Tuesday, September 28, 2004: Volume #2, Issue #47
The VERB Weekly Email Digest
Edited by Sophy Pich, VERB Project Associate

Note: Documents on this page or in this section may be in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. In order to read them, you require Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is downloadable free from Adobe.

In This Week's Issue

1. Announcements
• Hmong National Development
• AAPI Nexus
• Nonprofit Finance Fund workshop
• Grant Development Triathlon
• The Nonprofit Technology Enterprise Network
2. Promising Practices
• What to Do with Board Members...
3. News
• Fast-Growing, Underserved Inland California
• Vietnamese Celebrate Faith and Culture at Marian Days
• Resort Gives Away Furniture to Hmong Refugees
• On the Side with Huckleberries, a Harvest of Questions
• Three Businesswomen Find Bloomington Thai Food
• Journalists Honored for Hmong Coverage
• Double Take
• Asian Americans Report Unique Views on
• Author Explores Divide between Western Medicine
• Art Exhibit Honors, Preserves Hmong Heritage
• Nick Coleman: Wellstone Story Still Is Being Told
4. Funding Opportunities
• Ober/Kaler
• Do Something
• The Environmental Protection Agency
• The Shubert Foundation
• Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
• The HOPE Awards Program
• ConAgra Foods Foundation
• Prudential Insurance
• Department of Human Health Services
5. Resources
• Understanding SAMHSA'S Grant Application Process
• Nonprofit Technology Resources

I. Announcements

Hmong National Development, Inc. (HND) conference organizers seek proposals for presentations at the 10th Hmong National Conference, where the theme is "The Hmong American Experience: Celebrating 30 Years of Progress," to be held on April 8 - 10, 2005 in Fresno, California.

For more information, please contact Tong Lee at (202) 463-2118 or via email at tong@hndlink.org

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We invite academic researchers, practitioners, and community leaders to submit manuscripts. Along with articles based on original research, AAPI Nexus publishes essays from professionals and community leaders, and "almanac" articles that present new statistics on AAPIs or discuss applied research methods. For submission guidelines, please visit: http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/aasc/nexus/index.html and click on STYLE SHEET for Article Submissions (PDF Document).

Deadline for Letter of Intent: December 31, 2004.
Deadline for Submissions: June 30, 2005.

Please send letter of intent to AAPI Nexus. Internet communication is preferred. The Journal's email address is:

Melany Dela Cruz (nexus@aasc.ucla.edu) and send an electronic copy to:

Paul Ong (pmong@ucla.edu)
Professor Karen Umemoto (kumemoto@hawaii.edu)

For regular mail, send all correspondence to:

Melany Dela Cruz, Managing Editor
AAPI Nexus
UCLA Asian American Studies Center
3230 Campbell Hall
Los Angeles, CA 90095

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A solid funding strategy is fundamental to project success. This Nonprofit Finance Fund workshop shows how to effectively combine fundraising and financing to pay for the project. Topics include the relationship between operating, project, and fundraising budgets; preparing cash flow statements; identifying options; planning a capital campaign; the role of financing; and evaluating your organization's capacity to borrow.

For senior management and key board members of nonprofit organizations. $75 per person includes workshop materials, continental breakfast and lunch.

Link: http://www.nonprofitfinancefund.org/
October 21, 8:30am - 4:30pm
The Charles Sumner School
1201 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC
Register by October 7

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The Mayor's Office of Partnerships and Grants Development will host a Grant Development Triathlon. Experts from local foundations, as well as federal and DC government agencies, will provide tips on preparing successful proposals. In addition, representatives from Washington Grantmakers will review the new Common Grant Application format.

September 23, 9am-3pm
Allen Chapel AME Church
2498 Alabama Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20020

This event is free, but space is limited. Register by September 20. Contact OPGD at 202-727-8900 or faith.jones@dc.gov. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Henry at 202-727-8900.

***

The Nonprofit Technology Enterprise Network is hosting a regional conference for DC area nonprofits called "Communications for A Cause: How New Media Is Changing Messaging," sponsored in part by NPower.

The conference will be held on October 14 at the Marriott Metro Center. There are sessions on grassroots organizing, integrating online and offline advocacy, engaging your community. Cost is just $100 and scholarships are available.

