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Nonprofit Newswire | Kraft’s Cheesy “Philanthropy”

Mary Beth Harrington — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:00:00 GMT

March 8, 2010; Dallas Morning News | It looks likes a charity event is about to blow up in Irving, Texas over who is going to win the rights to distribute $75,000 to local nonprofits. Kraft Foods and the Physicians for Responsible Medicine are squaring off to secure the sponsorship of the planned April 11 implosion of Texas Stadium, former home of the Dallas Cowboys. Originally, Kraft promised the city $75,000 in cash and the same amount in donated products so that it could use the event to market a new macaroni and cheese product and also hold an essay contest for kids who have had the most impact on their local community. In response, the doctor's group has issued a counter-offer saying that the city shouldn't allow Kraft to promote the kind of products that it charges are "fueling the obesity epidemic." The Physician’s group says it will give $75,000 to the city "if you draw attention to the obesity epidemic by draping a banner across Texas Stadium with the headline 'Cheese Really Blows You Up' and an illustration of an obese man gorging on cheese." An announcement issued by the physicians’ group claims that some one-third of Texas children are "now overweight and the problem is particularly acute among Hispanic and African-Americans." For some, picking very public fights might be an effective strategy . . . if you're willing to stand the heat.—Bruce Trachtenberg

11-Mar-10 7:00 PM

TASK FORCE HEARING IN AUSTIN RESCHEDULED

Mary Beth Harrington — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:00:00 GMT

March 11, 2010

AUSTIN – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has postponed the Task Force for Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity’s Austin hearing that was originally scheduled for March 15, 2010. The rescheduled date is forthcoming.

The Houston and Dallas public hearings are still scheduled for Monday, March 29, and Wednesday, March 31, respectively.

For more information on the Task Force’s public hearings—including the purpose of the hearings and topics of interest to the Task Force—refer to our previous press release at http://www.onestarfoundation.org/news/roca.

For More Information

For more information about the Task Force public hearings, contact Anna McElearney at amac@onestarfoundation.org or (512) 287-2026.

About OneStar: Texas has thousands of nonprofits, each with a different mission, but all working toward the goal of helping improve the lives of Texans. OneStar supports the nonprofit sector and its stakeholders through initiatives that increase civic engagement, research, rigorous evaluation and nonprofit organizational excellence. OneStar’s goal is to achieve sustainable social impact throughout the larger nonprofit infrastructure. The nonprofit sector is comprised of many groups, together they are stronger, more dynamic and more effective in achieving positive impact on the social challenges of Texas communities.

For news about OneStar Foundation, visit http://www.onestarfoundation.org/news.

Read OneStar’s blog at http://blog.onestarfoundation.org.

11-Mar-10 5:00 PM

Special for TANO Members: IRS Webinars Available By Podcast

Mary Beth Harrington — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:00:00 GMT

Do to the enormous interest in the recent IRS webinars offered to TANO members through TANO's affiliation with the National Council of Nonprofits, these sessions will now be available via podcast for TANO members! TANO members can access the audio recording of "Get Ready, Get Set, Go! IRS Filing Requirements for Charitable Nonprofit" and Hear from the IRS: What The IRS Has Learned After One Year With the Redesigned Form 990"

There is no charge for TANO Member nonprofit organizations or their board members for these webinars.

For instructions on how to access the link, please contact Mary Beth Harrington at mbharrington@tano.org or 512-381-1493.

These podcasts include:

Critical steps to take now in order to protect and preserve your tax exemption.
Review of the filing requirements for nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations, and the consequences of not filing (or filing an incomplete) Form 990-series return. Tax-exempt organizations now stand to lose their tax-exempt status if they do not file the Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-N (e-postcard) for three consecutive years-theserevocations will begin in 2010).
What forms are tax-exempt organizations required to file with the IRS annually?
What information is required to be reported on the forms?
Why your organization may need to file NOW, so that it won't lose its tax-exempt status
How to file complete, accurate returns to avoid IRS penalties.

These webinars are a unique opportunity to hear directly from the IRS about critical annual filing requirements.

11-Mar-10 12:00 PM

Special for TANO Members: IRS Webinars Available By Podcast

Mary Beth Harrington — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:00:00 GMT

There is no charge for TANO Member nonprofit organizations or their board members for these webinars.

For instructions on how to access the link, please contact Mary Beth Harrington at mbharrington@tano.org or 512-381-1493.

These podcasts include:

Critical steps to take now in order to protect and preserve your tax exemption.
Review of the filing requirements for nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations, and the consequences of not filing (or filing an incomplete) Form 990-series return. Tax-exempt organizations now stand to lose their tax-exempt status if they do not file the Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-N (e-postcard) for three consecutive years-these revocations will begin in 2010).
What forms are tax-exempt organizations required to file with the IRS annually?
What information is required to be reported on the forms?
Why your organization may need to file NOW, so that it won't lose its tax-exempt status
How to file complete, accurate returns to avoid IRS penalties.

These webinars are a unique opportunity to hear directly from the IRS about critical annual filing requirements.

