Our Grants and Funding Update for Friday, Sept. 20th

Fri Sep 20 20:03:18 BST 2013

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Children and Youth Funding Report
Grants and Funding Update - 9/20/2013
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K-12 Student Teams Can Win Science Awards

Foundation: Toshiba and the Nat'l Science Teachers Assn. (NSTA)
Opportunity: ExploraVision Program
Funding Focus: Science education, youth (Funding supports
student-led science projects)
Geographic Focus: National
Eligibility: K-12 student-led teams, schools
Funding: Eight winners, up to $10,000 each
Deadline: Jan. 30.

Summary: The program (http://cdpubsonline.com/12all/lt.php?c=8956&m=6370&nl=36&s=82405c46f24d3cc43e28e7ecf16bc2eb&lid=992822&l=-http--www.exploravision.org) is looking for projects which offer ideas and inventions capable of making the world a better place. The school submitting the most eligible projects will receive $1,000 worth of Toshiba technology. Each student on the four first-place Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision winning teams will receive a $10,000 savings bond; students on second-place teams will each receive a $5,000 savings bond. Members of the eight teams will also receive an expenses-paid trip with their families, mentors and coaches to Washington, DC for an awards weekend in June 2014.

Other Grants

These grants differ from another NSTA competition, the Shell Science Lab Challenge. The program (http://cdpubsonline.com/12all/lt.php?c=8956&m=6370&nl=36&s=82405c46f24d3cc43e28e7ecf16bc2eb&lid=992826&l=-http--www.nsta.org/shellsciencelab) runs on a different funding track and the 2013 deadline is Dec. 20.

Info: 703/312-9241 (NSTA), 212/388-1400 (Toshiba) or exploravision at nsta.org
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States Now Spending Less on K-12 Programs than Prior to Recession

In a troubling trend, most states' new budgets are providing less per-pupil funding for kindergarten through 12th grade than they did six years ago, even as state economies have improved and revenues have increased, says a new analysis.

In a conference call, experts at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities discussed the analysis that explains the reductions which reflect not only the lingering effects of the 2007-09 recession, but also continued austerity in many states. The reductions have cut to the core of the nation's mission on K-12 education because local school districts have eliminated 324,000 jobs nationally since July 2008, says Michael Leachman, director of State Fiscal Research at the Center.

At least 34 states are providing less funding per student for the 2013-14 school year than they did before the recession hit. Thirteen of these states have cut per-student funding by more than 10%. Further, at least 15 states are providing less funding per student to local school districts in the new school year than they provided a year ago, even though most states are experiencing modest increases in tax revenues, Leachman says.

In those states where funding has increased, the growth has generally not been robust enough to make up for cuts in past years. For example, New Mexico is increasing school funding by $72 per pupil this year. But that is too small to offset the state's $946 per-pupil cut over the previous five years, Leachman says.

The downward spiral for K-12 education spending -- as well as decreases in other areas of spending including higher education, health care and human services -- was largely prompted by the 2007-09 recession, which caused state revenue to fall sharply. Emergency fiscal aid -- $100 million in the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (PL 111-50) was set aside to help K-12 classrooms -- from the federal government initially helped prevent even deeper cuts. But that money source ran dry before the economy recovered, Leachman says.

In response, states have rejected the idea of raising new revenues (i.e., taxes). Disproportionately, states relied on spending cuts to close the very large budget shortfalls rather than a more balanced mix of spending cuts and revenue increases. Between FY 2008 and FY 2012, states closed 45% of their budget gaps through spending cuts and only 16% through increased taxes and fees, Leachman says.

Shrinking Federal Support

Normally, states have relied on the federal government to help with shortfalls. However, the expiration of most emergency federal aid at the end FY 2011 is a key reason why state education funding dropped so precipitously the following school year and remains suspended at such low levels. Further, federal policymakers have cut ongoing federal funding for states and localities. For example, since 2010, Title I -- the major federal assistance program for high-poverty schools --  is down 12% after adjusting for inflation, and federal spending on disabled education is down 11%. These cuts include the automatic, across-the-board cuts known as sequestration, Leachman says.

