Grant Fraud

According to Grants.gov, grant fraud has become a prevalent issue and it is not uncommon for an applicant to be contacted by someone posing as a grants specialist requesting payment for free federal grant funds.
Below are some tips for protecting yourself against fraud from the Better Business Bureau:

• YOU WILL NOT BE CONTACTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO OFFER YOU A GRANT. The government does not contact people to offer them money. If you do qualify for a government grant, the government does not request payment for it.
• THERE ARE NO FEES ASSOCIATED WITH APPLYING FOR A GOVERNMENT GRANT. Providing financial information to prove that you qualify for a government grant is typical, but you should never pay money to apply for a grant. People who run scams often claim to provide help and sometimes claim to be "federal government" officials, don't be fooled by these scams that request money from you.
• ALL GOVERNMENT GRANTS INVOLVE AN APPLICATION PROCESS. If you have not submitted an application for a government grant and someone claims you have been awarded one, it's a scam. Grant money is not given over the phone for a fee. In order to qualify for a grant you must apply for the specific opportunity that you are qualified to apply for.
• GOVERNMENT GRANTS ARE AWARDED FOR EXPLICIT OPPORTUNITIES. Government Grants are typically awarded to states, cities, educational institutions, nonprofits and other organizations to fund research and other projects.
• GOVERNMENT GRANT APPLICATIONS AND INFORMATION IS FREE. Be cautious of offers that ask for your personal information (especially financial) when requesting a fee to access grant information. You can always access free information about government grants and other benefits at Grants.gov and Govbenefits.gov.

For additional information The National Procurement Fraud Task Force developed Grant Fraud to help you and your organization detect and prevent fraud. http://www.grants.gov/assets/GrantFraud.pdf

CoolPeopleCare

CoolPeopleCare is aiming to be THE online destination for anyone who wants to make a difference.

I recently received the following email so I thought I would pass it along.

We're announcing a way for anyone to raise money and awareness for their favorite cause. Starting today (with you), we will issue unique coupon codes to individuals who seek to raise money for schools or nonprofits via our online store. Here's how that works:- Reply to this email stating that you'd like a coupon code.- We'll email you your code that you can share with anyone you want – Facebook friends, blog readers, coworkers...anyone.- When someone uses that code in our store, they'll get 5% off their order AND 5% will be donated to your favorite cause.- For example, my code is HEYSAM. If you want to use it on your next purchase, you'll get 5% off any item and 5% will go to Oasis Center, where I used to work. - It's that easy.So, think about it. If there's something out there you want to support (your church, your school, a local nonprofit), reply to this email and we'll get you a code to share with the world that never expires. Never.
Thanks for being cool,
Sam--Sam DavidsonPresident and Co-Founder CoolPeopleCare, Inc.
sam@coolpeoplecare.org 615.260.3082


Website: www.CoolPeopleCare.org
Book: www.NewDayRevolution.com
Blog: www.SamDavidson.net

Nonprofit Spotlight

When you hear Red Cross you immediately think of blood donation and disaster relief. It wasn't until Roberta Freer from the local chapter came to see me at the library that I learned how many other things the Red Cross does. Here are just some of those things.

Service to Armed Forces and International Services

The Carolina Lowcountry Chapter provides around the clock, around the world network that allows service members to stay in touch with their families during births, deaths and serious illness.

Disaster Services

Throughout the year they train volunteers to prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters. These volunteers also respond to single family house fires and emergencies throughout Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester counties.

Health and Safety

They offer year round training courses in First Aid, CPR, Pet First Aid, Babysitting, Water Safety, Home Care Giving and HIV?AIDS Education.

Retired & Senior Volunteer Program

Through this program, volunteers contribute their time and talents by assisting over 150 different agencies.

Volunteer & Youth Services

The main responsibilty of this department is to recruit, recognize and retain volunteers ages 10 and up.

To learn more about what the Carolina Lowcountry Chapter of the Red Cross does, visit their website at www.lowcountryredcross.org.