11-Mar-10 12:00 PM

The Right Stuff

Mary Beth Harrington — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:00:00 GMT

March 11, 2010

The Right Stuff

By Melanie Lockwood Herman

The Tom Wolfe book “The Right Stuff” chronicles the lives of a group of navy test pilots as well as the early years of the U.S. Space Program during the late 1940s to mid 1960s. The film version of the book reinforces the theme that while decidedly human, these pioneers of air and space had the skills, tenacity and courage to survive and succeed under extraordinary circumstances.

During the past year countless nonprofit organizations have been facing what can only be called extraordinary circumstances. With diminishing revenues and growing demand for services, many nonprofit boards have had to grapple with a range of very difficult decisions, from the need to trim programs and personnel costs to the closure of branch offices located in high demand communities.

Good governance and good risk management, while different, are essential to each other. This week I have been reflecting on the ingredients of an effective board. What qualities represent the “right stuff” when a nonprofit confronts difficult choices and circumstances? What constitutes the “right stuff” when a board gathers to discuss how it will protect and advance the mission of a nonprofit? And what conduct is most destructive to the goal of advancing a community-serving or other charitable mission?

Four critical leadership attributes rise to the top of my list for governing in tough times:

1. The willingness to work collaboratively to address difficult issues in an atmosphere of mutual respect. No board member, including the chair, should act as an all-powerful head with a mandate to implement pet programs. Truly effective board chairs invite diverse viewpoints and perspectives and guide the board to collective decision-making. Critical decisions should never be perceived as a “win” or “loss” for the chair. An effective board chair is open to reaching the best possible outcome by drawing out the insights and wisdom of individual members. The very essence of a nonprofit board is its collaborative nature. When the board chair “walks the talk” of collective decision-making, every member of the board will feel valued and empowered to bring their best to the discussion at hand.

2. The tenacity to establish and then follow basic rules and protocols. Effective nonprofit boards take the time to establish protocols for board activity. I’m referring more to “this is how we operate” versus the fall-back position “that we follow Robert’s Rules of Order.” Examples of board policies include the requirement that certain issues be vetted by committees and brought to the board for action, without any interference along the way. Another basic operating protocol might be that when controversial issues are discussed, each board member will be invited to comment. Going “around the table” reminds board members that their views are valued equally. Allowing one or two members to overpower the debate with what may in fact be a minority view reflects poor leadership.

3. The commitment to transparency. Individually and collectively board members must be committed to operating in a transparent fashion, willing to face the scrutiny of stakeholders for the decisions reached as well as the process employed to reach decisions. Board members who ask or insist on keeping other board members in the dark should be told that doing so is antithetical to the culture and values of the organization. Boards whose meetings are largely held in “executive session” should openly discuss this issue and explore how they can return to conducting the vast majority of the board’s business “on the record.”

4. The willingness to bring difficult, even controversial issues, to the board room for candid discussion. Board members who believe that certain issues are so sacred that they cannot be raised for discussion stand in the way of the nonprofit’s progress. There should be few, if any, sacred cows in a nonprofit organization, no matter how many supporters that issue draws. That’s not to say that bringing up recent board decisions for repeated review is productive. The board chair must exercise discipline in reminding board members who want to rehash recent decisions that the board has spoken and must move on to additional pressing matters.

Connecting the Dots

What is the connection between well-run boards and sound risk management? Highly effective boards are in an ideal position to discuss a nonprofit’s risk-taking appetite and ensure that the actions of the nonprofit—including its management of risk—align with its mission and values. Boards whose members view their service as an opportunity to achieve personal, versus collective goals, add to the risk profile of the organization. Ineffective boards:

Bring the entire organization below the bar. Busy people in the community will be unwilling to serve on a board known for its never-ending meetings, lack of sound operating procedures, and willingness to entertain personal agendas. Worse, busy people who agree to serve are likely to jump ship once they realize that they have been elected to a hornet’s nest rather than a team with a shared vision.

Keep the organization in perpetual “crisis mode.” Unchecked bad behavior consumes precious time and energy that could otherwise be devoted to the nonprofit’s mission. Furthermore, a board that is continually putting out fires (caused in some instances by the bad behavior of its members) will never be in position to accurately forecast the nonprofit’s future. It is impossible to envision the future and take steps to ensure the nonprofit arrives safely if the organization moves from crisis to crisis.

What To Do

Essential “musts” to build and sustain an effective nonprofit board include:

Engaging the full board in a candid discussion of the board’s values and operating protocols. What conduct is expected? What behaviors are prohibited? How do we operate? Is everyone clear?

Providing training on mission stewardship. Many board members eagerly agree to board service with little knowledge of what is required of a nonprofit board member. An orientation to the organization as well as an orientation to board roles and responsibilities is essential. Teaching “the legal duties of nonprofit boards” may be regarded as a bit dry, but it is possible to explain those key responsibilities in a discussion focused on serving as a trustworthy and competent steward of the nonprofit’s mission. While many resources are available, one of my favorites is the annual Volunteer Leadership Issue of Associations Now, the monthly magazine of ASAE-The Center for Association Leadership. The 2010 Volunteer Leadership Issue is available with special bulk pricing at www.asaethecenter.org.

