Issue 29
September 8, 2004

NEWSNOTES is a monthly email newsletter published by Nonprofit Enterprise at Work. It includes items of interest to the nonprofit community in Washtenaw County and the surrounding areas, as well as resources available at NEW. Encourage your friends and colleagues to join over 310 other NEWSNOTES subscribers!

NEW would like to recognize the generous support of its Community Partners:

IN THIS ISSUE

LEAD STORY

Writing a Grant Proposal? Here Are Six Steps to Follow from the Foundation Center’s New Guide

On Tuesday, October 5, NEW will co-host The Foundation Center in Ann Arbor to offer a day-long training on proposal writing. Following are some highlights from the new 4th edition of The Foundation Center’s Guide to Proposal Writing, which will be used during the training. The guide includes a step-by-step approach to the proposal development process, from research and initial contact with potential grantmakers, to pre-proposal planning and the writing itself, to funder cultivation and follow-up strategies. Jane Geever, on behalf of The Foundation Center, interviewed 40 grantmakers in preparation for the book and incorporates their insights and advice throughout.

An excerpt from the Guide’s “Introduction” follows.

The grant proposal does not stand alone. It must be part of a process of planning and of research on, outreach to, and cultivation of potential foundation and corporate funders. The recommended process in this guide is not a formula to be rigidly adhered to. It is a suggested approach that can be adapted to fit the needs of any nonprofit. Since fundraising is an art, not a science, you must bring your own creativity to the process and remain flexible.

Step One: Setting Funding Priorities
In the planning phase, you need to map out all of your agency’s priorities and decide which will translate into good proposals. These plans or projects are then developed into funding proposals, and they form the basis of your foundation and corporate funder research.

Step Two: Drafting the Basic or “Master” Proposal
In order to develop a “master” proposal, you will need to assemble detailed background information on the project, select the proposal writer, and write the components of the document, including the executive summary, statement of need, project description, budget, and organizational information.

Step Three: Packaging the Proposal
You will need to tailor your “master” proposal to each funder’s specific priorities. When you have taken that step, you will need to add a cover letter and, where appropriate, an appendix, paying careful attention to the components of the package.

Step Four: Researching Potential Funders
You are now ready to identify those sources that are most likely to support your proposal. You will use various criteria for developing your list, including the funders’ geographic focus and their demonstrated interest in the type of project for which you are seeking funds. This research process will enable you to prepare different finished proposal packages based on the guidelines of specific funders.

Step Five: Contacting and Cultivating Potential Funders
This step includes judicious use of phone and/or e-mail communication, face-to-face meetings, board contacts, and written updates and progress reports. Your goal is to build a relationship with the potential funder and to communicate important information while your request is still pending.

Step Six: Responding to the Result
If the response is positive, good follow-up is critical to turning a mere grant into a true partnership. If your request is denied, follow-up is important here, too, either to find out if you might try again at another time or to learn how to improve your chances of getting your proposal funded by others.

Attend the full-day seminar on October 5 to receive your own copy of the book excerpted above and learn more about how to make your funding proposals more effective. Learn more on NEW's web site and and then register with the Foundation Center.

Additional Resources:

NEW’s online bookstore for grantwriters

Web Resources for grant writers

FC Search is the Foundation Center’s compendium of foundations and corporate giving programs on a searchable CD-Rom. Match several different fields (e.g., geographic focus, field of interest) to get a targeted list and profiles of potential funders. Contact the Nonprofit Resource Library (734-998-0160, ext. 218) to schedule an appointment to use it, or check for other libraries that subscribe to this definitive tool.

FEATURED ITEMS

Fall Workshop Series Begins with September 15 Special Training Opportunity

NEW’s fall workshop series will kick off with a special training: Fundraising Relationships, Fundraising Values on Wednesday, September 15 at WCC’s Morris Lawrence Building. Local experts Roy Muir and Jerry May will share their many years of fundraising experience and lead us through a morning of learning and application. Join your peers and nonprofit supporters to network and continue the discussion through lunch. Register online.

Make your choices now for workshops and focus on either our theme for the year, fundraising, or on many other nonprofit management topics. Encourage staff members, volunteers and board members to view the listings and register for those subjects that will help them develop your organization and hone their professional skills. Registering online saves $5 per session.

