Last of the new books for '07

"Thank You for Submitting Your Proposal": A Foundation Director Reveals What Happens Next by Martin Teitel

GIC Call Number: HG177 T45 2006

Great Philanthropic Mistakes by Martin Morse Wooster.

GIC Call Number: HV91 W626 2006

Grant of the Week: Southeastern European Studies Travel Grant

The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) has posted a deadline of February 1, 2008, for receipt of applications for their Southeastern European Studies Travel Grant. This grant, aimed at supporting travel for presentation of papers at Scholarly conferences, will be made "pending confirmation of funding."

"Topics of papers must be to related to Southeastern Europe, but applications are welcome from SEE specialists proposing to attend conferences whose general theme lies outside Southeastern Europe as well as from scholars whose area expertise lies outside SEE who propose to attend an SEE-focused event."

Grants will be made for $1,000 for travel within North America and for $2,500 for intercontinental travel. Conferences must take place prior to December 31, 2009.

For more information email Olga Bukhina, Coordinator of International Programs, at obukhina@acls.org.

New Grant Books Galore!

I'll Grant You That: A Step-By-Step Guide to Finding Funds, Designing Winning Projects, and Writing Powerful Grant Proposals by Jim Burke & Carol Ann Prater

GIC Call Number: HG177 B868 2000

Writing the NIH Grant Proposal: A Step-By-Step Guide by William Gerin

GIC Call Number: RA11 D6 G47 2006

Big Time Fundraising for Today's Schools by Stanley Levenson

GIC Call number: LC243 L488 2007

(My Favorite) New Book

Proposals That Work: A Guide for Planning Dissertations and Grant Proposals, 5th ed. by Lawrence F. Locke, Waneen Wyrick Spirduso, and Stephen J. Silverman.

This, our most recent addition to the Grants Information Collection, is hands-down my favorite new book this year!

A practical, easy to read guide to funding your research--graduate, post-doc, or other--Proposals that Work guides you through the entire planning process from beginning to successful end. Whether you are conducting qualitative or quantitative research, regardless of your academic discipline, or even whether you're pursuing private or public funding, this book will be of use to you.

You can find it in Memorial Library's Grants Information Collection, Rm 262 D/E at call number Q180.55 P7 L63 2007.

Grant of the Week: Humana - Healthier lives and communities

The Humana Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Humana Inc., a large health insurer with local offices in Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay. Between November 1, 2007 and June 15, 2008, the foundation is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations in these communities for grants related to improving the health of those communities.

Funding Priorities: "Serving needs of children, families, and seniors in their quest to build healthier lives and communities."

"Special consideration is giving to projects that focus on health and fitness efforts leading to better lifestyles; literacy activities leading to improved health experiences; and the development of technology, tools, and resources that lead to healthy communities."

Grants range from $10,000 to $75,000. Applications should be submitted to the respective market office. Please see below for Wisconsin offices.

Green Bay
300 N Madison Street
Suite 100
Green Bay, WI 54301

Local: 920-617-1705
800: 888-450-7355
Fax: 920-617-1744

Milwaukee (Waukesha)
N19 W24133 Riverwood Drive
Suite 300
Waukesha, WI 53188-1174

Local: 262-951-2560
800: 800-825-9900
Fax: 262-951-2561

Madison (Middleton)
1600 Aspen Commons, #600
PO Box 620981
Middleton, WI 53562-0981

Local: 608-231-6536
800: 800-833-6910
Fax: 800-833-6913

Large Business:
1600 Aspen Commons, #600
PO Box 620981
Middleton, WI 53562-0981

800: 800-833-6910

For more information on how to apply, as well as additional market locations in the U.S., visit: http://www.humanafoundation.org/grant_application.asp.

Grant of the Week: Singing for Change

Singer Jimmy Buffet's grant-making vehicle, Singing for Change (SFC) is an independent foundation making "competitive grants to progressive, community-based organizations that address the root causes of social and environmental problems."

SFC's areas of interest are: Children and Families, the Environment, and Disenfranchised Groups. More info on these can be found at: http://margaritaville.com/index.php?page=sfcarea.

Grants range in size from $500 to $10,000. For more information on SFC, visit: http://margaritaville.com/index.php?page=sfc.