Another grant site

This one was brough to my attention last week. Sorry it took so long to post.
www.grantsalert.com

Websites

I will be out of town next week so I wanted to go ahead and get these websites that Carolyn mentioned Tuesday night posted.

www.proposalwriter.com
Provides resources in proposal writing, grants research, government contracting and much more.

www.grantwrangler.com
Free listing of grants and awards for arts, history, mathematics, science, technology, and more.

www.k12grants.org
lists a variety of opportunities available to public and private nonprofit elementary and secondary schools and districts across the United States.

www.fundsnetservices.com
another free directory of funding opportunities in a variety of different categories

www.teachersnetwork.org
contains information on a grants in various subjects

www.internet-prospector.org
geared towards non profit fundraisers, also contains information on grants

www.grantstation.com
an interactive website that allows grantseekers to identify potential funding sources for their programs or projects, and mentors them through the grantseeking process. Membership required

www.technologygrantnews.com
one stop shopping for information on technology grants

FC Stats

For those that attended the CAGP meeting last night and for those that missed I will be posting the websites that Carolyn Lackey shared very soon. They really contain a wealth of knowledge and information on the funding process. It is very difficult to find those funders that fit your projects perfectly but after that meeting we all have some great resources and tips for identifying them. I also thought the information on applying for government grants was invaluable. Please feel free to continue to share any resources you find useful for identifying funders.

I am including the link to FC Stats which Carolyn talked about last night but we weren't able to explore.
http://foundationcenter.org/findfunders/statistics/listing01.html

Grants with August Deadlines

Deadline: 8/1/; 11/1; 2/1; 5/1 (quarterly)
Program: Applicant-driven grants
Agency: American Honda Foundation
Description: Grants to worthy nonprofit causes, programs and organization that directly benefit the people of the US in youth education and scientific education.
Award Amount: $10,000-$100,000
Website: http://corporate.honda.com/america/philanthropy.aspx?id=ahf
Eligibility: K-12, colleges, nonprofits

Eligibility: NonprofitsDeadline: 8/1; 11/1; 2/1; 5/1 (quarterly)
Program: Applicant-driven grants
Agency: Tiger Woods Foundation
Description: Seeks to provide opportunities for underserved youth with funding for charities that support community and family development.
Award Amount: $2,500-$25,000
Website: http://www.tigerwoodsfoundation.org/grants_and_scholarships.php

Deadline: 8/1/08
Program: Applicant-driven grants
Agency: Planet Dog FoundationDescription: To fund new and proven initiatives that bring people and pets together for mutual benefit and support; grants support service-oriented canine programs.
Award Amount: Up to $10,000
Website: http://www.planetdogfoundation.org/Grantmaking.asp
Eligibility: Nonprofits

Deadline: 8/1/08
Program: ASCAP Foundation Grants
Agency: American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers
Description: Supports American music creators and encourages their development through music education and talent development programs.
Award Amount: $3,000 (average)
Website: http://www.ascapfoundation.org/grants.html
Eligibility: K-12, nonprofits

Deadline: 8/1/08
Program: Program Year 2008 Weatherization Formula Grants
Agency: US Dept. of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory
Description: To increase energy efficiency of dwellings owned or occupied by low-income persons.
Award Amount: Varies
Website: http://www07.grants.gov/search/synopsis.do;jsessionid=LhnPTTvZc0GzS2b3JRY1vvSR2ybhgMjy7TQltW2P1qdGCN2jLpDx!86810411
Eligibility: Government agencies

Deadline: 8/1/08
Program: Grants Program for 7-12 Science & Math Education
Agency: Toshiba America Foundation
Description: For project designed by classroom teachers to improve instruction for students in grades K-12.
Award Amount: Greater than $5,000
Website: http://www.toshiba.com/tafpub/upload/page/100045/25964_Executive.pdf
Eligibility: K-12, nonprofits

Deadline: 8/1/08
Program: Melody Program Grant
Agency: Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation
Description: Helps K-12 established school music programs.
Award Amount: $500-8,000 (for instruments)
Website: http://www.mhopus.org/teachers.asp
Eligibility: K-12

Deadline: 8/1; 2/1
Program: Applicant-driven grants
Agency: The Mockingbird Foundation
Description: Grants to schools and nonprofits for projects that focus on music education for children.
Award Amount: $50-$5,000
Website: http://www.mockingbirdfoundation.org/funding/
Eligibility: K-12, nonprofits

