Becky McCray and Associates

Clean Energy Grant Program

2010-01-22T08:50:00.000-08:00

EcoStar Grants of up to $5,000 are available to community nonprofits in the areas of pollution prevention, education and outreach, energy efficiency, conservation, and community activism.

Lots of local projects fit into their criteria, making this a grant worth passing along to your local 501(c)3 organizations.

Pollution Prevention

Recycling projects and drop-off collection events
Tree plantings and maintenance to reduce CO₂ emissions
Litter reduction

Education

Workshops, seminars, training and/or public relations to inform and influence the public regarding environmental stewardship

Energy Efficiency

Projects and/or partnerships that support large and small-scale energy conservation measures

Conservation

Wetlands restoration
Wildlife/habitat protection

Community Activism

Neighborhood, park clean-ups
Create public green spaces, community gardens, urban forests

EcoStar grants are a new project of Constellation Energy. Oklahoma is one of the qualifying states where Constellation Energy does business.

Deadline: March 16, 2010

More info: EcoStar Grants from Constellation Energy

Source: Philanthropy News Digest RFP Alerts

Downtown housing from unused commercial space

2010-01-21T17:46:00.000-08:00

Most small towns have unused commercial space in their downtown, especially upstairs. The HOPE IV Main Street program makes grants to convert some of that unused space into affordable housing units.

The purpose of the HOPE VI Main Street program is to provide grants to small communities to assist in the rejuvenation of an historic or traditional central business district or “Main Street” area by replacing unused commercial space in buildings with affordable housing units.
The objectives of the program are to:

Redevelop Main Street areas;

Preserve historic or traditional architecture or design features in Main Street areas;

Enhance economic development efforts in Main Street areas; and

Provide affordable housing in Main Street areas.

Get more information on HOPE VI from Grants.gov or at HUD.

Deadline: March 3, 2010.

Rural Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Prevention

2010-01-13T16:44:00.000-08:00

The United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) (www.ovw.usdoj.gov) is seeking applications for the Fiscal Year 2010 Rural Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Assistance Program. This program furthers the Department’s mission by supporting projects designed to address and prevent sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking in rural jurisdictions.

Applications will be submitted through the Office of Justice Programs Grants Management System (GMS)

Deadline: register online with GMS by February 4, 2010; applications due February 18, 2010.

More info: (PDF)

Book grants for rural libraries

2010-01-13T16:32:00.000-08:00

The Roads to Reading Annual Competitive Book Donation Program is designed to donate books to literacy programming in small and rural communities (population under 50,000 with a median income under $41,000 per household).

All programs must have a strong focus on remedial reading programming or a tutoring component as part of the program. The books that are available through this program are appropriate for ages 6 months to young adult. Eligible programs are:

School-based programs
After-School or Community Literacy Programs
Day-Care Centers
Public Library collections available for students and for direct use

Check all the requirements on the Roads to Reading site. Also be aware that an administrative fee will apparently apply, although the amount is not specified.

Deadline: March 30, 2010.

NEA Fast Track Grants for arts

2010-01-06T11:30:00.000-08:00

The National Endowment for the Arts will award Challenge America Fast-Track grants for small arts organizations that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations.

Qualifying factors for "underserved" include those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability. I think many Oklahoma towns could qualify based on geography, ethnicity or economics. Grants can be up to $10,000.

Types of projects:

Looks like this will be useful for funding festivals, murals, and local arts council projects, where professional artists will participate.

An arts event or events that will feature one or more guest artists. The project (such as a festival, exhibit, recital, reading, performance, screening, broadcast, lecture) must include the participation of guest artist(s). In addition to artists' fees, the project may include public relations, professional documentation, and program enhancements that are integral to the event. Examples of program enhancements include interpretive material, transportation, program accommodations (e.g., sign language interpretation, audio description), catalogues, brochures, or publications. Other enhancements such as specific lecture-demonstrations, pre- or post-event talks, or workshops relevant to the proposed arts event also are eligible.
The creation of professionally directed public art projects such as murals, sculptures, or environmental art that are developed through community engagement.
Civic design activities that involve the renovation, restoration, or adaptive reuse of structures to be used as cultural facilities. Projects may include architectural studies, design competitions, charettes (design workshops), or feasibility plans. Funding is not available for actual renovation or construction costs.
The unified promotion of community-wide arts activities and resources to enhance cultural tourism or activities in cultural districts. Unified promotion is defined as the professional assessment, design, and/or distribution of public relations tools (calendars, Web sites, brochures, rack cards, signage, etc.) designed to benefit several local organizations. NOTE: Promotional projects for a single organization are not eligible.