Enforcing the board’s operating norms. When a rogue board member tries to execute a maneuver that violates the established process for committee work, does the board chair or another senior leader intervene? Is bad behavior confronted or ignored (and therefore condoned)? When operating rules and protocols go unenforced, the effort put into establishing norms and training board members is largely wasted.

During recent weeks I’ve concluded that nonprofit boards tend to attract busy people and busybodies. Busy people juggle competing professional and personal demands while finding the time to contribute their expertise and support to the nonprofit. Busybodies seek appointment to boards to fill time and advance personal agendas. Busy people are eager to contribute to the collaborative shaping of strategies that will advance a nonprofit’s mission. Busybodies look for ways to undermine the nonprofit’s staff, fellow board members and agreed-upon protocols. Nonprofit organizations need and deserve leaders who bring the “right stuff”—unquestionable integrity, the commitment to collaborative problem solving, and the discipline to model the values of the nonprofit. Attracting and retaining effective board leaders is no easy task. And every nonprofit board member is an imperfect human being. But like the test pilots and early astronauts of more than 50 years ago, serving on a board requires courage, the willingness to take risk, and the fortitude to help shape and then enthusiastically embrace a collective mission that exceeds the dreams and aspirations of any single individual.

Melanie Lockwood Herman is Executive Director of the Nonprofit Risk Management Center. She welcomes your feedback on this article and questions about the Center’s resources at Melanie@nonprofitrisk.org.

Melanie’s most recent books include Ready…or Not: A Risk Management Guide for Nonprofit Executives, and EXPOSED: A Legal Field Guide for Nonprofit Executives. Information on these titles can be found at www.nonprofitrisk.org/store/hot.asp.

Real Solutions for Today

On March 19, 2010 the Nonprofit Risk Management Center will be in Seattle, WA to co-host the 2010 NPIP Conference. The day-long program sponsored by the Non Profit Insurance Program (www.npip.net) offers workshops on legal basics for non-lawyers, crisis management, volunteer liability, risk communication and more. To learn more about this event or to register, visit www.nonprofitrisk.org/training/region/region.shtml.

2010 Webinar Series—Sign up today!

The Center’s 2010 Webinar Series continues on Wednesday, April 7th at 2 p.m. (Eastern) with the fourth program in the year-long series: Risk Management, Budgeting and Forecasting. For more information on the 2010 series, visit: http://nonprofitrisk.org/training/webinars/webinars2010.asp.

HHSC Task Force on Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity Formed and to Hold Public Hearing – and You Are Invited!

Mary Beth Harrington — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:00:00 GMT

Texas nonprofits are facing difficult times. We are called upon to increase our services even as our funding sources decline. The deepening pain widespread in other states is an increasing reality in Texas. Among our greatest challenges is strengthening our organizational and sector-wide capacity to plan for and respond to these realities.

A new development offers us an opportunity to give voice to our daily realities and impact how the State of Texas interacts with the more than 70,000 501 (c)(3) entities in our state. Nonprofit leaders and others engaged in our sector can make a difference by optimizing this unparalleled opportunity by standing up, speaking out, and sharing our reality.

The just formed Task Force on Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity - as mandated by H.B. 492, passed by the 81^st Texas Legislature (2009) – will hold three (3) public hearings this month to elicit comments from the nonprofit community and others; and then, with the assistance of OneStar Foundation and Texas Health and Human Services Commission staff, “present a report and legislative recommendations” to various House and Senate committees no later than September 10, 2010.

While the hearings’ foci and details are still unknown, the Task Force was created “to make recommendations for strengthening the capacity of the faith- and community-based organizations for managing human resources and funds and providing services”. It is one of several parts of H.B. 492 whose overall purpose “is to strengthen the capacity of faith and community-based organizations and to forge stronger partnerships between those organizations and state government for the legitimate public purpose of providing charitable and social services to persons in this state.”

Barry Silverberg, President & CEO, Texas Association of Nonprofit Organizations, is one of the eight nonprofit leaders appointed to the Task Force.

TANO urges its members, and others concerned about our nonprofit sector and its relationship with the State of Texas, to attend the public hearings and offer appropriate public comment. TANO will distribute whatever additional information we receive from the Task Force’s leadership in special Public Policy Alerts in the coming weeks.

Currently, public hearings are scheduled in:

· Austin – March 15, 1:00 – 3:00 pm in the Public Hearing Room, Brown-Heatly Building, 4900 North Lamar Boulevard, 78754;

· Houston – March 29, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm in the Auditorium, Community Resource Center, 50 Waugh Drive, 77007; and

· Dallas – March 31, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm in Oak Corner, Center for Community Cooperation, 2900 Live Oak Street, 75204

The Executive Commissioner of Texas Health & Human Services Commission, in consultation with the governor, appointed the following eight (8) nonprofit leaders to comprise the Task Force: Joyce James, Deputy Director, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, its Chair; Robert Hickerson, Chief Operating Officer, Texas Tech University Off-Campus Sites, its vice-chair; Angela Bies, Ph.D , Assistant Professor, Bush School of Government & Public Service Texas A&M University; Brad Carter, Executive Director, Connecting Caring Communities; Bruce Esterline , Vice President for Grants, The Meadows Foundation; Karen R. Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, United Ways of Texas; Bee Moorhead, Executive Director, Texas Impact; and Barry Silverberg, Chief Executive Officer, Texas Association of Nonprofit Organizations.

