Monday, December 5, 2005: Volume #2, Issue #98
The VERB Weekly Email Digest
Edited by Sophy Pich, VERB Project Associate

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In This Week's Issue

1. Announcements
• APIASF Transitions
• 2006 American Marketing Association Nonprofit
• Building on Success
• 4th International Conference on Civic Education
• National Conference - Child Welfare League of America
• 44th Annual United States Senate Youth Program -
• National Council on the Aging and the American Society on Aging
• Center for Summer Learning's 2006 National Conference
• Goundspring Online Training Calendar
2. Promising Practices
• Starting a Volunteer Program
3. News
• Buddhist Temple Puts Special Twist on Meals
• Celebrated American TV Anchorwoman Hails from Vietnam
• Angelina Goes Cambodian
• Khan Favors Commission on Asian Americans
• New Hmong Students Enjoy First Thanksgiving Feast
• War Survivor Gives Thanks for 2 PV Women
• Yer Yang Column: Hmong New Year Celebration Is a Trip Through Time
• Hmong Culture Event Featuring Speaker Set
• Hmong Meeting Reveals Racial Issues
• Suspect in Scam Turns Herself in
• Hmong Community Seeks Understanding with Celebration
• Project Keeps Stories Alive
• Hmong Kick Off New Year Celebration
• the Diversity of Cham Muslims: Where Indian, Chinese, Arabic, and ...
• Terrible Journey Leads Hmong to New Home
• Basic Needs
• Westconn Vietnam Week Explains Cultural Ties
• New Neighbors: Hmong
• Bird Flu Affects Hmong Minnesotans' Travel Plans
• Tai Dam Goal: Honor the Journey
• Woman Pleads Guilty in Deaths of Grandchildren
• City Settles Suit Over Shooting
• Vietnamese Catholics Welcome Ordinations
• Saigon Redeux: Returning to the Land Where the Bullets Once Flew
• Minnesota Hmong Appalled That Graves Are Being Dug Up in Thailand
• Family of Vietnamese Police Shooting Victim Settles Suit for $1.8m
• Beyond Black and White
• SOS for Boat People
• Memories of Killing Fields Can't Keep Him from Home
• Plans for Local Mosque Take Shape
• Vietnamese Trafficking Victims Suffer Abuses in Taiwan
• Hmong Honor Veteran of CIA-Backed 'Secret War'
4. Funding Opportunities
• Creative Capital
• Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation
• Sierra Health Foundation
• Youth Service America and Disneyhand
• Youth Service America and Youth Venture
• J-Lab: the Institute for Interactive Journalism
• Aspen Institute
• the Corporation for National and Community Service
• Kaiser Permanente
• the Academy for Educational Development
• Corporation for National and Community Service
• Citigroup Foundation
• Staples Foundation
• U.S. Department of Justice
5. Resources
• The Chronicle of Philanthropy
• The Center for Community Change
• Taking Control of Your Annual Fund

I. Announcements

Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund Transitions:

Appoints New Executive Director, Moves Office to Washington, DC

November 30, 2005—Max Niedzwiecki, Ph.D. has been named Executive Director and President of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF). He replaces Timothy Leong, who will remain as APIASF's Program Manager. At the same time, the APIASF office is moving from San Francisco, California to Washington, DC.

Niedzwiecki brings seventeen years of experience in the nonprofit sector to APIASF, including as Executive Director of the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC), a national organization advancing the interests of Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese Americans. Niedzwiecki has also served as the Co-Chair of the Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) Advisory Committee of the Gates Millennium Scholars APIA program; on the Planning Committee that created APIASF; and on the APIASF Board of Directors, Advisory Board and Transition Committee.

In its first year, APIASF reached a significant milestone: the distribution of $330,000 in scholarships to 165 APIA students. In the coming year, APIASF has committed to giving at the same level, or higher, with support from donors including AT&T, The Coca Cola Company, General Mills, McDonald's, Macy's, Nissan, Sodexho, Wal-Mart, Wells Fargo, and others. The vision of APIASF is to see that all Asian and Pacific Islander Americans who wish to pursue a higher education have that opportunity, regardless of their ethnicity, national origin, or financial means.

