Tuesday, November 15, 2004: Volume #2, Issue #54
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
• Alliance for Justice
• Youth Service of America
• San Francisco Bay Area Community Foundations
2. Promising Practices
• Why Boards don't Govern, Part 1
3. News
• Lives: My Hands Are Tied
• Hmong Burial Rites Speed Journey Home
• Her Drive Steers Others to Help Hmong Family
• State Senator Blazes Political Trail for Hmong
• Health Status of Cambodians and Vietnamese
• Officials Clarify Labor Laws for Farmers
• International Education Week
• Big Struggle with First Amendment Issues in Little Saigon
• Justices Rule in Immigrant's Favor
• Diplomat Reaches Out to Rural Vietnamese
• BG Seminar Focuses on Intercultural Communication
• in Austin, Veterans of All Stripes Thanked
• Vietnam Clergyman Sentenced to Three Years in Prison
• YS, Salutes Veterans
• Diversity Stars in Shop's Growth
• an Anchor for Chinatown
• Amerasians: Us Soldiers' Children Forgotten in Vietnam
• a Rough Road
• a New Start
4. Funding Opportunities
• Grassroots.org
• ThinkHost
• The Teammates for Kids Foundation
• The Kresge Foundation
• Volvo Cars of North America
• The Food Industry Crusade Against Hunger (CA & WI)
• The Bank of the West
• National Endowment for the Humanities
• Talbots
• Council on Foundations
5. Resources
• Idealist.org

I. Announcements

Alliance for Justice Web Training on Lobbying

Join the Alliance for Justice in its continuing series of online trainings for nonprofits as we explore the rules for lobbying by 501(c)(3)public charities.

Want to know what your 501(c)(3) organizations can accomplish but don't have time to attend a training outside of the office? Sit at your desktop in your office or home and join the Alliance for Justice for a virtual lobbying training.

This one-hour web-based training will cover the rules for 501(c)(3) lobbying activity, including lobbying limits, definitions of lobbying, and some notable lobbying exceptions.

WHEN: **TUESDAY NOVEMBER 30th** at 2 p.m. EDT, (1 pm CST, 12 noon MST, 11 am PST,10 am Alaska, 9 am Hawaii)

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO PARTICIPATE:
You will need a computer with internet access and working computer speakers in order to participate. Questions will be taken through an online chat mechanism, but not through voice, so you do not need a microphone. Once you've registered, we'll email instructions on how to log in to the training.

COST: $30

You may register online. If paying by check or AMEX, register directly with Robin Powers at rpowers@afj.org or 202/822-6070

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Calling All Young People! Participate in a Scaling Up Youth Voice Survey

Youth Advisory Council's from Youth Service America, Youth Venture, National Youth Leadership Council, The Freechild Project, and America's Promise are collaborating to gather thousands of surveys from young people across the country. The information collected from these surveys will be used to assist and encourage organizations, schools, and communities in their efforts to involve young people in meaningful, positive decision-making roles and activities. To take the survey, visit:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=23894687695

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A coalition of four San Francisco Bay Area community foundations and three state and national foundations announced the launch of the Fund for Artists, a $1 million initiative to support the work of creative individuals in the Bay Area. The fund will support the endeavors of individual artists through commissions, artists' residencies, awards, advocacy and promotional and networking support...

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II. Promising Practices

Why Boards Don'T Govern, Part 1

by Jan Masaoka and Mike Allison

In the aftermath of every "nonprofit mismanagement" news story is the question: Why didn't the board do something? Yet the boards of the nonprofits recently headlined with scandals did not do any less than most nonprofit boards. The reality is that most nonprofit boards are ineffective in their governing function. Only when gross mismanagement occurs does a failure at governance come to the fore.

What is governance?

The two roles of support and governance encompass different tasks. In the role of supporters: raise money, bring clout to the organization, provide special skills, such as in law or accounting, and act as ambassadors to the community. The many books and seminars on the subject testify to the emphasis on helping boards help-on strengthening organizations by means of board assistance.

The governance role, in contrast, has a different goal: protection of the public interest. Governance responsibilities for boards include selecting the top executive (the Chief Executive Officer) and assessing his or her performance, reviewing and authorizing plans and commitments, ensuring compliance with legal and contract requirements, and evaluating the organization's work.

Both of these board roles are distinguished from that of management, the province of the Chief Executive Officer.

What's wrong with the "ideal board member"?