Deadline: apply by May 27, 2010, for projects starting January 1, 2011. So apply now for your festivals and events next year.

More information: National Endowment for the Arts

Source: Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office.

Grant to preserve historical records

2009-12-20T16:02:00.000-08:00

2010 "Threats to Your Collection" Grant Applications Now Available

To help organizations address threats to historical documents, photographs, recordings, and other archival materials, the Oklahoma Historical Records Advisory Board, administered by the Department of Libraries, is now accepting applications for its “Threats to Your Collection” funding opportunity. Grants range from $500 to $10,000. Funding is made available through the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

To apply, download an application form, view a list of successful applicants from last year’s program and review a previously successful application.

Applications are due by March 1, 2010.

Source: Oklahoma Department of Libraries

Assistance for EMS or ambulance services

2009-12-14T13:55:00.000-08:00

With over $1.1 million in funding, the Oklahoma Emergency Response Systems Stabilization and Improvement Revolving Fund represents a big opportunity for small ambulance services.

The money is collected from cigarette taxes, and may be used by the Oklahoma State Department of Health for:

funding assessment activities,
stabilization and/or reorganization of at-risk emergency medical services,
development of regional emergency medical services,
training for emergency medical directors,
access to training front line emergency medical services personnel, and
capital and equipment needs.

The application doesn't look too difficult. You'll find it online at OSDH, along with a complete explanation of scoring.

Deadline: January 1, 2010. Looks like it will be open every year at this same time.
UPDATE: I understand the application deadline has been moved back to April, 2010.

Office of Justice Programs 2010 Program Plan

2009-12-09T15:56:00.000-08:00

If you're planning to apply for any law enforcement funding or for any OJP grants, spend some time now at their new 2010 OJP Program Plan.

It's an online database full of details on all the grant programs they plan to offer in 2010.

The Program Plan is searchable and organized by topic. Users can scroll through the discretionary programs, training and technical assistance, and research and statistics subsections found within each topical chapter. An RSS feed provides an opportunity to receive e-mail notification each time the Plan is updated. The Plan will be updated frequently to reflect new program developments and funding amounts that cannot be determined until the FY 2010 Congressional appropriation is passed.

It also includes lots of information about the application process and an online training tool to help you create a better application.

Museums and libraries can apply for NASA space shuttle artifacts

2009-12-09T15:43:00.000-08:00

How cool would it be to have an actual helmet or glove used in the space shuttle? I actually saw artifacts like this in the Hutchinson, Kansas, Cosmosphere. Well, museums and libraries have a chance to apply for free artifacts, just pay the shipping and handling!

Museums and libraries are invited to apply for free NASA space shuttle artifacts, including small items such as astronaut helmets, gloves, and boots, and large items such as shuttle Motion Based Simulators and Crew Compartment Trainers. NASA will retire the Space Shuttle Program at the end of 2010 and is eager for the public to learn about the wonders of space exploration through museum and library exhibitions. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is helping NASA reach out to eligible institutions, including museums attended by the public and free libraries serving all residents of a community, district, state, or region. A new batch of artifacts will be made available in January 2010.

Museums and libraries must first be determined as eligible through the State Agency for Surplus Property in their state. Artifacts, which will be released as they are no longer needed by the Space Shuttle Program, may be viewed by eligible institutions that have been given a log-on and password at the Web site http://gsaxcess.gov/NASAWel.htm.

The artifacts are free, but eligible recipients must cover shipping and special handling fees. Shipping fees on smaller items will be relatively inexpensive, while larger items may involve extensive disassembly, preparation, shipping, and reassembly costs. NASA will work closely with potential recipients, on a case by case basis, to address any unique special handling costs.

The artifacts are offered in batches. A new batch of artifacts will be made available in January 2010. For the latest information about NASA shuttle transition and artifacts, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition.

Photo by Becky McCray.
Grant Source: IMLS.

Increase your firefighter staff or volunteer rolls

2009-10-31T10:18:00.000-07:00

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers grants to help you increase the number of trained front line firefighters in your area, called SAFER Grants.

You can use funds to hire firefighters or to recruit and retain volunteers. Grant funds for hiring work much like the COPS grants, covering a large portion of wages and benefits at first and scaling back over a four year period.