No Recourse

Local school districts are ill-suited to make up for lost state funding. State funds generally are the largest single source of money for a local school; on average, 44% of total education expenditures come from state funds, although the share varies by state. Local communities have also been squeezed by the recession. The sharp decline in property values since the start of the recession, coupled with difficulties experienced by many localities in their efforts to increase property taxes, make raising significant additional revenue very challenging for most school districts. Indeed, property tax collections were 2.1% lower in the 12-month period ending in March 2013 than in the previous 12 months, Leachman says.
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UPCOMING AUDIOCONFERENCE - Thursday, Sept. 26th @ 2:00pm ET

*How New Federal and Foundation Trends and Priorities Will Affect Funding for Children's Programs in 2014*

If you're a grantseeker who needs to know about 2014 federal and foundation funding for children and youth programs, we invite you to join us for this upcoming audioconference.

You'll gain insights that will give you a clear edge in your grant seeking, along with invaluable added lead time on when to expect 2014 solicitations. Plus, you'll get help in knowing which programs can meet your needs, learn exactly what funders are looking for, and discover how best to meet their priorities.

Here's just some of what presenters Ray Sweeney (senior editor of Federal & Foundation Assistance Monitor) and Frank Klimko (senior grant researcher for Children & Youth Funding Report) will be covering:

 * What emerging trends are guiding funding and how you can address them in your application;
 * How private funders are "filling the gaps" in federal funding--and what their priorities are;
 * Lesser known funding sources at agencies often overlooked, such as Homeland Security or Commerce;
 * What you MUST know for your 2014 federal or foundation applications to have a chance of winning--
   from partnering to data collection to effectively leveraging federal and private funds;
 * Why the funding spotlight is now on minorities, at-risk youth, and early education;
 * Why you must go beyond application basics to enhance your chances for success today;
 * Why awareness of agency "inside information” and new federal requirements are essential to funding--
   and how to stay informed on new rules from grantmaking agencies and the OMB;
 * How to benefit from the trend of giving more to projects deemed most-likely to have the best success

REGISTRATION DETAILS:

Register now for $189 and not only will you be able to email us in advance with topics you want covered, but there will be a live Q&A session following the presentation so you can get answers to your questions. Plus, all attendees will have the ability to submit questions after the event.

But don't wait to sign up - Attendance is limited to ensure all attendee questions can be answered!

 * Go to http://cdpubsonline.com/12all/lt.php?c=8956&m=6370&nl=36&s=82405c46f24d3cc43e28e7ecf16bc2eb&lid=992807&l=-http--www.cdpublications.com/store/640
 * Call us at 1-800-666-6380, ext. 2 with your credit card, check or PO information
 * Email us at info at cdpublications.com (mailto:info at cdpublications.com)
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Youth Gardening Grants Encourage Outdoor Education

Private Funders: Nat'l Gardening Assn. (NGA), Bonnie Plants, Ames and High Mowing Organic Seeds
Opportunity: 2014 Youth Garden Grants
Funding Focus: Recreation, gardening and education (funding supports school, community gardens)
Geographic Focus: National
Eligibility: Schools, youth groups, community centers, camps, clubs, community organizations and nonprofits
Funding: 20 awards of $500 each plus supplies
Deadline: Dec. 6

Summary: These grants help schools and community organizations build and expand youth-centered garden programs. They must involve teams of children between the ages of 3 and 18. The garden program must be charitable or educational in nature. Priority will be given to programs that emphasize integration of content standards, nutrition connections, environmental awareness, entrepreneurship, and community support. Each winning program will also receive a tool package from Ames, plant starts from Bonnie Plants and seed donation from High Mowing Seeds.

