prize is awarded, to be used by the awardee at her complete discretion; in addition, the awardee can receive up to $5,000 to further her professional development. The nomination deadline is June 1, 2018. Nomination guidelines and the online nomination form are available on the Amnesty International website.

LGBT Social Justice Initiatives Supported
Arcus Foundation: Social Justice Program
The Arcus Foundation is a leading global foundation dedicated to the idea that people can live in harmony with one another and the natural world. The Foundation’s Social Justice Program supports organizations working toward social justice for LGBT people in the following areas: The Global Religions program area supports pro-LGBT, faith-based organizing and advocacy within the context of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Support is provided around the world, particularly in the Global South. International Human Rights funding contributes to the development of a global movement integrating sexual orientation and gender identity into shared conceptions of human rights. The Foundation invests in policy and cultural changes in targeted countries as well as in changemakers and their leadership at the United Nations and within regional human rights organizations, with priority given to Global South-led groups. The U.S. Social Justice area supports a wide variety of organizations focused on advancing social justice for LGBT people in the United States, with a significant focus on LGBT youth and communities of color. Initial Funding Concepts are accepted online throughout the year. Visit the Foundation’s website to learn more about the Social Justice Program.

Competition Seeks Solutions to Urban Challenges
Cities for Our Future Challenge
The Cities for Our Future Challenge, run by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in partnership with the United Kingdom National Commission for UNESCO and The Association of Commonwealth Universities, is a global competition that seeks transformative ideas for projects and policies that make a difference to the future of the world’s cities. Topic areas consist of Rapid Urbanization, Climate Change, and Resource Scarcity. Any individual or team is eligible to apply, including young professionals, students, or startups in the fields of surveying, urban design and engineering, and green technologies. The winner will receive a £50,000 prize and mentoring with industry experts to bring their idea to life. Entries must be submitted by May 31, 2018. Visit the Challenge website to review the briefs for each topic area.

Contributions to the Conservation of Biodiversity Honored
MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity
The MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity, an initiative of the AEON Environmental Foundation, aims to raise public awareness about the importance of biodiversity and to contribute to the objectives of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020. The Prize honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the fields of practical action, science, policy, or public awareness. Three winners will each receive a prize of $100,000. The closing date for nominations is June 15, 2018. The Nomination Sheet and online Application and Entry Form are available on the AEON Environmental Foundation website.

Canadian Funding Opportunities

Donations Available to Volunteer Fire Departments
Globe Gear Giveaway
The Globe Gear Giveaway, offered by Globe by MSA in partnership with DuPont Protection Solutions and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), provides state-of-the-art turnout gear to volunteer fire departments in need throughout Canada and the United States. In 2018, Globe will donate a total of 52 sets of gear to 13 all-volunteer or mostly-volunteer fire departments. Each winning department will receive four sets of new turnout gear. In order to be eligible, departments must be over 50 percent volunteer, be legally recognized in Canada or the U.S., and serve a population of 25,000 or under. In addition, the department or individual applying on behalf of the department must be a member of the NVFC. The application period closes on June 1, 2018. Departments can learn more and apply on the NVFC website.

Canadian Adult Literacy Initiatives Honored
ABC Life Literacy Canada: Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life Literacy Innovation Award 
ABC Life Literacy Canada is a nonprofit organization that inspires Canadians to increase their literacy skills. The Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life Literacy Innovation Award honors innovation in the creation and delivery (or in the development, implementation, and delivery) of adult literacy or adult-integrated family literacy programs delivered by a community organization in Canada. Registered charities and nonprofit organizations with programs that have been running for at least 12 months are eligible to apply. One top award of $20,000 as well as four honorable mention awards of $5,000 are provided; these awards can be invested into the program or applied to operating funds. Submissions are due by June 4, 2018. The application package and FAQs document may be downloaded from the ABC Life Literacy Canada website at https://abclifeliteracy.ca/lia.

Funding Improves Accessibility for People with Disabilities in British Columbia
Rick Hansen Foundation: BC Accessibility Grants Program
The Rick Hansen Foundation aims to create a global movement to remove barriers in the built environment and thereby liberate the potential of people living with disabilities. The Foundation, through its BC Accessibility Grants Program, provides funding of up to $20,000 to complete an accessibility infrastructure improvement project. Any nonprofit or for-profit commercial, institutional, or multi-unit residential site in British Columbia that has received a complimentary Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) rating can apply. Applications are due by November 30, 2018. Visit the Foundation’s website for more information: http://www.rickhansen.com/Our-Work/Grant-Programs/BC-Accessibility-Grants-Program.