Volunteer departments could spend grant funds in ways that help recruit or retain volunteers:

Insurance packages such as accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), disability, health, dental, life, etc.
Reimbursement to the member for attending required basic training, i.e., compensation for lost wages, mileage, lodging, per diem.
Marketing costs to recruit new volunteer members.
Physicals may be eligible if the applicant can adequately demonstrate that the provision of the physicals would enhance the applicant’s ability to recruit and/or retain volunteer firefighters.
Explorer, cadet, and/or mentoring programs.
Staffing needs assessment.
Tuition assistance for higher education (including college tuition) and professional certifications. Note: Coursework or certifications in this category should be above and beyond what the department typically funds for required minimum-staffing firefighter certification.
Length of service awards and other retirement benefits.

The Program Guidance should be out soon, and the application period will be November 16, 2009, to December 18, 2009.

Learn more at the website for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program - www.firegrantsupport.com.

Recreational Trails grants

2009-10-28T18:58:00.000-07:00

Recreational trails grants let you add all kinds of trails to your parks or green spaces. It's a great way to add new recreation facilities to your town.

Non-motorized trails can include:

Walking and hiking
Bicycling and rollerblading
Skateboarding
Horseback riding

You can request up to $160,000. The grants are an 80/20 match. (On a $160,000 grant, you'll be responsible for matching $40,000.) You can match with cash or documented contributions.

Under the heading of skateboarding, you could easily design a skateboarding trail with a series of jump areas or challenges. This could be an appealing alternative to the traditional, compact skate park.

Motorized Trails
Motorized trails are given a set aside, and that means your motorized applications are quite likely to be funded, if you meet the basic requirements. Potential trail users include:

ATVs
Four wheel drives
Motorcycles

With all the ATV and 4x4 popularity in Western Oklahoma, this is a great project to bring new visitors to town. There is no cap on the amount you can request, but you still have to meet the 80/20 match.

Existing Trails

If you have existing trails, you can apply for funds to maintain, repair, or enhance your trails. This includes adding any trail amenities, including restrooms and lighting. This gives you a great way to improve any existing trails with new upgrades.

Applying

Applications are due at the end of January. The new application is up at the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department Recreational Trails page. Right now, you'll want to start on preliminary engineering to get a good cost estimate and preliminary site drawing. Both are needed to apply.

Arts Council Grant Workshop in Alva Friday Nov 6

2009-10-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

Dr. Rod Murrow forwarded this announcement of an Oklahoma Arts Council grant workshop in Alva on November 6.

Any event that includes a fine art, performing art, or other arts portion can be eligible. For example, the community of Avard has used Arts Council Funding to support their pioneer-themed folk festival. The musical acts and the many arts and crafts demonstrations qualify as arts. They are able to supplement their advertising budget and to purchase many needed supplies.

You probably have many arts-themed events in your community that could qualify.

The Oklahoma Arts Council is partnering with Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU) in Alva to host a Town Hall Meeting for the Arts on November 6, 2009. The town hall meeting will be held on the NWOSU campus in Vinson Hall, Alabaster Room, 3rd Floor.

Executive Director Suzanne Tate said this meeting will benefit organizations and citizens who wish to increase opportunities for artistic activities and cultural development in their region of Oklahoma. “This is a great opportunity for community arts organizations, educators, arts supporters, government leaders and social service providers to become familiar with the Oklahoma Arts Council’s grants and services.” Tate said this is one of several town hall meetings to be held across the state.

Dr. Mike Knedler, Dean of Arts and Sciences at NWOSU, said they’re very excited to have the Oklahoma Arts Council come to Alva. “The fact that this kind of hands-on assistance and level of resources is coming here is just huge. I can not stress enough that arts organizations in north and northwestern Oklahoma should take advantage of this opportunity,” said Dr. Knedler.

During the day long meeting, the Council’s grants director will conduct a grant application workshop. Council staff will offer consultation and advice on arts programming and funding as well as designing effective community-based arts programs. Meeting attendees will have an opportunity to network about arts activities in their communities and share information they feel would benefit their communities or region of the state.

The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. and end by 3:30 p.m. There is no cost to participate. A nominal fee will be collected for lunch. To register, please contact Dr. Mike Knedler at (580) 327-8590.

For more information, please contact Cultural Development Director Georgia Williams at or (405) 521-2024.

AFG Fire Prevention and Safety

2009-09-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

Lots of you have used the AFG fire grants to meet your basic equipment needs, like bunker gear and SCBA. But AFG also does two other programs, and the Fire Prevention and Safety program is open now.