Link: http://www.nten.org/conferences-dc

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II. Promising Practices

"He never comes to meetings or does anything. Why does he even stay on the board?" "She always says she'll take care of it and then she doesn't follow through. Aaagh!"

Whose responsibility is it to "do something" about a board member who is AWOL, deadwood, undependable, a procrastinator, or worse? Answer: Yours. Every board member shares in the responsibility to involve each board member in contributing to the well-being of the board and the organization. If you're the board president or an officer, your responsibilities include monitoring non-participation and intervening with board members when necessary. In some cases you may need to talk with the executive director about improving the way he or she works with board members. If you're the executive director, you may need to discuss the situation with board leadership.

There are two things you must do in the case of a board member who is not participating. First, you must do something. The problem is likely only to get worse, and non-participating board members have a demoralizing impact on even the best of boards. Second, be confident and hopeful. Many board members just need a little reminder to be more conscientious, and others will be grateful that you've given them a graceful way to relinquish tasks or even leave the board. Things will work out.

Short Term Strategies

• Check to be sure that expectations were made clear to the board member before he or she joined the board. "I know you joined the board recently and I'm not sure that you realize that we ask all board members to attend the annual dinner and, hopefully, to help sell tickets. Let me explain to you what most board members do, so you can see whether you'll be able to work on this with us."
• Hold a board discussion at which expectations are reconsidered and re-affirmed. Agree on a list of expectations for every board member.

This article is from The Best of the Board Cafe, available at http://www.amazon.com or a little cheaper at http://www.compasspoint.org/bookstore.

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III. News

Fast-Growing, Underserved Inland California Becoming As Diverse As ...
PR Newswire
September 20, 2004

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Vietnamese Celebrate Faith and Culture at Marian Days
National Catholic Reporter
September 21, 2004

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Resort Gives Away Furniture to Hmong Refugees
WBAY
September 21, 2004

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On the Side with Huckleberries, a Harvest of Questions
Philadelphia Inquirer
September 23, 2004

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Three Businesswomen Find Bloomington Thai Food Niche
The Indiana Digital Student
September 23, 2004

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Journalists Honored for Hmong Coverage
Wausau Daily Herald
September 23, 2004

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Double Take
Philadelphia citypaper.net
September 23, 2004

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Asian Americans Report Unique Views on Presidential Elections
PR Newswire
September 24, 2004

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Author Explores Divide between Western Medicine and Hmong Beliefs
Hickory Daily Record
September 25, 2004

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Art Exhibit Honors, Preserves Hmong Heritage
Appleton Post Crescent
September 26, 2004

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IV. Grants

1. (National)
   Ober/Kaler

   Three $10,000 grants will be awarded to nonprofits serving the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., metropolitan areas through the John Chandler Baldwin Community Grants Program, sponsored by the Baltimore law firm Ober/Kaler.

   The award will focus on educational programs for at-risk youth, improving living standards for lower income families, and helping underprivileged children.

   Eligibility is restricted to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) tax exempt status.

   Deadline: October 1, 2004

2. (National)
   Do Something

   Do Something is offering a series of education scholarships and grants for youth who have "implemented innovative solutions to problems in their local communities in the areas of community building, health, and the environment" through their annual BRICK awards.

   Six winners in the 18-and-under age group will receive $5,000 individual scholarships. Three winners in the 19-to 25-year-old category -- new to this year's contest -- will receive grants of $10,000 each. In addition, winners will receive engraved bricks as well as other services and recognition.

   Deadline: November 1, 2004

3. (National)
   The Environmental Protection Agency

   The Environmental Protection Agency announces funds to prevent abandonment, redevelop vacant properties, and revitalize existing communities.

   Eligible applicants include nonprofit and for-profit organizations, individuals, and state and local government agencies. Approximately $30,000 is available for one award. For further information, contact Carlton Eley at 202-566-2841 or eley.carlton@epa.gov.

   Deadline: October 4, 2004

4. (National)
   The Shubert Foundation

   The Shubert Foundation is dedicated to sustaining and advancing the live performing arts in the US, with a particular emphasis on theatre and a secondary focus on dance.