8-Mar-10 7:00 AM

Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio Opens 2010 Grant Process

Mary Beth Harrington — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:00:00 GMT

W. Frank Elston

President and CEO

210-735-9009

San Antonio, Texas –On March 1, Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio will begin accepting Letters of Inquiry for 2010 Responsive Grants from non-profit organizations that are helping meet the community’s health needs.

Organizations having 501(c)(3) designation by the Internal Revenue Service may submit letters for their request that addresses a community healthcare need. Funds awarded for the project or program should serve residents in the Foundation’s eight-county geographic area—Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina and Wilson. The Foundation is only able to consider one request per organization per year, and organizations should have at least one full year of operating history.

The Responsive Grant Letter of Inquiry (LOI) should provide information about the organization, its stated mission, and the nature of the request. Grant requests must be between $25,000 and $250,000. This year, the Responsive Grants Committee will be awarding $2.4 million. The deadline for Responsive Grant Letters of Inquiry is noon, Monday, May 10.

“The Foundation awarded over $4.8 million last year, and we plan to grant $5.1 million this year to help improve healthcare within our community,” said W. Frank Elston, President and CEO of Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio. “We know that many health organizations have fewer resources and increased needs in this down economy, and we want to help bridge these gaps this year” Elston added.

Since the Foundation began making grants in 2005, it has awarded more than $20.6 million to organizations in Bexar and surrounding counties.

Details regarding the Responsive Grant Letter of Inquiry application process can be found on the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio’s website: www.bhfsa.org. You may also call Eusebio Diaz, the Foundation’s Program Director at 210-735-9009, for more information.

Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio was established in 2004 from proceeds of the Baptist Health System sale to Vanguard Health Systems of Nashville, TN. Its purpose is to fund not-for-profit healthcare services and health education in Bexar County and surrounding counties.

6-Mar-10 9:00 AM

Using Social Media To Help You Reach Your Goals

Mary Beth Harrington — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:00:00 GMT

What social media tools work for what goals? Our new survey shows that Twitter is very effective in reaching new supporters, blogs are effective at enhancing existing relationships, and none of the tools we asked about are particularly effective for directly raising money.

Idealware’s just completed the analysis of a survey of 459 nonprofit staff members who were already using social media at their organizations. We asked them what tools they were using and how effectively they thought those tools were meeting particular goals. Specifically, we asked about seven tools or types of tools: Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Twitter, video-sharing sites, photo-sharing sites and blogs.

What did we find? A few highlights:

Among respondents, Facebook, Twitter and video-sharing sites were the most widely used social media channels, at 73 percent, 56 percent and 49 percent, respectively.
A majority of respondents said they update content regularly. Half of those update just one or two social media channels regularly, while just 15 percent said they regularly update five or more.
Generally, respondents felt social media channels were effective for enhancing relations with an existing audience and reaching out to new supporters, but considerably less so for raising money.
A majority, 84 percent, felt blogs were effective at enhancing existing relationships, followed very closely by video-sharing sites at 83 percent, and Twitter and Facebook at 81 percent each.
When it comes to reaching new potential supporters, most respondents (78 percent) felt Twitter was effective, followed closely by Facebook and blogs at 76 percent each, and video sharing sites at 72 percent.
Of all the options available, respondents considered Facebook the most effective channel for fundraising, although only 41 percent felt that it was, in fact, effective. Blogs were a close second at 39 percent, followed by Twitter at 30 percent.
Although Facebook was the most widely used tool by a considerable margin, and the one that those not yet using were most likely to start, it was seen as the most-effective only in terms of raising money—and then, only by a small margin.
Twitter was in the top three channels for every goal, and was considered the most-effective channel for reaching potential new supporters.
Respondents considered Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, and video- and photo-sharing sites reasonably effective—at least at outreach and enhancing existing relationships.
MySpace was not as well-thought-of, and ranked lowest for each of the three goals. LinkedIn was considered comparatively effective for fundraising, but lagged behind everything but MySpace for the other goals.

View all the results and analysis online at www.idealware.org/sm_survey/

You're welcome to republish this article on your own site. Please include the entirety of the article, including all the"For More Information" resources, prominently mention Idealware as the author at the top of the article (displaying an Idealware logo would be appreciated), and include a link back to our site.

6-Mar-10 9:00 AM

Impact San Antonio Announces Grant Opportunities

Mary Beth Harrington — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:00:00 GMT

Impact San Antonio, a women’s giving circle, will again award a $100,000 grant in 2010 to an area nonprofit organization. During our first five years, Impact San Antonio has awarded $310,000 in grant funds to area nonprofits. Our goal is to recruit 100 member and award a significant grant to an area nonprofit.