What can you do with Fire Prevention grants?

Examples of the types of fire prevention projects that are supported by FP&S include smoke alarm installation, fire prevention and public safety education campaigns, juvenile fire setter interventions, media campaigns, and arson prevention and awareness programs.

If your department is interested in one of these type of projects, see the guidelines at the Fire Grant Support site. The program opens each year, and the current application deadline is October 23, 2009.

Converting existng housing to Assisted Living

2009-09-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

Many small towns do work with a private nonprofit to provide a local housing program. Here's an opportunity you might want to pass along to them to convert some existing housing to assisted living facilities.

Assisted Living Conversion Program (ALCP)

The purpose of this program is to provide grants for the physical conversion of some or all of the dwelling units in an eligible project into assisted living facilities (ALFs) for frail elderly persons. Private nonprofit owners of eligible developments interested in applying for funding under this grant program should carefully review the General Section and the detailed information listed in this NOFA.

Assisted living facilities (ALFs) are designed to accommodate frail elderly persons and people with disabilities who need certain support services (e.g., assistance with eating, bathing, grooming, dressing, and home management activities). ALFs must provide support services such as personal care, transportation, meals, housekeeping, and laundry.

Eligible applicants: Only private nonprofit owners of eligible multifamily assisted housing developments specified in section 683(2) (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), and (G) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (Pub. L.102-550, approved October 28, 1992) may apply for an ALCP grant.

Total program funding: $20,000,000.
Application deadline: November 05, 2009.

Reported in Miami Dade County's Gmail: http://www.miamidade.gov/grants

Museum funding

2009-09-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

Museums for America

Museums for America is the Institute’s largest grant program for museums, supporting projects and ongoing activities that build museums’ capacity to serve their communities. Museums for America grants strengthen a museum’s ability to serve the public more effectively by supporting high-priority activities that advance the institution’s mission and strategic goals.

Museums for America grants are designed to be flexible: funds can be used for a wide variety of projects, including: ongoing museum work, research and other behind-the-scenes activities, planning, new programs, purchase of equipment or services, and activities that will support the efforts of museums to upgrade and integrate new technologies. Grants are awarded in the following categories: Engaging Communities (Education, Exhibitions, and Interpretation); Building Institutional Capacity (Management, Policy, and Training); and Collections Stewardship.

Eligible applicants: All types of museums, large and small, are eligible for funding. Eligible museums include aquariums, arboretums and botanical gardens, art museums, youth museums, general museums, historic houses and sites, history museums, nature centers, natural history and anthropology museums, planetariums, science and technology centers, specialized museums, and zoological parks. Federally operated and for-profit museums may not apply for IMLS funds.

Award ceiling: $150,000.
Application deadline: November 02, 2009.

Reported in Miami Dade County's Gmail: http://www.miamidade.gov/grants

Skate park funding

2009-08-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

Many towns in Northwest Oklahoma have kids who skateboard, but few towns have any skate park facilities. The result is conflict. If you're facing these issues, take a look at this grant program from Tony Hawk Foundation, one of the most well-known funders of skate parks.

The mission of the Tony Hawk Foundation is to foster lasting improvements in society, with an emphasis on helping children. The principal focus of foundation grants will be to encourage and facilitate the design, development, construction, and operation of new quality skateboard parks and facilities, located in low-income communities in the United States. The foundation primarily considers skatepark projects that: are designed and built by qualified and experienced skatepark contractors; include local skaters in the design process; are in low-income areas, and/or areas with a high population of "at-risk" youth; can demonstrate a strong grassroots commitment to the project, particularly in the form of fund-raising by local skateboarders and other community groups; have a creative mix of street obstacles (rails, funboxes, launch ramps, etc..) and transition/vert terrain (quarterpipes, bowls, snake runs, halfpipes, etc.); don't require skaters or their parents to sign waivers; encourage skaters to look after their own safety and the safety of others without restricting their access to the park or over-regulating their use of it; are open during daylight hours, 365 days a year; don't charge an entrance fee; and are in areas that currently have no skateboarding facilities. Eligible applicants include: 501(C)(3) public charities; or a state or local agency, including public school systems or public projects. Award ceiling: $25,000. Application deadline: October 1, 2009.