   Eligible applicants include nonprofit, professional resident theatre and dance companies, as well as some arts-related organizations that help support their development.

   The deadline for Dance, Arts Related, Education and Human Services applications is October 15. The deadline for Theatre applications is December 1. Grants range from $5,000-$200,000.

   Deadlines: October 15 & December 1, 2004

5. (National)
   Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

   The Innovation Fund of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation provides grants to spark the creation or expansion of innovative educational programs in a particular field each year.

   This year, the foundation requests proposals from non-remedial, out-of-school programs in critical reading and/or writing for elementary and/or middle school students. Programs must serve low-to-moderate-income students in the United States and should be designed to help students build high-level reading and/or written communication skills to help them excel in rigorous academic environments as they mature.

   Up to three grants of $100,000 to $200,000 will be awarded in spring 2005.

   To be eligible for this program, applicant organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities. Submissions are welcome from anywhere in the United States. The foundation encourages applications from rural communities, small towns, and other underserved areas.

   Deadline: October 15, 2004

6. (National)
   The HOPE Awards Program

   The HOPE Awards Program (Home Ownership Participation for Everyone) recognizes organizations and individuals throughout the U.S. who are making outstanding contributions to increasing minority homeownership. The awards, supported by a partnership of real estate associations, raise public awareness about the need to place a higher priority on creating equality in homeownership. Up to seven awards will be made in the following categories: minority homeowner education, minority homeowner finance, real estate services for minorities, minority housing development, home ownership public policy, media coverage of minority homeownership, and leadership.

   Deadline: December 1, 2004

7. (National)
   ConAgra Foods Foundation

   The mission of the ConAgra Foods Foundation is to improve the quality of life in communities where ConAgra employees work and live. The Foundation focuses its resources in the areas of arts and culture; civic and community betterment; education; health and human services; and hunger, nutrition and food safety. Nonprofit organizations in communities with company facilities throughout the United States are eligible to apply. Consult your local phone directory or contact your Chamber of Commerce to find out if ConAgra Foods operates in your community.

   Deadline: The last working day of October

8. (National)
   Prudential Insurance

   Applications are being accepted for the Prudential Spirit of Community Award. The award is open to middle- and high-school students in the 5th grade or higher who have participated in a community-service activity after Sept. 1, 2003.

   Applications should be submitted by either a school principal or the head of an accepted local community organization. Acceptable organizations are the Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, Camp Fire USA council, YMCA, member Volunteer Center of the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network, or an American Red Cross chapter.

   Prizes range from a certificate of achievement at the local level, to a $5,000 award for national honorees.

   Deadline: October 29, 2004

9. (National)
   Department of Human Health Services

   Improving Understanding of Maternal and Child Health and Health Care Issues

   WHO: Faith-based and community-based organizations, any public or private entity, and Indian tribe or tribal organizations. WHAT: To improve understanding of maternal and child health and health care issues by public and private sector individuals who have decision making responsibility for paying for, determining policy concerning, and/or designing or implementing health services for women and children. The program assists national membership organizations representing those individuals to educate their members about the complexities of and approaches to meeting the health and health service needs of women and children so that their members can make more clearly informed decisions which will impact mothers and children.

   AWARD AMOUNT: Approximately $1.4 million dollars will fund up to 7 awards.

   CONTACT: To view the program announcement, head to http://www.fedgrants.gov/Applicants/HHS/HRSA/GAC/HRSA-05-079/Grant.html

   For further information, please contact Audrey Yowell, Dr.PH at 301-443-4292 or email audrey.yowell@hrsa.hhs.gov

   Deadline: November 8, 2004

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V. Resources

Understanding SAMHSA's Grant Application Process

Each year, SAMHSA announces numerous funding opportunities through which States, tribes, community- and faith-based organizations, and others can apply for grants. To provide an overview of the current grants application procedures and critical requirements, and direct you to the current information on its discretionary grants, SAMHSA has produced a short Webcast. Below is a link to the final script of this Webcast.

Link: http://grantstraining.samhsa.gov/SAMHSA_Grants_Webcast_Script.pdf

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Nonprofit Technology Resources: http://www.nten.org/ntresources

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If you wish to contribute to the VERB Weekly e-Digest, please send all materials to sophy@searac.org