Deadline: 8/15/08
Program: Challenge 20/20
Agency: National Association of Independent Schools
Description: Internet-based program that pairs classes from US schools with counterpart classes in other countries to tackle real global problems.
Award Amount: N/A
Website: http://www.nais.org/resources/index.cfm?ItemNumber=147262
Eligibility: K-12

Deadline: 8/25/08; 11/24/08 (quarterly)
Program: Bikes Belong Grant Program
Agency: Bikes Belong Coalition
Description: Funding to put more people on bicycles through projects that leverage federal funding and build momentum for bicycling.
Award Amount: Up to $10,000
Website: http://www.bikesbelong.org/grants
Eligibility: Nonprofits, government agencies

Deadline: 8/27/2008
Program: America's Historical and Cultural Organizations Implementation Grants
Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities
Description: The purpose of this program is to support traveling or long-term museum exhibitions, library-based projects, interpretation of historic places or areas, interpretive Web sites, or other project formats that creatively engage audiences in exploring humanities ideas and questions
Award Amount: $400,000
Website: http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/AHCO_ImplementationGuidelines.html
Eligibility: K-12, nonprofits, colleges, government agencies

Deadline: 8/31/08
Program: Quickball Grants
Agency: The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation
Description: Funding to organizations that promote safe, healthy out-of-school activities including youth baseball and softball.
Award Amount: Varies
Website: http://www.ripkenfoundation.org/grants/grant/
Eligibility: K-12, nonprofits, government agencies

Deadline: 8/31/08
Program: Hope for EducationAgency: Samsung Electronics America
Description: Funding to support US schools K-12 with the latest technology products to assist in the education process.
Award Amount: Varies (up to $200,000)
Website: http://pages.samsung.com/us/hopeforeducation/index.html
Eligibility: K-12


More grants tomorrow!!!

City of Charleston Pre-Application Workshop

The City of Charleston is accepting application for Community Assistance Grants and Accommodations Tax Grants. Application must be received no later than 3pm on August 20.
There will be a Pre-Application Workshop on July 24 from 3-5pm at the Main Library, 68 Calhoun St. All applicants are strongly encouraged to attend.
Below is the website for more information and grant applications.
http://www.charlestoncity.info/shared/docs/0/casat%20application-2009.doc

Job Opening-Charleston Academy of Music

Position Description for Office Manager

Purpose: This position is the lead staff and assists the director in running the day to day operations and communications of the Charleston Academy of Music.

Primary Function: Office Manager will be responsible for the organization’s financial well-being through a combination of duties as they relate to billing and collecting revenues from parents and others. Manager should be organized; with a clear communication skills. Keeping up with studio scheduling and managing events are daily priority.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Managing the office
2. Interactions with the parents
3. Interactions with the teachers
4. Interactions with Satellite Location
5. Accounting
6. Recital and Event Planning

Starting date of this job will be first week of August. 30 Hours a week during the school year and 20 to 25 hours during June and July. Starting salary will be $15,000.

Please contact Charleston Academy of Music at 805-7794 or www.charlestonmusic.org for a more detailed job description.

CAGP Meeting- Finding Funding Sources

The Charleston Association of Grant Professionals (CAGP) will meet on Tuesday, July 15th, at 5:45 p.m.
in the auditorium of the Charleston County Public Library.

Topic: Finding Funding Sources


The Foundation Center Grants Classification System arranges nonprofit topics into the following areas:
I. ARTS, CULTURE, AND HUMANITIES
II. EDUCATION
III. ENVIRONMENT, ANIMALS
IV. HEALTH
V. HUMAN SERVICES
VI. INTERNATIONAL/FOREIGN AFFAIRS
VII. PUBLIC/SOCIETY BENEFIT
VIII. RELIGION

Each attendee will be seated based on the classification of their nonprofit or subject area of interest. Each table will discuss funding sources for their particular area. You will also receive information on government funding sources for your area of interest.