When most board members and executive directors dream of their ideal board member they envision someone who contributes money, obtains contributions from others, helps the organization get media coverage and political contacts, brings specialized expertise, and helps diversify the board's composition. This ideal board member also identifies with the organization, is liked and admired by staff and other board members and "fits in." These characteristics describe a board member who can help provide the critical support agencies need to succeed.

But the very qualities that make board members good supporters are often qualities that limit them as governors. The reason boards don't govern is less because they are uneducated or uninterested than because of some crucial, material, inherent reasons:

Read on: http://www4.compasspoint.org/cpDir/files/documents/bc_2004_10_2.pdf

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III. News

Lives: My Hands Are Tied
Yew York Times
November 7, 2004

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Hmong Burial Rites Speed Journey Home
Minneapolis Star
November 8, 2004

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Her Drive Steers Others to Help Hmong Family
Green Bay Press Gazette
November 8, 2004

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State Senator Blazes Political Trail for Hmong
New California Media
November 9, 2004

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Health Status of Cambodians and Vietnamese
Journal of American Medical Association
November 10, 2004

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Officials clarify labor laws for farmers
Fresno Bee
November 10, 2004

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International Education Week
Fresno State News
November 10, 2004

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Big Struggle with First Amendment Issues in Little Saigon
New California Media
November 10, 2004

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Justices Rule in Immigrant's Favor
Washington Post
November 10, 2004

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Diplomat reaches out to rural Vietnamese
San Jose Mercury News
November 12, 2004

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BG seminar focuses on intercultural communication
Bowling Green Daily News
November 12, 2004

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In Austin, veterans of all stripes thanked
Austin American-Statesman
November 12, 2004

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Vietnam Clergyman Sentenced to Three Years in Prison
Christian Post
November 12, 2004

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YS salutes veterans
Appeal-Democrat
November 13, 2004

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Diversity stars in shop's growth
Charlotte Observer
November 13, 2004

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An anchor for Chinatown
Philadelphia Inquirer
November 14, 2004

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A Rough Road
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
November 14, 2004

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Amerasians: US soldiers' children forgotten in Vietnam
Winona Daily News
November 14, 2004

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New Start (Hmong Refugees)
Anchorage Daily News
November 14, 2004

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IV. Grants

1. (National)
   Grassroots.org

   Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools are eligible for free web hosting, e-mail, and other internet services through Grassroots.org.

   The initiative is designed to help make nonprofits more efficient and better able to serve their communities. Areas of interest include education, public health, and youth advocacy. Nonprofits in the United States as well as Canada are eligible to apply.

   Deadline: Open

2. (National)
   ThinkHost

   ThinkHost, a progressive hosting company established in 1999, has announced further funding for its popular free web hosting initiative.

   Vladislav Davidzon, executive director of ThinkHost explained, "The response to our first offer of free web hosting accounts in September was amazing! It's a great feeling for us as a company to be assisting so many community organizations in their valuable work. As part of ThinkHost's ongoing social responsibility commitment, my company is further extending our offer of free web hosting to US based, registered nonprofit progressive organizations."

   Each package provided under this initiative allows for 300 megabytes of server space, 5 gigabytes of bandwidth, plus a broad range of other features. In order to qualify for the free web hosting, applicant community organizations must have a primary focus on environment, grass roots democracy, peace, social/economic justice or human rights.

   Deadline: December 28, 2004

3. (National)
   The Teammates for Kids Foundation

   Applications are being accepted by the Teammates for Kids Foundation from nonprofits that serve children in the areas of education, health, and inner-city support.

   The foundation is looking for health programs that focus on prevention and recovery from health problems as well as education initiatives that encourage healthy living.

   Individual grants range for $10,000 to $50,000. Only nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status may apply; the primary stipulation is that 100 percent of grant money goes directly to children's services.

   For more information, visit the foundation online, or mail Teammates for Kids Foundation, 7851 South Elati St., Suite 200, Littleton, CO 80120.

   Deadline: February 1, 2004

4. (National)
   The Kresge Foundation

   The Kresge Foundation is asking nonprofits to consider green building practices next time they embark on a capital project. Through its Green Building Initiative, the 80-year-old Foundation aims to help nonprofits understand and value green buildings, as well as provide incentive with special funding that is earmarked for green projects.

   The Initiative makes available special planning grants of $50,000 to $100,000. It also includes bonus grants of $150,000 to $250,000 to Kresge grantees whose building projects become certified through the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.