"APIASF has a bright future, and Max is the right person to lead it in new directions," said the Honorable Robert Underwood, the Chair of the organization's Board of Directors, who was formerly a U.S. Congressman from Guam and Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. "Moving to Washington, DC, will help us grow and serve the communities better by putting us in closer touch with top decision-makers in education and funding, the Gates Millennium Scholars APIA program, and national APIA organizations."

The Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF) is the only national organization that promotes the pursuit of higher education among Asian and Pacific Islander American students by distributing scholarships to qualified first-year undergraduate college, university, and vocational school students. Established in 2004, APIASF has already earned the support of major corporations including AT&T, Wells Fargo & Company, The Coca-Cola Company, Wal-Mart Stores, Hilton Hotels Corporation, Nissan North America, General Mills Foundation and McDonald's USA, LLC. APIASF is also supported by several major scholarship programs, including the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, the United Negro College Fund, the American Indian Graduate Center Scholars and the Gates Millennium Scholars/APIA. APIASF is a non-profit organization devoted solely to the financial scholarship needs of Asian and Pacific Islander American students.

Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF)
1628 16th Street, NW - Suite 400
Washington, DC 20009

Tel: (202) 986-6892 or (877) 808-7032
Fax: (202) 667-6449
E-mail: info@apiasf.org
Internet: www.apiasf.org

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2006 American Marketing Association Nonprofit Marketing Conference

The Business of Growth—Mission, Message and Measures
February 20–22, 2006
Sheraton San Diego

What You Will Learn

• Strategies to grow your organization and measure your success
• Emerging marketing trends and issues
• Best practices from key industry leaders and experts in the field of nonprofit marketing

For more information or to register, call 800.AMA.1150 or visit http://ga0.org/ct/z71Giap1uXoz/AMA. Presented in Partnership with the AMA Foundation.

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"Building on Success: Providing Today's Youth With Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow"

January 9-13, 2006

The Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention National Conference at the Hilton Washington Hotel, Washington DC.

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4th International Conference on Civic Education

January 19-21, 2006

4th International Conference on Civic Education: Research and Practice at the Hilton Orlando in Altamonte, Florida.

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National Conference - Child Welfare League of America

February 27 - March 1, 2006

National Conference - Child Welfare League of America, Securing Brighter Futures in Washington, DC.

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44th Annual United States Senate Youth Program

March 4-11, 2006

44th Annual United States Senate Youth Program - Washington, DC

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Joint Conference of the National Council on the Aging and the American Society on Aging

March 16-19, 2006

Joint Conference of the National Council on the Aging and the American Society on Aging in Anaheim, CA.

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Center for Summer Learning's 2006 National Conference

March 22-24, 2006

Center for Summer Learning's 2006 National Conference: Enhancing Summer Learning in Baltimore, MD.

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Goundspring Online Training Calendar

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II. Promising Practices

Starting a Volunteer Program

GuideStar

A solid volunteer program can contribute greatly to a nonprofit organization's success and effectiveness. As Scott Winter of the Walker Art Center commented, "Volunteers can be a valuable asset to your work load and your bottom line." So what should a nonprofit organization consider when establishing a volunteer program?

The October Question of the Month asked GuideStar Newsletter readers, "If you were to recommend one thing to a nonprofit organization starting a volunteer program, what advice would you give?" A majority of our respondents—62 percent—were both volunteers and people at nonprofits who work with volunteers. The remaining respondents were individuals who work with volunteers (27 percent) and volunteers (9 percent).

Read on...