2010 Grant Application: In the coming weeks, the 2010 grant application will be posted to the Impact San Antonio website at www.impactsanantonio.org

Grant Information Meetings: Two grant information meetings will be held on Friday, March 26, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. and at 1:00 p.m. Although it is not necessary for grant applicants to attend the meeting, it is an opportunity to learn more about Impact San Antonio and our funding process. RSVP to price.michelle@hotmail.com or call 381-3987.

Meeting Location:

Texas Public Radio
8401 Datapoint Drive
Suite 800
San Antonio, TX 78229-5903

2010 Grant Deadline: The application will be due by Friday, July 30, 2010, and the grant will be awarded in early November, 2010.

Please forward this email to your nonprofit colleagues to help publicize this funding opportunity. If you have any questions, please call or email me.

6-Mar-10 9:00 AM

RecognizeGood is a FREE tool for non profits to use!

Mary Beth Harrington — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:00:00 GMT

RecognizeGood's mission is to elevate the world's spirit of community by creating a public forum to recognize, reward, and promote acts of kindness and unselfish charity.

RecognizeGood is a FREE tool for non profits to use!

Use the site in various ways:

Recognize Volunteers – Saying thank you and staying connected by recognizing volunteers on the site is a great way to nurture your important relationships. Go to the site daily and write about one volunteer each day that has selflessly helped your cause. Incorporate this step into your current stewardship/ cultivation activities. (Fundraising 101- stay connected and keep them involved.)

· Thank volunteers by video taping their work and recognizing them on the site. Imagine the impact of your volunteers seeing themselves being thanked publicly by showing how hard they worked!

· Events- Show videos of volunteers working your events to drive participation and donations to your agency. Seeing volunteers actually doing their job will allow others to understand what it means to be involved and then want to participate. Use it as a tool to recruit other volunteers.

· Recognize a staff member for a job well done. Build good internal relations by publicly acknowledging an achievement or success.

Recognize Donors – Use the site to cultivate existing donors – another way to stay in touch and publicly recognize donors after the donation. Don’t ignore the relationships you build- stay connected.

· Thank donors for their gifts to your organization. Make a video of “how their money helped.” Video the outcome of their money in action.

· Video an event they sponsored and post to RecognizeGood. Show their name on a table to connect their name with the good work your agency does. They will be impressed to get free marketing on the site via their gift to your organization. Include it as a benefit when pitching the event.

· Maintain stewardship with longtime and generous donors. In the digital age, a simple thank you in a letter is not enough. Incorporate RecognizeGood into your cultivation routines and show large donors that you really care, publicly.

· Use RecognizeGood as a way to establish relationships between donors and program staff. Have different staff members assigned to look for good news in your agency to report on through Recognizegood.

Public Awareness – Create a weekly recognition for someone at your agency.

· Highlight a program that needs enhanced publicly. Many times our community misses what it is that we are really doing. RecognizeGood is your chance to change that.

· Promote your own organization through Recognize Good. Use videos to tell stories about your constituents, staff, donors, volunteers.

· Get others to promote your agency. Every person you recognize is someone who will “spread the word” about the work your agency does. Ask them to use the site to recognize someone and post to their Facebook or MySpace page.

We believe one act of kindness encourages other acts of kindness. RecognizeGood aims to publicize these acts to lift the human spirit and light a fire of benevolence in our world. Through rewarding these acts, RecognizeGood can supply a sustainable source of monetary support for the exceptional “good” acts provided by The Samaritan Center in Austin and other nonprofit partners serving youth and their families. As a cutting edge social networking website and an innovative way to encourage philanthropy, we strive to meet unprecedented demands in these trying times.

Nancy Blaich

Executive Director, Samaritan Counseling Center

5425A Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78756

512-451-7337 ext. 112

www.samaritan-center.org

www.RecognizeGood.org

6-Mar-10 9:00 AM

States Move to Revoke Charities’ Tax

Mary Beth Harrington — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:00:00 GMT

By STEPHANIE STROM

Faced with steep declines in tax revenue, an increasing number of states and localities are

considering eliminating various tax exemptions for nonprofit groups.

A bill before the Hawaii Legislature, for instance, would require charities to pay a 1 percent tax,

and Kansas is considering making them subject to sales taxes.

Revoking the nonprofit organizations’ exemptions from property taxes is also under scrutiny in

several counties in Kansas, as well as in Pennsylvania.

And last fall, Minneapolis made charities subject to the fees it charges businesses and residents

for streetlights in hope of gaining an additional $155,000, an exercise Jon Pratt, executive

director of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, describes as “looking under the sofa cushions.”

In most cases, churches would be exempt from the tax measures, but all other nonprofit groups,

including private schools and colleges, would be affected.

City and state officials say they have no choice.

“We’re having to look at the public services nonprofits use and how we can adequately cover

those costs,” said Matt Greller, executive director of the Indiana Association of Cities and

Towns. “We can’t give them away for free any longer.”