Support for Youth Environmental Projects in Alberta
Alberta Emerald Foundation: Youth Environmental Engagement Grant Program
The Alberta Emerald Foundation recognizes, celebrates, inspires, and showcases environmental excellence in their province. Their programs include the Emerald Awards, Emerald Day, Emerald Speakers Series, Sharing Stories Communications Strategy, and the Youth Environmental Engagement Grant Program. The Youth Environmental Engagement Grant Program provides micro-grants of up to $500 to youth-led and youth-targeted environmental projects and initiatives in the following categories: Green Builders funding supports the development or enhancement of green spaces such as community gardens, outdoor classrooms, and urban naturalization projects. Green Scholars grants are provided for educational experiences that result in environmental learning, inspiration, and personal/professional development. In the Green Energizers category, the Foundation funds renewable energy or energy conservation projects. Finally, Green Guardians grants support recycling and composting programs as well as the protection, restoration, or maintenance of natural habitats and areas. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Visit the Foundation’s website to start the online application process by creating an account.

U.S. Government Funding Opportunities

Grants Promote Tolerance and Conflict Resolution in Burma
Department of State
The Supporting Tolerance and Peace Advocacy at the Community Level program encourages efforts to creatively address long-standing ethnic grievances, continue trust-building efforts in conflict-affected areas, and bridge ethnic, religious, disability, and sexual identity barriers to build inclusive communities throughout Burma. The closing date for applications is May 29, 2018.

Support for HIV Prevention Initiatives in Zimbabwe
USAID
The USAID Going the Last Mile for HIV Control program seeks to accelerate the HIV response for epidemic control and the overall goal to sustain reduction in HIV incidence in Zimbabwe. Applications must be submitted by June 4, 2018.

Canadian Government Funding Opportunities

Awards Recognize Canadian Volunteers
Employment and Social Development Canada
Canada’s Volunteer Awards (CVA) recognize the significant contributions of individual volunteers, nonprofit organizations, and businesses across the country in helping communities. The Awards consist of one national award and 20 regional awards. The national award, or the Thérèse Casgrain Lifelong Achievement Award, recognizes dedicated individuals who have volunteered for at least 20 years and have inspired other volunteers, led volunteer groups, or made other exceptional achievements through volunteering. Regional awards are made in the categories of Community Leader, Emerging Leader, Business Leader, and Social Innovator; a recipient for each award is selected from each of the following five regions: Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Prairies, and British Columbia and the North. Award winners receive a grant of $10,000 for the national award and $5,000 for regional awards to donate to an eligible nonprofit organization. The call for nominations is open until June 15, 2018.

Funds for Events and Outreach Activities in the Humanities and Social Sciences
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
The Connection Grants program supports events and outreach activities geared toward short-term targeted knowledge mobilization initiatives in the humanities and social sciences. Grants support workshops, colloquiums, conferences, forums, summer institutes, or other events or outreach activities. Face-to-face events, such as workshops and conferences, may be held in Canada or abroad. The annual application deadlines are February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1.

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

Launching the Benevon Model Video Tutorial Series
Are you looking for a new strategy to take your fundraising to the next level? The Benevon Model for Sustainable Funding is a mission-centered, four-step, circular process for raising sustainable funding and major gifts from individual donors. In the five-part Launching the Benevon Model Video Tutorial Series, you will learn Benevon’s system for powerfully engaging your community in the mission of your organization, and how to customize the most important steps of the Benevon Model.

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 Craft a Proposal to a Foundation
Proposal writing is the skill most sought after by savvy nonprofit staff members. On the one hand, writing a grant proposal is quite simple and follows a basic formula. However, submitting a proposal may be your only chance to put the case for funding your organization in front of a foundation, so you want to be sure to do it right. In this webinar, Judith Margolin provides invaluable tips on developing a compelling proposal narrative, what your proposal package should include, how to let your funder take the lead, and advice on writing and submission techniques that get your proposal noticed by foundation decision makers. This webinar is intended for the novice proposal writer. This webinar will be held Thursday, May 10, 2018.

Writing Capacity Building Grants
Developing a capacity building grant request requires a specific approach which is distinct from the application process for operating or program grant requests. During this presentation, Alice Ruhnke will walk participants through the introduction, needs statement, objectives, and evaluation components of capacity building grant requests, using "real life, real time" examples of what funders are looking for. The webinar is appropriate for individuals who have a basic understanding of grant fundamentals and would like to apply those concepts specifically to capacity building grants. Participants will receive the PowerPoint presentation and the notes upon completion of the webinar. The webinar will be held Thursday, June 14, 2018.

The Invisible Yellow Line: Nonprofit Governance
Who 'owns' your nonprofit? The line defining the governance responsibility of board and staff is often hard to see. This fast-paced webinar will help to clarify that line using a football metaphor that everyone can understand. You've seen that yellow line that appears on the screen when you watch a football game. When you apply that line to the key roles of board and staff, it provides an easy way to discuss governance roles and helps to open lines of communication so both teams work compatibly toward the same goal - serving you organization's mission. Jean Block, the webinar presenter, is the author of "The Invisible Yellow Line ™ - Clarifying Board and Staff Roles." She will share easy, practical examples of best practices in board and staff roles in governance, including the board's responsibilities to the Three Duties and how the CEO can support the board in its governance role. The webinar is a great basic review for the novice and a refresher for the experienced nonprofit volunteer or chief executive. This webinar will be held Wednesday, July 18, 2018.

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Editor: Diana Holder
Contributing Writer: Ashlyn Simmons