Unsolicited proposals are not accepted. If after reading their giving guidelines you think your project is a "fit," you may submit a one page letter of interest. Letters of interest are accepted anytime and are reviewed on an "ongoing basis."

Grant of the Week: HP Technology for Teaching

The HP Technology for Teaching Grant Initiative supports "the innovative use of mobile technology in K-16 education."

According to their website, "In 2008, HP will award nearly $7 million in cash and equipment to K-12 schools in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and to colleges and universities throughout North America (Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S.)."

Deadline for submitting proposals: Thursday February 14, 2008, 5 p.m. (Pacific time)

More information regarding eligibility can be found online at: http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/grants/us/programs/tech_teaching/2008_tech_for_teaching_rfp_highered.pdf
http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/grants/us/programs/tech_teaching/2008_tech_for_teaching_rfp_k12.pdf

For complete information regarding this program, visit: http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/grants/us/programs/tech_teaching/index.html

Grant of the Week: Talbots Women's Scholarship

Talbots will be awarding 50 $1,000 scholarships and 5 $10,000 scholarships to women currently seeking undergraduate degrees who earned their high school diploma or GED at least 10 years ago. Scholarship awards are based primarily on financial need and previous achievements.

The postmark deadline for applications is January 2, 2008, or until the first 1,000 eligible applications have been received, whichever is earlier.

To get more information - or to download an application - visit: http://www1.talbots.com/about/scholar/scholar.asp.

Grant of the Week: Young Men at Risk

This world-wide competition "presented by Ashoka's Changemakers in partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation," is aimed at "identifying the most innovative approaches to helping a generation of young people around the world fulfill their potential and become healthy, successful adults."

"...A major focus of this competition is reducing health disparities, and improving the health of disadvantaged populations."

Changemakers invites you "to participate in this unique competition by sharing your innovative approach to working with young men at risk between the ages of 15 and 25."

Examples can be found at: Ashoka's Changemakers Mosaic of Solutions.

Timeline:
Deadline is January 23, 2008; voting begins on February 26, 2008; and winners will be announced on March 11, 2008.

For more information - or to enter - visit http://www.changemakers.net/en-us/competition/men.

New Books, continued!

They just keep coming in...

The Complete Book of Grant Writing: Learn to Write Grants Like a Professional by Nancy Burke Smith and Gabriel Works

Branding for Nonprofits: Developing Identity with Integrity by DK Holland

The Five Strategies for Fundraising Success: A Mission-Based Guide to Achieving Your Goals by Mal Warwick.

Grant of the Week: Tolerance.org

The Mix It Up Grant Program from Tolerance.org and the Southern Poverty Law Center is accepting applications.

"Have a great idea about how to challenge social boundaries and bring down the walls that divide your school?" Tolerance.org wants to help. They are awarding "$500 grants to support youth-directed programs and projects that address social boundaries in schools or communities."

Guidelines:

*Youth must serve as decision-makers in the project. Ideally, the project is created and implemented by youth.
* Projects must promote collaboration across social boundaries — different youth groups, clubs or community groups working together.
* The project or program should be a part of an ongoing effort, or an effort that's just getting started, but will continue.
* Grants are non-renewable.

Deadline: OPEN

For more information and to download an application, visit http://www.tolerance.org/teens/grants.jsp.

New Books for November

How to Evaluate and Improve Your Grants Effort, 2nd Ed. by David G. Bauer - Series on Higher Education

Research Proposals: A Guide to Success, 3rd. Edition by Thomas E. Ogden & Israel Goldberg











Exposing the Elephants: Creating Exceptional Nonprofits by Pamela J. Wilcox

Grant of the Week: Community Caring Grants

Alltel Wireless is seeking applications for its Community Caring Grants to "fund community projects by eligible Wisconsin nonprofit organizations."

"One-time grants for up to $5,000 will be awarded. The primary focus of the grants will be education, but organizations that improve the quality of life via health initiatives, arts, culture and economic development are also eligible."

Applications are due by November 26, 2007.

"Awards will be granted in communities served by Alltel Wireless, which include most of the geographic areas of the state but not some larger cities, such as Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay and Wausau."

"For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit a local Alltel Wireless store in your community, or send a request for information by e-mail to Corp.CommunityRelations@alltel.com."