Nonprofit groups say the moves to wring revenue out of them are shortsighted and will produce

cutbacks in critical services that governments rely on them to provide, like mental health and

emergency foster care services.

“Nonprofits are really hurting in this economy,” said Tim Delaney, chief executive of the

National Council of Nonprofits, a trade association. “Their revenues are down, too, and demand

for the services they provide, services that government expects them to provide, is way up.”

State and local governments have tried rolling back various nonprofit tax exemptions in the

past, with limited success. Some localities have negotiated “payments in lieu of taxes” from

some nonprofit groups. Harvard, for example, paid the City of Cambridge $2.2 million in 2008,

as well as $5.2 million for water and sewer service, though such arrangements are typically

temporary and subject to negotiation.

But exemptions from property, sales and other taxes have largely remained sacrosanct — until

now.

“Our members are beyond upset, they’re fearful,” said Diana Aviv, chief executive of the

Independent Sector, a nonprofit trade group. “They know that state elected officials are short of

cash and are looking for every opportunity — and, frankly, excuse — to raid pots of money to

pay for other pressing needs.”

Ms. Aviv and other charity leaders contend that charities are already helping government defray

costs because so many states and localities are long past due on payments owed to nonprofit

groups for services that governments used to provide.

“We’re effectively providing interest-free loans to state governments, which have been very slow

to pay what they owe us, and now they’re asking us to pay more,” said Lisa Maruyama, chief

executive of the Hawaii Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations.

Hawaii is considering suspending a wide range of exemptions from the general excise tax,

including the one held by nonprofit organizations. Additionally, the Honolulu City Council is

talking about increasing the property tax on the groups, which is currently capped at $100 a

year.

Calvin K. Y. Say, the speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives and a supporter of

revoking exemptions, emphasized that he was not singling out nonprofit groups.

“They would be one of many others that would lose various exemptions,” Mr. Say said.

“Repealing exemptions spreads the pain more evenly than raising the rate paid by those already

subject to excise taxes.”

He said his proposal could raise $500 million to $750 million, which would help close a budget

shortfall of $1.2 billion as of January. “I’ve tried this before, and I’ve always gotten criticism for

it,” Mr. Say said. “But in this environment today, all options are being considered much more

seriously.”

Mr. Greller, of the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, said mayors and other elected

officials have to consider all their options. A proposal to cap the amount of property taxes paid

by Indiana residents is on the ballot in November, and if it passes, local government revenues

across the state will fall by hundreds of millions of dollars, he said.

Indiana’s localities are considering user fees for things like police and fire services that would

affect large, wealthy nonprofit organizations like universities and hospitals the most. Already,

Ball State University pays a small fee to the City of Muncie for fire protection, and Indiana

University pays a similar fee to Bloomington, Mr. Greller said.

He said that in the majority of Indiana’s localities, at least half of the property is tax-exempt

because it is owned by a charity.

The increasing amount of property owned by the University of Pittsburgh’s medical center and

other nonprofit groups in Pittsburgh and elsewhere prompted State Senator Wayne D. Fontana

to propose legislation that would impose an “essential services” fee on charities, based on the

amount of property they own.

“In Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, we have a lot of nonprofits continually buying up real

estate and expanding and getting bigger and bigger,” Mr. Fontana said. “Each piece of property

they buy becomes untaxable, which means everyone else has to pay more in property taxes just

to maintain service levels.”

In December, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl of Pittsburgh proposed a 1 percent tax on college tuitions

to raise roughly $16 million that would help the city make pension payments. He shelved the

plan when three large nonprofit organizations in the city — the University of Pittsburgh,

Carnegie Mellon University and Highmark, a health care provider — agreed to make larger

voluntary payments.

Michael D. Weekes, chief executive of Providers Council, a trade association representing

organizations that provide human services in Massachusetts, said that more and more cities

and towns in that state were pressing nonprofit groups to make similar agreements.

“Those may seem less onerous than what other places are considering,” Mr. Weekes said, “but

the bottom line is, they still cut into our ability to deliver vital services.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/us/28charity.html?pagewanted=print 2/28/2010

6-Mar-10 9:00 AM

Project LIFT part of delegation welcoming the Haitian Ambassador to the United States.

Mary Beth Harrington — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:00:00 GMT

Project LIFT was honored to be apart of the delegation welcoming the Haitian Ambassador to the United States. This weekend long Summit basically served as the initial laying of the cornerstone for the long tern recovery efforts. The Ambassador working with the Haitian Prime Minister gave us clear visions with regard to how they would like to see Haiti emerge from the ashes. We have been provided direct access to the Ambassador and will be working with Congressman Al Green to form strong alliances with other NPO’s in Houston as well as any other organizations interested in the long term recovery and growth of Haiti. The events will culminate today (Sunday) at a reception hosted by Congressman Al Green in which all of the Texas Medical Center CEO’s and Chief’s of Surgery will continue to prepare to lend medical support to Haiti. We will keep the VOAD and our other community partners informed of these efforts as it is going to take all of us in some way pitching in to help this once powerful nation rise again. LINC Executive Director Mark Junkans will play a key role in working with the Ambassador on housing and rebuilding strategies.