Tony Hawk Foundation grants

Reported in Miami Dade County's Gmail: http://www.miamidade.gov/grants

Online advertising for your nonprofits

2009-08-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

Local nonprofits (like your museums, youth organizations, etc.) could use online advertising to increase attendance, promote events, or even find younger volunteers. Google has a grants program for exactly that.

http://www.google.com/grants/

Google Grants Program Provides In-Kind Advertising Services to Nonprofits

The Google Grants program supports organizations that share the company's philosophy of community service worldwide in areas such as science and technology, education, global public health, the environment, youth advocacy, and the arts. Designed for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, Google Grants is a unique in-kind advertising program that harnesses the power of Google's flagship advertising product, Google AdWords, to nonprofits seeking to inform and engage their constituents online. Google Grants has awarded AdWords advertising to hundreds of nonprofit groups whose missions range from animal welfare to literacy, from supporting homeless children to promoting HIV education. Eligible application: Applicant organizations must have current 501(c)(3) status, as assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to be considered for a Google Grant. Award ceiling: N/A. Application deadline: Open.

There's another Google grant program for innovative uses of mapping. Imagine creating an interactive map showing preservation projects, illustrating historic areas, or mapping the impact of income on youth issues.

http://www.google.org/geochallenge.html

Geo Challenge Grants

Google.org has announced a pilot program of Geo Challenge Grants, which are small grants to help charitable organizations aligned with Google.org's core initiatives take advantage of online mapping tools that will enhance their work and impact. This program is designed to help nonprofit organizations use well designed maps to operate more effectively, convey the importance of their cause in a visual and compelling way, and give individuals from around the world a chance to experience their work. Eligible applicants: Public, charitable organizations with a good idea and non-profit status in their country of incorporation are eligible to apply. You'll be asked to provide proof of your status as a non-profit, public charity as part of the application process. Please note that applicable laws may not allow us to make grants in certain countries or to certain entities. Award ceiling: $100,000. Application deadline: Open.

Found in Grant Mail.

Additional money for bike paths and access lanes

2009-08-04T07:20:00.000-07:00

Here's another source for bike paths and bike lanes. The amount is low, only $10,000, but could be used along with an Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Dept. Trails grant.

http://www.bikesbelong.org/grants

Bikes Belong Offers Funding for Bicycle Advocacy and Facilities Programs

The Bikes Belong Grants Program strives to put more people on bicycles more often by funding important and influential projects that leverage federal funding and build momentum for bicycling in communities across the U.S. These projects include bike paths, lanes, and routes, as well as bike parks, mountain bike trails, BMX facilities, and large-scale bicycle advocacy initiatives. Eligible applicants: New organizations that are not yet legally nonprofit organizations may submit an application with the assistance of another nonprofit that has agreed to serve as fiscal agent. Bikes Belong will not fund individuals. Because of the program's limited funds, it rarely awards grants to organizations and communities that have received Bikes Belong funding within the last three years. Award ceiling: $10,000. Application deadline: August 24, 2009; and November 23, 2009.

Found in Grant Mail.

New childrens books for rural libraries

2009-07-27T19:02:00.000-07:00

Libri Foundation Books for Children

The Libri Foundation is a nationwide non-profit organization which donates new, quality, hardcover children's books to small, rural public libraries throughout the United States. Local sponsors can contribute $50-350, which the Foundation will match on a 2-to-1 ratio. A library can receive up to $1,050 worth of new, quality, hardcover children's books. Eligible applicants: Qualifying libraries should be in a rural area, have a limited operating budget, and an active children's department. Award ceiling: $1,050. Application deadline: August 15, 2009.

Source: Grant Mail, Miami Dade County.

Tom's of Maine Community Sponsorships

2009-07-17T15:51:00.000-07:00

Tom's of Maine Community Sponsorships offer support to nonprofit organizations throughout the United States working to do good in their communities. The program will provide grants of $20,000 each to five nonprofit organizations in order to enhance their community projects. A review panel will narrow down the applications to 50 finalists, which will then be posted on the Tom's of Maine website so that the public can vote for which five projects should be awarded funding.

A wide range of community projects are eligible for support, including environmental initiatives, health and human service programs, community events, etc. Award ceiling: $20,000. Application Deadline: August 30, 2009.

Fresh Paint Days provides paint for clean up projects

2009-07-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

Keep Oklahoma Beautiful presents Fresh Paint Days annually to provide paint for clean up projects in Oklahoma. Applications are now available online and are due by August 3, 2009. Paint distribution days are tentatively scheduled for September 2 & 9, 2009 with painting to be done September 19-27, 2009.

Stop by the Keep Oklahoma Beautiful site for details on Fresh Paint Days. They also have a photo gallery of 2008 projects.