More New Books for the Grants Information Collection

Here's the latest round of new books to hit the shelves of the Grants Information Collection at Memorial Library. If any of you out there have any comments on these - or any of our other new books - please feel free to post your response below.




Grants for Libraries by Stephanie K. Gerding and Pamela H. MacKellar













Models of Proposal Planning & Writing by Jeremy T. Miner and Lynn E. Miner.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Grant Writing, 2nd ed.: An Essential Resource for Securing the Funds You Need by Waddy Thompson

Grant of the Week: AAUW Engineering Dissertation Fellowships

The American Association of University Women is currently accepting applications for their Engineering Dissertation Awards program for the 2008-2009 academic year.

Selected Professions Fellowships are awarded to women who intend to pursue a full-time course of study at accredited institutions during the fellowship year in one of the designated degree programs where women's participation traditionally has been low - in this case, Engineering. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Applications are due Dec. 15, 2007. Award amount: $20,000.

For more information, visit: http://www.aauw.org/education/fga/fellowships_grants/selected.cfm

Detailed application information can be found at: http://www.act.org/aauw/spfengineer/index.html

FC Proposal Writing Seminar in Milwaukee

FYI: An excellent for fee seminar on proposal writing is coming to Milwaukee on Nov. 13:

Proposal Writing Seminar

Course date: November 13 in Milwaukee

For every grantseeker who wants to learn how to write proposals geared to foundations, and for experienced proposal writers who are initiating a foundation fundraising campaign.
More than 35,000 grantseekers have strengthened their skills with this popular seminar, now in its 15th year. Our expert instructors will teach you to craft a comprehensive, compelling proposal package—step by step. You'll hear what funders themselves have to say about proposals, and gain valuable insight into the review process.

“To hear what grantmakers have actually said about proposals made this course even more instructive. I'd recommend it to any serious fundraiser.”
– Fundraising Consultant, Philadelphia

BENEFITS
Gain the competitive edge with a well-crafted proposal package
Learn the best way to present your information
Humanize your story to present a compelling picture
Convince funders to become part of your success and stay committed

TOPICS
Cover letter, executive summary; your message to the grantmaker
Statement of need; choosing data to support your case
Comprehensive project descriptions; your proof of project planning
Organizational overview, conclusion, appendices
Grantmaker contacts; cultivating your best advocates
Researching the funder to position your proposal
The grantmaker’s proposal review process

BONUSES
Free copy of The Foundation Center’s Guide to Proposal Writing, new 5th Edition ($34.95 value)
Workbook outlining all major course topics

INSTRUCTOR JANE GEEVERFounder of J.C. Geever, Inc., the first woman-led fundraising company admitted into membership in the American Association of Fund Raising Counsel (AAFRC), Jane is the author of The Foundation Center's Guide to Proposal Writing, now in its 5th edition. She lectures nationwide on subjects related to grantsmanship, volunteerism, and philanthropy.

Registration fee: $195

REGISTER ONLINE

Motivate and empowereveryone on your team.

SPECIAL DISCOUNT
SAVE $25 for each additional personSAVE $25 for each additional course
Please note: additional registrations must be made at the same time.

More new books!

Here are some of the newest arrivals at the Grants Information Collection:



Storytelling for Grantseekers: The Guide to Creative Nonprofit Fundraising by Cheryl A. Clarke

Level Best: How Small and Grassroots Nonprofits Can Tackle Evaluation and Talk Results by Marcia Festen and Marianne Philbin

The Ask: How to Ask Anyone for Any Amount of Money for Any Purpose by Laura Fredricks

Fundraising for Social Change, 5th ed. by Kim Klein

New Book: Charitable Giving Law Made Easy

Thanks to the grant we received earlier this year from the Friends of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Library, the new books are pouring in!

I, for one, am particularly pleased to find Charitable Giving Law Made Easy included amongst these new acquisitions.

According to Reference & Research Book News, "this text provides an accessible overview of the law as it relates to charitable giving." Indeed, Hopkins uses "plain language" to "addresses such topics as contributions of money and property; timing of charitable deductions; estate and gift tax considerations; special property rules; and planned giving" (February 1, 2007).

Grant of the Week: Ford Foundation Diversity Fellowships

Applications are now being accepted for the 2008 Ford Foundation Diversity Fellowship program.