6-Mar-10 9:00 AM

How Do You Manage Grants?

Mary Beth Harrington — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Managing grants is one of the most important activities in a development office. If an organization has more than a dozen grants, it becomes difficult to manage applications and reporting with a grants management strategy.

Your organization can increase its odds of getting funded by having the following files available, and updated regularly. By having this information, grant writing is easier, and you can focus on making the case:

1. Current funder list with contact information with notes;

2. Foundation and government grant awards and application dates, with notes on whether funded and feedback;

3. Grant and contract report dates, with a separate file for each. Files should include requirements and elements of reports as they are completed and sent to the grant writer.

4. Organization's mission and vision statements. Case statements.

5. Current budget;

6. Current board list, identifying ethnicity;

7. File for each of the organization's programs, to include: program case statement, program goals, program achievements and outcomes, consumer comments. List of program stakeholders and supporters (could be schools, civic organizations, volunteers, community groups).

8. Draft material for proposals;

9. Press articles, pictures, etc.;

10. Statistics: data that show program and organizational effectiveness and success.

By creating these files, the organization has grants application and grants reporting calendars. It has case statements and program materials, budgets, board information and outcome evaluation data. This information should be updated at least twice a year. By having these files close at hand, the organization limits the amount of last minute panic that often accompanies a grant proposal - as people rush to find program information and attachments.

Anne Hays Egan is an organizational development consultant to nonprofits. She has worked with hundreds of nonprofits throughout the United States, focusing on strategic planning, organizational development, evaluation and interagency service network development. She provides information, resources, newsletters, fund-raising plan outlines, and many other materials from her website, http://www.nonprofitsonline.net.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Hays_Egan

6-Mar-10 8:00 AM

Announcing Open Enrollment for Community Leadership Institute Class of 2010

Mary Beth Harrington — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Transformational leadership… strengthening Texas communities

We are pleased to announce the beginning of the 10th Community Leadership Institute (CLI) and invite you to help us build the CLI Class of 2010.

The Community Leadership Institute is a tuition-free, experience-centered program established in 2000 to provide leadership development, training and mentorship for people committed to improving the quality of life in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. To date, 175 leaders representing over 275 organizations from San Antonio and Bexar County have graduated from CLI.

This year up to 30 individuals will be selected for the new class, based on written applications, letters of recommendation and interviews with the 2010 selection committee. In addition to six (6) all-day training sessions— 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. one Saturday per month from June through November—CLI class members are expected to participate in the planning and execution of a collaborative team project of benefit to the community.

Residents of San Antonio and Bexar County who meet the following criteria may apply:

q Be at least 18 years of age.

q Live, work or actively volunteer in an economically disadvantaged community; for example, being active in their children’s school, serving on an advisory board of a community development corporation, or as an officer in their neighborhood association.

q Commit to attend all CLI training sessions and participate in the team project.

q Have limited access to other leadership training opportunities.

q Be nominated by someone who is familiar with their community work and will attest to their leadership qualities or potential, motivation and commitment to achieve their goals.

Curriculum materials and supplies are provided. Saturday sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. with a light breakfast, and lunch is provided. Childcare expenses will be reimbursed with prior approval. CLI 2010 will commence with an evening mixer on Friday, June 11, and will close in November with a festive graduation ceremony attended by family, friends, faculty, supporters, partners, CLI alumni and community leaders. Please see attached for Program schedule.

To be eligible for consideration, complete application packages—application form* and a letter of recommendation—must be received by Tuesday, April 6, 2010. They may be mailed to CLI, PO Box 831225, SAT 78283-1225, or delivered in person to 118 Broadway, Suite 625, SAT 78205; or faxed to 210.227-1225; or emailed to cli.of.texas@gmail.com

If you have any questions, please contact us at 227-1225 or email ma.alejandro.cli@gmail.com. Application is also available on the CLI website.

*application and program schedule are attached

Maria Alejandro

Program Director

www.communityleadershipinstitute.org

118 Broadway Suite 625

San Antonio, TX 78205

210-227-1225

Transformational Leadership..strengthening Texas Communities

6-Mar-10 8:00 AM

The Demographics of Text-Message Giving

Mary Beth Harrington — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:00:00 GMT

By Nicole Wallace

Donors age 45 and younger were far more likely to make text-message donations for Haiti relief efforts than their older counterparts, according to a new study.

In a survey of donors conducted January 20-28—a little more than a week to two weeks after the deadly earthquake—17 percent of donors who were ages 19 to 29 reported that they had sent a text message to make a gift and another 37 percent said they thought about making a text-message contribution.

Among donors ages 30 to 45, 14 percent said they gave by text message and an additional 27 percent considered it.

By contrast, only 3 percent of people ages 46 to 64 and 3 percent of people who are 65 or older reported sending a text contribution to relief efforts.

Other types of donors who made text-message donations in large numbers: people whose household income is $200,000 or more, 29 percent of whom sent text gifts; miniorities, 17 percent; parents with school-age children, 14 percent; and Democrats, 14 percent.