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III. News

Buddhist Temple Puts Special Twist on Meals
San Bernardino Sun
November 21, 2005

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Celebrated American TV Anchorwoman Hails from Vietnam
Thanh Nien Daily
November 21, 2005

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Angelina Goes Cambodian
E! Online
November 22, 2005

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Khan Favors Commission on Asian Americans
Newton TAB
November 22, 2005

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New Hmong Students Enjoy First Thanksgiving Feast
Sheboygan Press
November 22, 2004

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War Survivor Gives Thanks for 2 PV Women
Arizona Republic
November 22, 2005

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Yer Yang Column: Hmong New Year Celebration Is a Trip Through Time
Sheboygan Press
November 23, 2005

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Hmong Culture Event Featuring Speaker Set
Stevens Point Journal
November 24, 2005

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Hmong Meeting Reveals Racial Issues
St. Paul Asian American Press
November 24, 2005

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Suspect in Scam Turns Herself in
Attleboro Sun Chronicle
November 25, 2005

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Hmong Community Seeks Understanding with Celebration
Duluth Budgeteer News
November 25, 2005

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Project Keeps Stories Alive
Pioneer Press
November 26, 2005

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Hmong Kick Off New Year Celebration
Pioneer Press
November 26, 2005

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The Diversity of Cham Muslims: Where Indian, Chinese, Arabic, and ...
Asian Tribune
November 27, 2005

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Terrible Journey Leads Hmong to New Home
News-Leader.com
November 27, 2005

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Basic Needs
Kansas.com
November 27, 2005

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Westconn Vietnam Week Explains Cultural Ties
Danbury News Times
November 27, 2005

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New Neighbors: Hmong
News-Leader.com
November 27, 2005

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Bird Flu Affects Hmong Minnesotans' Travel Plans
Minnesota Public Radio
November 28, 2005

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Tai Dam Goal: Honor the Journey
Des Moines Register
November 28, 2005

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Woman Pleads Guilty in Deaths of Grandchildren
Minneapolis Star Tribune
November 29, 2005

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City Settles Suit Over Shooting
San Jose Mercury News
November 30, 2005

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Vietnamese Catholics Welcome Ordinations
San Jose Mercury News
November 30, 2005

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Saigon Redeux: Returning to the Land Where the Bullets Once Flew
The Free Lance-Star
December 1, 2005

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Minnesota Hmong Appalled That Graves Are Being Dug Up in Thailand
Minneapolis Star Tribune
December 1, 2005

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Family of Vietnamese Police Shooting Victim Settles Suit for $1.8M
San Jose Mercury News
December 1, 2005

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Beyond Black and White
Asian Week
December 2, 2005

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SOS for Boat People
Asian Week
December 2, 2005

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Memories of Killing Fields Can't Keep Him from Home
Houston Chronicle
December 3, 2005

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Plans for Local Mosque Take Shape
The Olympian
December 4, 2005

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Vietnamese Trafficking Victims Suffer Abuses in Taiwan
New California Media
December 4, 2005

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Hmong Honor Veteran of CIA-Backed 'Secret War'
WBAY
December 4, 2005

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IV. Grants

1. (National)
   Creative Capital

   A program of Creative Capital and supported by the Rockefeller Foundation, the Multi-Arts Production Fund supports original new work in all disciplines and traditions of the live performing arts.

   Every year, the fund supports up to forty-two performance-based works with awards ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.

   The goal of the fund is to assist artists who are exploring and challenging the dynamics of live performance within our changing society, thus reflecting the culture's innovation and growing diversity. MAP seeks especially to support work that brings insight and vibrant critique to the issue of cultural difference, be that in class, gender, generation, ethnicity, or tradition.

   Applications for MAP support must come from U.S.-based organizations that have current nonprofit federal tax status. In addition, nonprofit artist-services organizations may apply as fiscal sponsors on behalf of unincorporated artists or ensembles. Both the organization and the artists involved in the project must have at least a two-year history of professional activity.

   The MAP application requests information and work samples for at least one but no more than three Lead Artists on a given project. A Lead Artist is the generative artist on a project -- choreographer, playwright, director, composer, and/or other artistic maker leading the creation of the new work. While the applicant organization must be based in the U.S. and have federal nonprofit tax status, the Lead Artist(s) may be from anywhere and does not need to be a U.S. citizen.