These fellowships, "seek to increase the diversity of the nation’s college and university faculties by increasing their ethnic and racial diversity, to maximize the educational benefits of diversity, and to increase the number of professors who can and will use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students."

The Fellowship makes the following annual awards:
Approximately 60 Predoctoral Awards at $20,000 per year for up to three years.
Approximately 35 Dissertation Awards at $21,000 for one year
Approximately 20 Postdoctoral Awards at $40,000 for one year

For more information on these programs, as well as the online application form, visit http://www7.nationalacademies.org/fordfellowships/.

First Book Purchased by Friends Grant Arrives

Back in May, GIC news announced that the Grants Information Collection had just, "received a $600 grant from the Friends of the UW-Madison Library to be used for purchase of print materials."

Well, things can sometimes move slowly in Library Land, but the good news is that we have just received our first purchase from the Friends Grant Funds! Yeah!

And the winner is: Grant Seeker's Budget Toolkit, published by Wiley, 2001. Here you'll find "step-by-step guidance, insider tips, and all the tools you need to create budget s and financial plans..." It also includes a CD Rom with forms, spreadsheets and checklists, which visitors may use on-site in the Grants Information Collection room, 262 D/E of Memorial Library.

Please feel free to stop by and try it out!

Grant of the Week: Petsmart Charities

Attention Animal Welfare Agencies!

Petsmart Charities, whose mission "is to improve the quality of life for all companion animals through programs that save the lives of homeless pets and promote healthy relationships between people and pets" is now accepting grant applications.

Deadline for application is "determined by the state in which the service is provided". For a list of due dates, visit: http://www.petsmartcharities.org/animal-welfare/grants.php#q4. (Wisconsin, your deadline is May 31, 2008!)

The grants program helps to fund "best practices and innovative programs, with measurable results, that help accomplish [their] mission" with grants "typically" going to "programs that reduce the homeless population of animals through methods other than euthanasia."

New Book: The Foundation Center's Guide to Proposal Writing, 5th ed.

This just in: The Foundation Center's Guide to Proposal Writing, 5th Edition has just arrived at Memorial Library's Grants Information Collection.

Older editions will be moving shortly into the "Regular-Size Shelving" -- meaning they will be available for check out. Please see MadCat Library Catalog for call number and exact location within Memorial Library.

So, come on in and see what the fuss is about!

Grant of the Week: Target Field Trip Grants

Now through November 1st, Target Corporation is accepting applications for its More Adventure Field Trip Grants Program. The program will be awarding up to 1,600 grants across the U.S. to K-12 schools for field trips occurring in the Spring of 2008.

"Education professionals, 18 years or older, who are employed by an accredited K-12 public, private or charter school in the United States that maintain a 501(c)(3) or a 509(a)(1) tax exempt status are eligible to apply."

Funded field trips "may involve museum, environmental or science projects, artistic and cultural experiences and civics or community service projects." Award amounts vary, and may be "up to $1,000".

For more information or to apply online, visit https://targetfieldtripgrants.target.com/rules.php.

Grant of the Week: Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Program is accepting nominations for their annual award. Given to approximately 50 students each year attending community colleges or two-year institutions in the US and planning to transfer to four-year institutions.

"The amount and duration of awards vary by student based on the cost of attendance and the length of the program as well as other scholarships or grants received. The maximum available per student is $30,000 per year. This is the largest scholarship offered in the US to community college transfer students."

"Students interested in this scholarship must be nominated by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Faculty Representative at their institutions. Please see the list of designated faculty representatives. Students may not apply directly to the Foundation for this program. "

Deadline is February 1, 2008.

For more information visit http://www.jackkentcookefoundation.org/jkcf_web/content.aspx?page=UnderG.

Grant of the Week: Nonprofit Sector Collaborative Research Minigrants

The Helen Bader Institute for Nonprofit Management is now accepting applications for its Nonprofit Sector Collaborative Research Minigrant Program.

Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded for successful proposals. Application deadline is November 16, 2007.

"Who can apply? A research team that includes (a) a university faculty or staff member and/or staff at a research-focused organization, and (b) staff at one or more nonprofit organizations that will participate in and contribute to the research endeavor."