Foundation Center’s Proposal Writing Seminar Coming to Ann Arbor

If you’re new to the fundraising scene or want to brush up on your skills, here is the chance of the season! This information-packed seminar on a critical fundraising skill is designed for nonprofit fundraisers and executives at all skill levels. Build, strengthen, and polish your proposal writing skills at this popular, full-day course. The $195 registration includes a free copy of The Foundation Center’s Guide to Proposal Writing ($34.95 list price value) and a 100+ page workbook outlining all major topics covered in the seminar. See NEW’s Web site for more information.

To register, call 1-800-424-9836, or visit the Foundation Center Web site.

New Database Service for Nonprofits

NEW is pleased to announce a brand new database service for Washtenaw County nonprofits. NEW can create a customizable, easy-to-use, Web-based system that is tailored to address a nonprofit’s entire range of services and activities. The database service includes design, development, implementation, training, and ongoing support.

A database system created by NEW can help nonprofits increase their efficiency and enhance their community impact. Several local nonprofits are already using this system. THE APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THE FALL CYCLE IS SEPTEMBER 10.

For more information, visit our web site or contact Neel Hajra (734-998-0160).

The Leadership2Go Executive Director Series presents “Fostering Organizational Diversity”

How can we, as a sector, do a better job of developing our cultural competency? A good place to start is in fostering the valuable learning and practice that comes from having a diverse staff and board. How can we diversify our staff and board? How do we preserve a commitment to diversity in the face of staff turnover and board term limits? Finally, where do we turn for help? Come to discuss these and other important questions with three local panelists:

Lorraine Gutierrez, PhD, Professor of Social Work, University of Michigan
Mark Jones, Director of Leadership and Workforce Development, Pfizer
David H. Yamamoto, Consultant, TransArbor Dynamics

All executive directors are invited to join us at a special location for this dynamic session:

Peace Neighborhood Center
1111 North Maple Road, Ann Arbor
Friday, October 29, 2004, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
$10 - Continental breakfast provided

Executive directors register today!

BoardConnect – Matching Community Leaders with Nonprofit Boards

Service on a nonprofit board is a rewarding and educational experience. It also requires commitment and responsibility! Whether you are interested in serving or currently hold a seat on a board, NEW’s BoardConnect program can teach you about the roles and responsibilities expected of today’s board member. If you are looking for a board on which to serve, NEW can also help you find a local nonprofit that needs your expertise!

Training dates through the end of 2004 are as follows (sessions run from 4 p.m. –7 p.m. at the NEW Center in Ann Arbor):

• Tuesday, September 28
• Tuesday, December 7

Nonprofit boards looking for new and capable members can schedule an orientation session today to join NEW’s affiliate list. During your year-long affiliation, we can help you create a recruitment plan that will give you the tools to maintain an active and effective board!

Contact Andrew Steck (734-998-0160) to register, or visit the Web for more information

Nonprofit Day 2004 to Focus on Accountability

The Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) will hold its fifth annual Nonprofit Day on September 23 at the Lansing Center in Lansing. Over 200 nonprofit leaders are expected to attend this one-day conference, which provides a venue for nonprofit leaders to learn about the public policy topics impacting all nonprofits and how the nonprofit sector can work together to address these concerns. Content will focus on accountability in the nonprofit sector, which is gaining attention among policymakers in both Washington, D.C. and Lansing. The keynote speaker will be Diana Aviv, President and CEO of Independent Sector in Washington D.C.

Register online by September 17. For more information, contact Lisa Keefer at MNA (517-492-2400).

Washtenaw County Offers Nonprofits Free Access to Grants Locator

An amazing new Web-based research tool is now available to help you find federal grants. Grants Locator, produced by ecivis.com, is a single hub of activity through which thousands of grant opportunities and billions of available dollars are researched and announced. It allows users to quickly locate funding opportunities consistent with their defined needs, resulting in increased worker productivity and a higher rate of funding success. Search by category, keyword, agency, funding amount, eligibility, due date, etc. What used to take 5 hours can be done in 5 minutes! Later this fall, the system will also include foundation grants.