Info: http://cdpubsonline.com/12all/lt.php?c=8956&m=6370&nl=36&s=82405c46f24d3cc43e28e7ecf16bc2eb&lid=992824&l=-http--tinyurl.com/CDP0215yg; NGA, 1100 Dorset St. South Burlington, VT 05403, 800/538-7476.
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Big Box Store has Grants for Education, Youth

Foundation: Walmart Foundation
Program: Local, national and state giving programs
Funding Focus: Education, workforce, environment, health
Geographic Focus: National
Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofits (projects addressing education and at-risk youth are encouraged)
Funding: Multiple awards of up to $250,000 each
Deadline: Rolling (national), March 31 (state) and Dec. 1 (local)

Summary: The foundation focuses funding on four areas: 1) hunger relief & healthy eating (including programs for childhood nutrition); 2) environmental sustainability to reduce waste and promote energy efficiency in communities; 3) women's economic empowerment; and 4) career opportunity (workforce development for workers with low to moderate skills). National and state/regional projects are eligible for the larger awards.

Local Giving

The Local Giving Program awards community grants of $250 to $5,000 through Walmart stores, Sam's Clubs and their related logistics facilities. Nonprofits must operate on the local level or be affiliates/chapters of larger organizations operating locally and within the service area of the facility from which they are requesting funding.

Info: http://cdpubsonline.com/12all/lt.php?c=8956&m=6370&nl=36&s=82405c46f24d3cc43e28e7ecf16bc2eb&lid=992825&l=-http--foundation.walmart.com/apply-for-grants
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Now available on CD or as an .MP3 download:

Succeeding in Today's Federal Grantwriting Climate: Beyond the Basics

As FY14 approaches, funding for discretionary grant programs will again be challenging and confusing, while demand for services increases. At the same time, federal priorities and requirements have changed---what worked yesterday may not work today. But what has not changed is that success is highly contingent on knowing more than what's in official notices and instead having accurate insights on exactly what officials are looking for.

In this audioconference held last Thursday, David Kittross (one of the nation's leading federal grant experts) brings you a rare objective analysis of today's budget battles and what would-be grantees must know to succeed. While national media focus on the looming debt ceiling/budget debates, Dave will zero in on what's likely to happen to your funding, how you can tap what is available, and what you must know to increase your proposals chances for success.

You'll learn why you must go beyond the basics to enhance your chances for success in today's environment, along with what you need to know about "evidence-based proposals", plus new requirements from both grantmaking agencies and the OMB, and so much more

For more details and to order,visit http://cdpubsonline.com/12all/lt.php?c=8956&m=6370&nl=36&s=82405c46f24d3cc43e28e7ecf16bc2eb&lid=992821&l=-http--www.cdpublications.com/store/631

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Online Class: Winning Strategies and Techniques for Finding Your Best
Foundation Funders
Now you can learn proven, highly-effective foundation prospecting strategies that really work--without leaving your desk or spending time and money at a workshop. The class starts 10/21/2013.
http://cdpublications.com/store/644

Audioconference: How New Federal and Foundation Trends and Priorities Will Affect Funding for Children's Programs in 2014
In this Sept 26 audio conference you'll gain insights that will give you a
clear edge in your grant seeking, along with invaluable added lead time on
when to expect 2014 solicitations.
http://cdpubsonline.com/12all/lt.php?c=8956&m=6370&nl=36&s=82405c46f24d3cc43e28e7ecf16bc2eb&lid=992807&l=-http--www.cdpublications.com/store/640 

Succeeding in Today's Federal Grantwriting Climate
Federal priorities and requirements have changed---what worked yesterday 
may not work today. Learn how to succeed in the today's federal grantwriting climate.
http://cdpubsonline.com/12all/lt.php?c=8956&m=6370&nl=36&s=82405c46f24d3cc43e28e7ecf16bc2eb&lid=992821&l=-http--www.cdpublications.com/store/631

Securing New Funding for Your Juvenile Justice Programs 
Audioconference tailored to help you find and secure the funding you need
to sustain your juvenile-related programs.
http://www.cdpublications.com/store/620

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