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!