"Applications are encouraged that propose research that advances understanding of nonprofit organizations or the nonprofit sector, makes a contribution to the growing literature on nonprofits, and produces knowledge of the sectors with implications beyond specific organizations studied."

For more information visit: http://epic.cuir.uwm.edu/NONPROFIT/research/Minigrants.php .
RFP: http://epic.cuir.uwm.edu/NONPROFIT/research/RFPCollaborative08.pdf .

Grant of the Week: Alzheimer's Disease Research

The American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF) Alzheimer's Disease Research program supports promising research in fields ranging from molecular biology to epidemiology.

"Grants are awarded on the basis of the scientific merit of the proposed research and the relevance of the research to understanding aspects of the disease that lead to improved treatments, prevention strategies, and diagnoses."

Awards are as follows: Standard Awards, which are up to $133,333 a year for up to three years of funding; Pilot Project Awards, which are up to $75,000 a year for up to two years of funding; and Research Fellowships of up to $50,000 a year for up to two years of funding.

The deadline to receive grant applications for the 2008 awards is on October 11, 2007.

"Grants are available to U.S. and international researchers working at nonprofit organizations, including universities, medical centers, and independent research institutions. AHAF grants are made to the organization, not to individual researchers."

For more detailed information and submission instructions, please visit http://www.ahaf.org/alzdis/research/adresrch.htm.

Grant of the Week: Airborne Teacher Trust Fund

Throughout the next year, the Airborne Teacher Trust Fund will be awarding funds to elementary and middle school teachers and their schools to help innovative arts and music programs get off the ground.

The program "invites elementary and middle school teachers from public and private schools throughout the country to submit proposals for art and music programs that their schools are unable to fund."

Grants are from $200 to $10,000 and are to be used to implement the programs.

Application is available online. Submission dates are "rolling throughout the country".

For more info, visit: http://www.airbornetrust.com/grantapplication.aspx

Short orientation video to "Foundation Directory Online Professional"

With so many search options available in the "Foundation Directory Online Professional" database, sometimes it's hard to know where to start -- especially if you're new to the database or grants research in general.

To answer this need, I've put together a short instructional video, "Intro to Foundation Directory Online", which -- I hope -- will be the first of a handful similar tutorials yet to come. (This video provides an orientation only; future videos, along with the Foundation Center's online help, provide step-by-step search instructions.)

To view the video, you'll need Flash Player version 7 or higher and your sound turned on!

Then, go to: http://grants.library.wisc.edu/videos/fdo-intro.html.

Enjoy!

Grant of the Week: NEA Student Achievement Grants

The Student Achievement Grant program from the NEA Foundation is currently accepting applications from practicing U.S.: public school teachers in grades PreK–12, public school education support professionals, or faculty or staff at public higher education institutions..

The goal of these grants is "to improve the academic achievement of students in U.S. public schools and public higher education institutions in any subject area(s)".

Proposed work should engage students in critical thinking and problem solving that deepen their knowledge of standards-based subject matter. The work should also improve students’ habits of inquiry, self-directed learning, and critical reflection.

Applications are due by Oct. 15, 2007

Teachers with less than seven years of experience in the profession and education support professionals are encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit: http://www.neafoundation.org/programs/StudentAchievement_Guidelines.htm.

Grant of the Week: Changing the Face of Disability on the Planet

The Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation is accepting online applications now through September 15, 2007, for "programs that support professional artists with disabilities or encourage a professional environment while enhancing creativity among people with disabilities who are not professional artists themselves".

ELA will not fund: Art therapy programs, Camps, Outdoor Adventures and Recreational programs, Children and youth programs, Employment programs, Housing programs, Political campaigns, Religious programs, Service animal training, or Staff and volunteer training.

They "encourage distinctive, cutting edge programs that impact the lives of people with disabilities by changing the face of disability in a community". Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000.

For more information, visit http://www.ela.org/grants/grants.html.

Fall Workshop Mania

There are loads of local grants-related learning opportunities coming up this autumn - both free and for fee. Let's take a look!