   The MAP Fund supports only artistic projects that contain or will contain a live-performance component. Support may be applied to any phase of a project, up to and including its premiere run. MAP is especially interested in providing support to work early in its development. Eligible projects must not have premiered in or outside the U.S. before October 1, 2006.

   Deadline: February 10, 2006

2. (National)
   Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation

   Sponsored by the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation in cooperation with the National Science Foundation, the Christopher Columbus Awards program is a national competition for middle-school-age children that combines science and technology with community problem-solving in a real-world setting.

   With the help of an adult coach, participating students work in teams to identify an issue they care about and, using science and technology, work with experts, conduct research, and put their ideas to the test to develop an innovative solution to that problem.

   The awards program is open to all middle-school-age (sixth, seventh, and eighth grade) children in the U.S., its possessions, and territories. Teams do not need to be affiliated with a school to enter. Coaches may be any adult over 18 years of age, including parents, community leaders, grandparents, and teachers.

   Eight finalist teams and their coaches will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World to attend the program's National Championship Week, plus a $200 grant to further develop their ideas. Two gold medal teams will receive a $2,000 U.S. Savings Bond and a plaque for each team member, along with a plaque for their school. In addition, one team will receive the $25,000 Columbus Foundation Community Grant as seed money to help bring its idea to life in the community.

   Inspired by the plight of so many who have been affected by natural disasters in the past year, the board of trustees of the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation has added the Chairman's Award to the tenth annual awards competition. Any team interested in addressing a natural disaster topic as the focus of their project will be considered for the existing Christopher Columbus Awards prizes and the special Chairman's Award.

   The Chairman's Award winning team and its coach will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World, a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond for each team member, and the opportunity to select a qualified disaster-related nonprofit to receive a $5,000 cash donation.

   Deadline: February 13, 2006

3. (National)
   Sierra Health Foundation

   As part of its newest grant program, REACH: Connecting Communities and Youth for a Healthy Future, the Sierra Health Foundation will award grants of up to $10,000 to increase youth participation in quality programs in the California Capital Region, which includes Sacramento County and parts of the eight surrounding counties of Yolo, El Dorado, Placer, Yuba, Sutter, Amador, Nevada, and Solano.

   Grants will be awarded three times a year to public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based groups that serve youth between the ages of 10 and 15.

   This opportunity is not intended for general operating or ongoing service support. Following are examples of projects that will be considered for funding: the design or testing of new youth development program components; training of staff in cultural competency, youth development best practices, and program improvement; the purchase of computers to add a skills-building component for youth; evaluation planning and implementation to measure program effectiveness; computer support to develop better systems of outcomes measurement; improving current program design and effectiveness by engaging youth in focus groups; expansion of programs or adding new sites; developing more or better community/school partnerships; marketing and outreach to youth; transportation of youth to and from programs; incentives to participate; and fund development research and proposal writing to sustain existing programs.

   Attendance at a proposers' conference is highly encouraged, though not required. Visit the Sierra Health Foundation Web site for complete grant program information, a funding region map, and details on participating in one of the upcoming proposers' conferences.

   Deadline: January 15, April 15, and September 15, 2006

4. (National)
   Youth Service America and DisneyHand

   Youth Service America and DisneyHand are offering the Disney Minnie Grants for youth across the globe.

   These $500 grants are for youth (ages 5 to 14), or the teachers, schools, and organizations that engage them to implement service projects on National and Global Youth Service Day, April 21-23, 2006.

   Deadline: January 13, 2006

5. (National)
   Youth Service America and Youth Venture

   Youth Service America and Youth Venture are teaming up again to help "make every day National & Global Youth Service Day" by giving young people in the United States the opportunity to create sustainable projects for N&GYSD 2006, April 21-23.