Washtenaw County piloted the system, purchased a one-year subscription, and is offering access to all local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Washtenaw County. Your organization may sign up for any number of individual ecivis accounts by calling the Washtenaw County Help Desk 734-222-3737. They will verify your nonprofit status by checking your published profile in the Directory of Nonprofit Organizations in Washtenaw County. (It’s easy to submit a new organization if you don’t yet have a listing.) Your request will be forwarded to eCivis and you will receive a user ID and password by e-mail within twenty four hours.

Free training sessions in the use of the system are scheduled for 10 a.m. -11:30 a.m. at the Library Learning Resource Center, Washtenaw County Library, 4135 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor: To register, please contact Linda Wicks, Professional Development Coordinator (734-222-6565).

Thursday, September 30
Thursday, October 7
Thursday, November 18

Contact Mary Udoji, Director of the Washtenaw County Library Resource Center (LLRC) 734-973-4351 with questions.

Indiana University Fund Raising School in Michigan

The Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) is once again pleased to sponsor the Indiana University Fundraising School in Michigan. The intensive sessions offered, ranging from two to five days, teach the art and the strategy of fundraising and philanthropy. Classes are held at Madonna University in Livonia.

• Principles and Techniques of Fundraising,
  September 27 – October 1, 2004
• Preparing for Successful Grant Proposals
  December 1 and 2, 2004
  

Full course descriptions and information regarding IU’s certificate program can be found at IU's Web site. Register for these classes on the MNA Web site.

Visit MNA for information on the latest training opportunities from MNA and other organizations. For more information on the IU seminars, contact Mike Corbin at MNA (888-242-7075, Ext. 2412).

Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation: Upcoming Deadlines

Contact AAACF’s Martha Bloom (734-663-2173) before submitting an application to any of the following programs. More information is available on the AAACF Web site.

October 6 Deadlines:

• General Grantmaking Program. This program accepts applications for projects focusing on education, social service, the environment, culture, community development, or health and wellness. In addition, the foundation has a new Capacity Building Grant Program http://www.aaacf.org/grants.asp, which aims to strengthen organizations to improve service delivery.
• Letters of intent for proposals to the Ypsilanti Area Community Fund. The Fund is a permanent endowment established to support programs, events and projects in the greater Ypsilanti area.
• Healthy Youth/Healthy Seniors Grant Program

November 3 Deadline:

• Youth Council grants. The Foundation's Youth Council, comprised of teenagers from local high schools, awards grants from a separate endowed fund. Their grants focus on issues and problems relating to young people in our community.

Join the Washtenaw County’s Joint Purchasing Program

Choose from two opportunities to learn more about Washtenaw County’s program that allows nonprofits special discounts on supplies and services.

• Tuesday, September 14 from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. at the Library Learning Resource Center. Call 734-222-6760 for more information.
• Tuesday, September 28, from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m at the NEW Center. Register for this free workshop online

2004 Arts Management & Community Development Conference

The Michigan Association of Community Arts Agencies (MACAA) is hosting the day-long Arts Management & Community Development Conference on Tuesday, October 5 at the Radisson Hotel in Lansing.

• Harness the Passion - Keep the creative ideas alive while providing organizational structure in the midst of chaos.
• Channel the Energy - Learn from fellow community leaders about how to transform great ideas into feasible action.
• Direct the Creativity - enhance your leadership skills by receiving practical advice you can apply the next day.

More information and registration available at MACAA’s site.

Organizing for Change Conference

The Ann Arbor Area Committee for Peace is sponsoring a skill building conference for organizers and activists working to improve the quality of life in their communities. It will be held Friday, September 10 from 4- 9 p.m. and all day Saturday September 11 at Eastern Michigan University. Join a diverse group of participants from around the state in workshops led by local and nationally known experts and activists. Workshops will cover such topics as lobbying, grassroots fundraising, and the art of non-violent dialogue. Visit the Commitee's site for more information and registration

Reminders

Mini MBA for Nonprofits class starts September 20.

It’s not too late to register for Lawrence Tech’s Wednesday evening, 12-week course on Strategic Nonprofit Management.

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