Grants Information Collection
These workshops offered by yours truly are free and open to the public. They take place in Memorial Library on the University of Wisconsin campus. For more info on these, go to: http://grants.library.wisc.edu/seminars.html

Finding Foundation Grants for Nonprofit Organizations
Sessions will include an orientation to the Grants Information Collection, general grantseeking tips, and hands-on experience using the Foundation Center's foundation database, Foundation Directory Online. This free workshop is suitable for staff of nonprofit organizations and UW clientele. Workshops generally exclude funding for for-profit enterprises and for personal welfare assistance. Registration is not necessary; however, space is limited.

Monday, September 17, 2007 ~ 9 a.m. - 12 noon
Friday, October 12, 2007 ~ 9 a.m. - 12 noon

Identifying Grants for Research & Project Funding
This free workshop is aimed at those from the University community (and from the public at large) who are interested in identifying grant opportunities for their research and special projects. Workshops generally exclude funding for for-profit enterprises and for personal welfare assistance Registration is not necessary; however, space is limited.

Thursday, August 30, 2007 ~ 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Friday, November 2, 2007 ~ 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Grants for Your Education
This free presentation is for current and future students in Wisconsin (of any institute of higher education) interested in researching potential scholarships, fellowships, and grants available to individuals for their education and related purposes. The focus will be on how to identify funding sources beyond those that available through most offices of financial aid. Registration is not necessary; however, space is limited.

Thursday, September 13, 2007 ~ 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

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Professional Development and Applied Studies
Division of Continuing Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Nonprofit Development Workshops
The following classes are for fee. Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) are available. For more info, download the brochure.

Building effective nonprofit business partnerships (Nov 13, 2007)
Community Fundraising (July 31, 2007 or Nov 1, 2007)
Locating grants (Oct 23, 2007)
Major gift fundraising (Nov 14, 2007)
Organizational assessment, policies and procedures (Nov 20, 2007)
Role of the board and strategic planning (July 10, 2007)
Teambuilding (Aug 1, 2007 or Oct 31, 2007)
Writing successful proposals (Oct 24, 2007)

Human Services Online Classes
Also for fee, Professional Development and Applied Studies, is offering a grants-related online course this fall. CEUs are also available for completion of this course. For more info visit http://www.dcs.wisc.edu/pda/online/writing_grants.htm.

Introduction to Researching and Writing Grants
(September 12 - October 9, 2007)

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And last, but not least...

The Foundation Center
Experts from the Foundation Center will be traveling to Milwaukee for a one-day for fee seminar. Registration and pricing information can be found at: http://foundationcenter.org/marketplace/catalog/product_training.jhtml?id=prod1440014&navCount=0&navAction=push.

Proposal Writing Seminar
Marquette University
Raynor Memorial Library Conference Center
Milwaukee, WI
(November 13, 2007)

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That's all for now, but stay tuned for more exciting grants info!

New! Save and Email records in Foundation Directory Online!

Yes, it's true! You can now print, save, or email records from the Foundation Directory Online Professional database. This long-awaited feature is sure to make many a grant researcher happy.

Here's the gist: While viewing your results list, mark the records you want to include and then a) Print or save the list of "marked" grantmakers or b) Print or save the marked records themselves. Files are saved as a pdf only. When printing or saving from this screen, only the information from the main tab is included.



From the record view, you can not only save and print the on-screen info, but also EMAIL it to yourself - or whomever you choose!

Wow! Thanks, Foundation Center!

Grant of the Week: Best Buy Teach Award

The Best Buy Teach Award Program is accepting applications for its 2008 award program. The purpose of this program, which in 2007 gave awards to more than 20 Wisconsin schools, is to "recognize creative uses of interactive technology in K-12 classrooms."

This year the program will be giving awards to more than 1,500 US schools in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card or Best Buy spending account." Applications are due September 30, 2007.

Eligibility:

• K-12 public, private and parochial schools using interactive technology in classrooms are eligible to apply.
• Schools must be within 50 miles of a Best Buy store to apply.

For more information on this program and for application details, visit: http://communications.bestbuy.com/communityrelations/teach.asp.

Last Workshop aimed at Nonprofits until Fall

This coming Tuesday, July 23rd, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, the Grants Information Collection will be holding our free workshop, Finding Grants for Nonprofit Organizations for the final time this summer.

Don't worry, they're be more in the fall. But, if you were hoping to learn about foundation grants for nonprofit organizations, this will be your last opportunity for this workshop until late September.