   Twenty five awards of up to $1,000 in start-up funds are available to young people (ages 12 to 20) who want to create new, sustainable, civic-minded organizations, clubs, or businesses ("Ventures"). These Ventures must be youth-led and designed to be a lasting asset to the community. YSA Youth Venturers are required to host an event on N&GYSD.

   Deadline: December 19, 2005

6. (National)
   J-Lab: The Institute for Interactive Journalism

   J-Lab: The Institute for Interactive Journalism invites U.S. nonprofit groups and education organizations to apply for funding to launch new community news ventures and to cooperate with J-Lab in spotlighting best practices and lessons learned.

   Under the New Voices project, funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, J-Lab will select ten projects a year for two years to receive as much as $17,000. Grant funds may be used for equipment, software, rent, phones, training, marketing, production, stipends, freelance payments, and contracted services.

   Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and education institutions, including civic groups, community organizations, middle schools, high schools, colleges, and universities.

   Funding is available for start-up news initiatives only. Ongoing efforts are not eligible to apply unless they are proposing a new venture. Funding may be used only for news and information projects. Advocacy and government projects are not eligible. Funding is available for print or electronic news initiatives, including online, cable, broadcast, narrowcast, satellite, and mobile efforts. Applicants must launch their proposed initiative within ten months of receiving funding.

   Successful applicants will benefit a defined geographic or special-interest community; and foster an open exchange of journalistically sound ideas, information, news, and opinion in those communities. Projects will be evaluated on the following criteria: level of communications innovation; plans for effectively serving an identified community with fact-based news, information, and dialogue; usefulness as a prototype for others; and realistic prospects for sustaining the project after New Voices funding has ended.

   Deadline: February 8, 2006

7. (National)
   Aspen Institute

   The Nonprofit Sector Research Fund, a grantmaking program of the Aspen Institute has announced that it will offer the William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship three times annually. Previously, the fellowship was available once a year during the summer.

   The fellowship, which is based on academic excellence and need, is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who are members of minority groups. The Hearst Fellow serves as an intern with the fund. Through this program, the fund seeks to introduce a diverse group of students to issues relating to philanthropy, volunteerism, and nonprofit organizations. Recipients may arrange with their colleges or universities to receive academic credit for the experience. In his or her internship, the Hearst Fellow undertakes general research and program support for the fund's grantmaking and outreach efforts.

   The ideal candidate for this fellowship is a highly motivated continuing graduate or undergraduate student from an underrepresented community. She or he should have an excellent academic record and also have outstanding research skills; a background in the social sciences or humanities; excellent writing and communication skills; demonstrated financial need; and American citizenship.

   The student must be able to intern for ten to fifteen weeks at the Washington, D.C., office of the Aspen Institute. A fellowship grant of between $2,500 and $5,000 will be awarded, depending on the recipient's educational level, financial need, and time commitment.

   Applications are considered three times annually based on the timing of applicants' availability. For the Spring 2006 internship, the deadline is December 15, 2005; for the Summer 2006 internship, the deadline is February 15, 2006; and for the Fall 2006 internship, the deadline is July 15, 2006.

   Deadline: December 15, 2005; February 15 and July 15, 2006

8. (National)
   The Corporation for National and Community Service

   The Corporation for National and Community Service announces the anticipated availability—subject to Congressional appropriation-- of approximately $40 million of Learn and Serve America funds to implement and support School-Based, Community-Based, and Higher Education service-learning programs in FY 2006.

   The purpose of this grant competition is to promote the development and sustainability of high-quality community-based service-learning programs in youth-serving community organizations across the nation. Funds will be used by intermediary organizations to create curriculum materials; support training and technical assistance activities; make subgrants to local organizations that will implement service-learning programs for youth ages five to seventeen; and strengthen, expand, and anchor a network of youth-serving community-based organizations that implement service-learning programs.

   Applicants are encouraged to develop proposals that demonstrate their ability to engage significant numbers of youth ages five to seventeen, particularly youth in disadvantaged circumstances, in high-quality service-learning; create new, or strengthen existing, partnerships with a variety of youth-serving institutions (K-12 schools, colleges, volunteer centers, faith-based organizations, etc); engage youth in intensive service-learning through the summer and/or other school holidays; and develop programs that leverage additional resources, including volunteers, at the local level.