If you have any questions, email carolynlackey@comcast.net.
____________________________________________________________________________
***We could use help setting up the tables for tomorrow night’s program. If you can arrive by 5:15 and help with set-up, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

Available both in print (at the Main Library) and online, the CFDA provides information on all Federal programs available to State and local governments ;federally-recognized Indian tribal governments; Territories (and possessions) of the United States; domestic public, quasi-public, and private profit and nonprofit organizations and institutions; specialized groups; and individuals. The catalog cover more than just available grants. In fact, there are 15 different types of assistance available including loans, training, advisory services and much more. Once you have identified the program that fits your needs, you can contact the office that administers the program to find out how to apply. The site also has a very helpful section on how to write a proposal.
To learn more about the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, visit the website at www.cfda.gov.

GrantsNet

GrantsNet is the portal for grant information for current and prospective grantees of the Department of Health and Human Services. The responsibilities of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) include public health, biomedical research, Medicare and Medicaid, welfare, social services and much more. The HHS grant portfolio is the largest in the federal government with over 300 grant programs awarding approximately 75,000 grants. These grant programs are the primary way HHS achieves the following strategic goals:

• Reduce the major threats to the health and well-being of Americans.
• Enhance the ability of the Nation's health care system to effectively respond to bioterrorism and other public health challenges.
• Increase the percentage of the Nation's children and adults who have access to health care services, and expand consumer choices.
• Enhance the capacity and productivity of the Nation's health science research enterprise.
• Improve the quality of health care services.
• Improve the economic and social well-being of individuals, families, and communities, especially those most in need.
• Improve the stability and healthy development of our Nation's children and youth.
• Achieve excellence in management practices.

To learn more about HHS and their grant opportunities, visit their website at http://www.hhs.gov/grantsnet/

Grants.gov

Grants.gov is the forerunner in information on government funding opportunities. It was established as part of the President's 2002 Fiscal Year Management Agenda to improve government services to the public. Grants.gov contains information on over 1000 grant programs awarding approximately 400 billions dollars annually.

There are many different types of organizations that are eligible to apply for these grants; government, education, public housing and non-profit organizations. With some restrictions even for profit organizations and individuals can apply.

Grants.gov has already received over 100,000 submissions for 2008 and are continuously working to simplify the grant process as well as strengthen communication with grantees.

So what can you do to make sure your submission is noticed? Grants.gov has a few tips.

• Remember to register early.

You must be registered and have a Grants.gov ID and password to apply for opportunities.

• Make sure you have Grants.gov compatible software.

Grants.gov offers free software downloads on their website.

• Submit your application package only once.

You will be notified via email when your application has been received and you can track it online.

Visit www.grants.gov for more information.

Finding funding

This month's topic will be finding funding. However, since that is such a broad area the focus will be on government funding. I'll be posting resources and tips on getting government grants as well as some different government programs. Please feel free to email me with any resources or tips you have. And of course I will still be spotlighting nonprofits so email me your info.

The Toni Morrison Society Fifth Biennial Conference

The Fifth Biennial Conference: Toni Morrison and Modernism will take place in Charleston July 24-27.

The Toni Morison Society is an official author society of the American Literature Association. Founded in 1993, the Society is a registered 501 © (3) tax-exempt organization. Its membership consists of scholars and readers of Toni Morrison’s works from around the world. The Society’s mission is to initiate, sponsor, and encourage critical dialogue, scholarship, publications, conferences, and other projects devoted to the study of the life and works of Toni Morrison.

To learn more about the conference visit the website at http://www.tonimorrisonsociety.org/08conference.html.

New state funding for cancer screening

Cancer survivors and advocates today applauded members of the S.C. General Assembly for expanding the Best Chance Network, a program providing critical breast and cervical cancer screening for low-income, uninsured South Carolina women. This first-ever state allocation of $2 million provides an additional 9,000 women with access to life-saving cancer screening.
By September 1, 2008, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control will lower the Best Chance Network eligibility age from 47 to 40, making the program consistent with American Cancer Society screening guidelines.
The Best Chance Network is a part of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and implemented through the S. C. Department of Health and Environmental Control and the American Cancer Society. Since 1991, the Best Chance Network has received federal funding to screen eligible women, but this is the first time state funds have been allocated for screening.
For more information or to find a Best Chance Network provider in your community, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 and ask about the Best Chance Network.