For more information on this workshop or other free workshops offered by the Grants Information Collection, visit http://grants.library.wisc.edu/seminars.html.

Hope to see you there!

Grant of the Week: Defending Freedoms

The Herb Block Foundation is currently seeking proposals for its Defending Basic Freedoms grant program.

The aim of this program is to "safeguard the basic freedoms guaranteed in America's Bill of Rights, to help eliminate all forms of prejudice and discrimination, and to assist government agencies to be more accountable to the public."

Letters of Inquiry are due October 10, 2007. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations located in the United States with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

For more information on the Herb Block Foundation or their Defending Basic Freedoms grant, visit: http://www.herbblockfoundation.org/HerbBlockFoundation/home.aspx?page=Main.

Grant of the Week: Young Explorers Grants

The National Geographic Society offers "seed grants to individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 to pursue research, conservation and exploration-related projects consistent with National Geographic's existing grant programs."

Fields of study covered, include:

• Anthropology
• Archaeology
• Astronomy
• Biology
• Geography
• Geology
• Oceanography
• Paleontology
  

While applicants are not required to possess advanced degrees, a "record of prior experience ... should be submitted as it pertains to the proposed project."

Indeed, this grant program "provide[s] the opportunity for many recipients to pursue their first experiences in the field."

For more information on the Young Explorers Grant program, visit: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/yeg/index.html.

Grant of the Week: Tournées Festival

Bring contemporary French cinema to your college or university campus! The French American Cultural Exchange is accepting applications for the Tournées Festival Grant Program.

Selected institutions will be awarded grants of $1,800 each to show five films. To be eligible for a grant, you must be affiliated with an American university or college with non-profit status. Application Deadline is July 31, 2007.

For more information visit: http://www.facecouncil.org/tournees/index.html.

Grant of the Week: Home Depot - Affordable Housing Built Responsibly

Letters of Inquiry are due July 1, 2007, for the Home Depot "Affordable Housing Built Responsibly" Grant.

The Home Depot Foundation whose mission it is to help "creat[e] healthy, livable communities through the integration of affordable housing built responsibly and the preservation and restoration of community trees," makes grants to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charities and its Canadian equivalent only.

Full applications must be completed and submitted online by September 15, 2007. "Preference is given to proposals that include community engagement that result in the production, preservation, or financing of housing units for low- to moderate-income families..."

For more information regarding this request for proposals, visit: http://www.homedepotfoundation.org/support_housing_apply.html.

"RSP Funding" Databases Temporarily Unavailable

Reference Services Press, publisher of RSP Funding Databases for "Graduates," "Undergraduates," and "Postgraduates & Professionals" has recently made a switch from using an external database vendor (WebSPIRS Databases) to distribute their funding information to making this information available themselves directly to libraries and other institutions who subscribe.

Due to these changes, RSP Funding databases are currently unavailable. We are working with the publisher to reinstate access as soon as possible.

Please contact Nikki Busch at grantsinfo@library.wisc.edu with any questions or concerns you may have regarding this transition.

Thank you for your patience.

Grant of the Week: The Big Read

The National Endowment for the Arts in conjunction with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest is accepting grant applications now through July 31st for "The Big Read"!

The Big Read program seeks to, "restore reading to the center of American culture" by "provid[ing] citizens with the opportunity to read and discuss a single book within their communities."

For more information on The Big Read visit: http://www.neabigread.org/about.php.
To read more Requests for Proposals in the area of "Arts and Culture" visit: http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_arts.jhtml.

13th Annual Fundraising & Development for Nonprofits Conference = Time very well spent!

If you've ever had the chance to attend this wonderful 3-day event which takes place at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Business School each spring, you already know what I mean.

If not, you'll definitely want to check out the conference web site at: http://exed.wisc.edu/devconf/ . And, though you'll need to wait until next year to experience the exciting and intensive educational environment that is the Fund Raising and Development for Nonprofits Conference, you'll be glad that you're now "in the know".

Don Gray, Nancy Francisco-Welke, Boris Frank and Mark Lefebvre were just a few of the very fine speakers and presenters at this year's informative and inspirational gathering.

Plus, (if you thought it couldn't get any better) there's even a scholarship competition available to attendees, http://exed.wisc.edu/devconf/Scholarship.htm !