   For questions, please contact: LSAcommunity@cns.gov or 202-606-7510.

   Deadline: March 7, 2006.

9. (National)
   Kaiser Permanente

   The Kaiser Permanente Cares for Communities Program provides support to nonprofit organizations that focus on community health in the locations the company serves, as well as national nonprofit organizations that address the company's grantmaking priorities. The company s grantmaking priorities include: vulnerable populations, evidence based medicine, education, and public policy. Kaiser Permanente is vitally concerned about disparities in health care, especially among racial and ethnic minorities, and much of the company's grantmaking focuses on reducing these disparities.

   Deadline: Open

10. (National)
    The Academy for Educational Development

    The Academy for Educational Development's New Voices Fellowship Program is a national program to help nonprofit organizations bring innovative new talent to their staffs. The program is a capacity-building and leadership development grant program that assists nonprofit organizations and professionals related to human rights and social justice. New Voices Fellows are offered financial assistance, training, and other opportunities for personal and professional development. Their host organizations are provided salary-support grants. The goal of the program is to help both the host organization and the fellow realize their full potential.

    Deadline: February 13, 2005

11. (National)
    Corporation for National and Community Service and National Council for the Social Studies

    CiviConnections is a three-year teacher grant program funded by the federal Corporation for National and Community Service and National Council for the Social Studies. From 2003-2006, CiviConnections will involve teachers and 3rd-12th grade students nationwide in linking local history inquiry with community service-learning activities. Teachers will develop and adapt these activities based on their students' interests and abilities, the needs or problems in the local community, and their local social studies curriculum requirements. Teams of three teachers can apply for $7,500 grants to cover their costs for attending summer workshops, implementing the program during the fall of 2006, and attending the 2006 NCSS Annual Conference in Washington, DC.

    Deadline: February 24, 2006

12. (National)
    Citigroup Foundation

    The Citigroup Foundation supports nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S., and internationally, where its companies do business. Working with a global network of colleagues and partners, the Foundation gives grants focused in the following three main areas: Financial Education, with emphasis on programs for families and young people; Educating the Next Generation, with emphasis on improving educational opportunities in low-income communities; and Building Communities and Entrepreneurs, with emphasis on the revitalization of low-income communities.

    Deadline: Open

13. (National)
    Staples Foundation

    The Staples Foundation for Learning announces funds to support programs that provide job skills or education for all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged youth. The Foundation now has an online system for submitting grant applications.

    Deadline: January 2, 2006

14. (National)
    U.S. Department of Justice

    This Program is intended to increase the availability of legal assistance necessary to provide effective aid to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault who are seeking relief in legal matters arising as a consequence of that abuse or violence.

    Deadline: December 27, 2005 (LOI)

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V. Resources

The Chronicle has expanded its Web site to offer you additional ideas about how you can manage your operations better. You'll find case studies, white papers, original research, practical tips and other information supplied by leading providers of products and services to nonprofit organizations. Among the topics covered: fund-raising technology, gift-annuity solutions, and prospect databases and services.

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The Center for Community Change has released the first ever report to focus squarely on funding and fundraising practices in community organizing. The study identified dozens of effective organizer-fundraisers and describe how they marry organizing and fundraising. Copies are available by request at jane_beckett@sbcglobal.net or by calling 708.524.8004. The report will be available online in late November in the publications section of www.comm-org.wisc.edu, which provides a variety of resources for community organizing.

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Taking Control of Your Annual Fund

An annual fund can be the cornerstone of a successful fundraising program. If developed correctly, your annual fund solicitations can improve your annual fundraising results and help to identify those who are most likely to become your best planned and major gift prospects.

Download this free white paper, "Taking Control of Your Annual Fund," to begin the process of building donor loyalty today!

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