   A green building is one which, in its design, construction, and operation, reduces its draw on non-renewable resources over its lifespan and gives high priority to the physical environment while maintaining optimum conditions for the well-being of its occupants.

   The Kresge Foundation is also making available a series of educational materials designed specifically for nonprofits to help them understand green building. The first in the series, Why Build Green? and How Do I Build Green?, as well as several case studies, are available.

5. (National)
   Volvo Cars of North America

   The Volvo for Life Awards, a program designed by Volvo Cars of North America, recognize and reward U.S. heroes for their contributions in three areas reflecting Volvo's core values: safety, quality of life, and environment. Nominees are being sought who act beyond the ordinary requirements of their profession or daily routine. Six finalists will be awarded $25,000 for their charity of choice and a trip to the awards ceremony and three winners will receive $50,000 for their charity of choice and a trip to the awards ceremony. In addition to the charitable donation, the grand winner will receive a Volvo for life. All U.S. citizens or legal residents of the U.S. of any age, including U.S. citizens living abroad, are eligible for the award.

   Deadline: January 10, 2005

6. (California and Wisconsin)
   The Food Industry Crusade Against Hunger

   FOOD FOR ALL, a program of the Food Industry Crusade Against Hunger, is a voluntary effort of the food industry to alleviate hunger and malnutrition by fostering long-term, self-help solutions in the U.S. and around the world. Grants are awarded to programs that build community food security, develop individual and family self-reliance, and create employment opportunities.

   Nonprofit organizations located in a geographic area where retailers participate in the year-round program are eligible to apply. These geographic areas include California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

   Deadline: is February 3, 2005
7. (National)
   The Bank of the West The Bank of the West Corporate Contribution Program supports nonprofit organizations in communities the bank serves in the states of California, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Nevada, and New Mexico. The bank's areas of interest include education and job training, community and civic organizations, health and human care, cultural activities, and community development. Deadline: Open
8. (National)
   National Endowment for the Humanities

   As part of its We the People initiative, NEH invites proposals for challenge grants designed to help institutions and organizations secure long-term improvements in and support for humanities activities focused on exploring significant themes and events in American history. NEH is particularly interested in projects that advance knowledge of the founding principles of the United States in their full historical and institutional context.

   Deadline: February 1, 2005

9. (National)
   Talbots

   National clothing retailer Talbots has announced the availability of applications for the 2005 Talbots Women's Scholarship Fund.

   Sponsored by the Talbots Charitable Foundation, this $100,000 scholarship program annually awards five $10,000 scholarships and fifty $1,000 scholarships to women seeking a bachelor's or associate's degree later in life. Since its inception in 1997, the Talbots Women's Scholarship Fund has awarded college scholarships to 385 women ranging in age from their late 20s to their early 60s.

   To be eligible, applicants must be women currently residing in the United States who earned their high school diploma or GED at least ten years ago; be seeking a degree from an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school; and have at least two full-time semesters or twenty-four credits remaining to complete their undergraduate degree.

   The postmark deadline for entries is January 3, 2005, or until one thousand eligible applications have been received.

   Deadline: January 3, 2005

10. (National)
    Council on Foundations

    A program of the Council on Foundations, the Robert W. Scrivner Award for Creative Grantmaking was established to recognize a grantmaker who has demonstrated outstanding creativity. The award honors grantmakers who, through a combination of vision, principle, and personal commitment, are making a critical difference in a creative way.

    The award, a specially-commissioned sculpture, is accompanied by a cash award of $10,000 to be used for the recipient's ongoing professional enrichment and development in the field of grantmaking.

    Individuals, not institutions, are eligible for the award. Nominees may be either a staff person or a trustee who is not the original donor of the organization. Individuals must be currently practicing grantmakers. Individuals from private, community, or corporate foundations; corporate giving programs; and operating foundations that are members of the Council on Foundations, a regional association of grantmakers, or a CoF affinity group will be considered.

    Members of the Council on Foundations, regional association of grantmakers, or an affinity group are eligible to nominate individuals for the award. Non-members may submit or suggest nominations through one of these members.

    Deadline: December 3, 2004

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V. Resources

In this site you will find: Over 40,000 nonprofit and community organizations in 165 countries, which you can search or browse by name, location or mission. If your organization is not yet listed here, you can add it now (it's free).

Thousands of volunteer opportunities in your community and around the world, and a list of organizations that can help you volunteer abroad.

The best Nonprofit Career Center on the Web, with hundreds of job and internship listings.

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