Perhaps I'll see you there next year...

GIC Summer Workshop Line-up Announced

Grants for Non-Profit Organizations

Sessions will include an orientation to the Collection, general grantseeking tips, and hands-on experience using the Foundation Center's foundation database, Foundation Directory Online. This workshop is suitable for staff of nonprofit organizations and UW clientele.

• Friday, June 29, 2007 ~ 9 a.m. - 12 noon


• Monday, July 23, 2007 ~ 9 a.m. - 12 noon

Identifying Grants for Research & Project Funding

This free workshop is aimed at those from the University community (and from the public at large) who are interested in identifying grant opportunities for their research and special projects. Emphasis is on funding for academic pursuits.

• Thursday, August 30, 2007 ~ 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
  

Grants for Your Education

This free presentation is for current and future students in Wisconsin (of any institute of higher education) interested in researching potential scholarships, fellowships, and grants available to individuals for their education and related purposes. The focus will be on how to identify funding sources beyond those that available through most offices of financial aid.

• Tuesday, August 21, 2007 ~ 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

All Workshops:
Location: Memorial Library, Rm 436
Fee: None ~ free to all
Registration: Not required ~ but seating is limited.

For further information regarding this workshop and access to Memorial Library, visit: http://grants.library.wisc.edu/seminars.html.

Participants requesting disability-related accommodations should contact the campus Library & Information Literacy Instruction Office in advance, preferably at least two weeks prior to the event, at (608) 262-4308, email libinstruct@library.wisc.edu.

Grants Collection Receives Friends Grant

Memorial Library Reference Department, Grants Information Collection has received a $600 grant from the Friends of the UW-Madison Library to be used for purchase of print materials.

As stated in the proposal submitted for this grant,

"The impact of this [will] extend beyond the library, and on into the community. The nature of the materials may well help individuals acquire additional funding, thereby enhancing the value of the grant significantly on this campus, in the Madison community, and beyond."

We're tremendously excited by - and grateful for - this opportunity to improve upon and expand our selection of grants-related materials! Thank you, Friends! (To learn more about the Friends of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, visit: http://giving.library.wisc.edu/friends/.)

As our new materials come in, we'll be featuring some of them here on the GIC blog, so stay tuned for more!

Final Grants Workshop of the Semester on May 11th

The last "Grants for Nonprofit Organizations" workshop of the semester will be held on Friday, May 11, 2007 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon in Memorial Library, Rm 436.

The session will include a general orientation to the Grants Information Collection, grantseeking tips, and hands-on practice using the Foundation Center's foundation database, Foundation Directory Online.

There is no sign-up for this free workshop. However, seating is limited and will be available on a first-come basis. This workshop is suitable for staff of nonprofit organizations and UW clientele. Topics NOT covered include funding for for-profit enterprises and personal welfare assistance.

The GIC does plan to offer at least one session on "Grantseeking for Nonprofit Organization" and one on "Funding for Individual Grantseekers" later this summer. For more information on these and other learning opportunities in Wisconsin as they are made available, visit http://grants.library.wisc.edu/seminars.html .

New Face at the Grants Information Collection

If it's been a while since you last visited the Grants Information Collection (GIC) - virtually or physically - you may be surprised to find that there have been a few changes taking place as of late!

Here's a recap for those of you who've been away:

• Long-time Grants Librarian, Elizabeth Breed, has retired and handed the collection reins over to Nikki Busch (seen above right). "Saint Liz" as she is known by some, is rumored to be enjoying her retirement and is (if possible) more active in artistic and equestrian endeavors than ever. Nikki promises to carry on in the tradition of excellence in service and education that Liz has pioneered at the GIC. Do feel free to contact her with your questions and comments at grantsinfo@library.wisc.edu .

• The physical collection, located on the 2nd floor of Memorial Library at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has moved to a new space adjacent to its old location in reference You can now find both print and online materials in Room 262 D/E (directly behind the reference desk).

• Last, but certainly not least, is the web site's (http://grants.library.wisc.edu) new look and feel. In response to an online user survey conducted during the month of February, the GIC web site now uses an easier to read font,and a less text-intensive writing style. Navigational links appear throughout the site along the top of the screen. And, more is on the way!