High Awareness

Large numbers of donors in all age groups said that they were aware that they could give to relief efforts via text message.

More than half of all donors—57 percent—said that they had "heard a lot" about making text-message gifts for Haiti, while 20 percent reported that they had "heard some."

Donors said that they were most willing to send a text-message gift after an emergency or when a friend is raising money.

The results of the study are based on an online survey of 1,526 donors, which was designed to produce a sample that mirrored the demographics of American donors. It was conducted by Convio, a company that provides online software for charities; Edge Research, a marketing company; and Sea Change Strategies, a fund-raising consulting company.

5-Mar-10 9:00 PM

House Approves Jobs Tax Break for Nonprofit Employers

Mary Beth Harrington — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:00:00 GMT

By Suzanne Perry

The House of Representatives today endorsed a Senate plan to give tax breaks to nonprofit and other employers that hire unemployed workers. The measure, included in a jobs bill, would exempt employers from paying Social Security taxes in 2010 for employees hired this year.

Employers would also get an additional $1,000 tax credit for each worker they kept on for a full year, but this would apply to income taxes so would not benefit nonprofit groups.

The Senate approved its version last week. The legislation now goes back to the Senate because the House amended other parts of the bill.

The Alliance for Children and Families has estimated the Social Security savings could help nonprofit groups create up to 18,000 jobs.

5-Mar-10 9:00 PM

New RFP's Announced

Mary Beth Harrington — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:00:00 GMT

Arts and Culture

Chamber Music America Invites Applications for Classical Commissioning Program
Awards of up to $20,000 to cover composer's fees, plus additional funding of $2,000 for copying costs and a rehearsal honorarium, will be given to classical/contemporary ensembles, presenters, and festivals for new chamber works....

Posted on March 4, 2010
Deadline: April 9, 2010

Women In Film Los Angeles Opens 2010 Film Finishing Fund Cycle
Grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded to filmmakers around the world working to finish projects about women or women's issues....

Posted on March 3, 2010
Deadline: April 30, 2010

» Back to top

Children and Youth

Shutterfly Foundation Announces 2010 Grant Cycle
Grants will be awarded to nonprofits working to assist families and children in the San Francisco Bay Area, Mecklenburg County (North Carolina), and Maricopa County (Arizona)....

Posted on March 5, 2010
Deadline: April 2, 2010

Nominations Invited for World of Children Annual Awards Program
Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded to individuals working to improve the lives of children in the United States and overseas through programs that provide opportunities for safety, learning, and growth....

Posted on March 4, 2010
Deadline: May 1, 2010

got breakfast? Foundation Announces Silent Hero Grants for Summer Food Programs
Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to public and private schools, local governments, youth sports programs, and other Summer Nutrition Program participants working to ensure that every child starts the school day with a nutritious breakfast....

Posted on March 4, 2010
Deadline: April 1, 2010

» Back to top

Community Improvement/Development

MacArthur Foundation Seeks Research Proposals on How Housing Matters to Families and Communities
The proposals should illustrate how a specific policy audience or level of government can utilize evidence that demonstrates the difference decent and affordable housing makes in the lives of children, their families, and communities....

Posted on March 5, 2010
Deadline: March 22, 2010 (Initial Proposals)

Hitachi Foundation Invites Applications for Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs Program
Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded to six entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 29 who have formed financially viable businesses that give low-wealth individuals the opportunity to achieve greater economic security....

Posted on March 3, 2010
Deadline: March 22, 2010

» Back to top

Education

Dollar General Literacy Foundation Accepting Applications for Back to School Library Grants
Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to K-12 schools working to implement new or expand existing literacy programs in Dollar General's 35-state market area....

Posted on March 3, 2010
Deadline: May 21, 2010

» Back to top

Human Services

Silicon Valley Community Foundation's Community Opportunity Fund Offers Funding for Safety-Net Services
Grants will be awarded to nonprofits working to provide food and shelter to low-income and disadvantaged children and adults in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties....

Posted on March 4, 2010
Deadline: April 1, 2010

Nominations Open for McKnight Foundation's Human Service Awards
Six Minnesotans will receive $10,000 each in recognition of their exceptional personal commitment to helping others in their communities....

Posted on March 3, 2010
Deadline: April 7, 2010

» Back to top

International Affairs/Development

Seattle International Foundation Announces First Global Program Grantmaking Round of 2010
The program will support and foster nonprofits working to establish an international development project or expand an existing one in various regions of the world, with a special focus on Central America....

Posted on February 27, 2010
Deadline: March 15, 2010

» Back to top

Medical Research

March of Dimes Seeks Research Funding Proposals on Prevention of Birth Defects
Grants will be awarded to scientists conducting research that advances the understanding of and ability to prevent the cognitive and behavioral risks that affect outcomes of pregnancy, the perinatal period, and subsequent child development....

Posted on March 5, 2010
Deadline: April 30, 2010 (Letters of Intent)

Ben and Catherine Ivy Foundation Seeks Proposals for Brain Cancer Research Projects
Grants of up to $150,000 will be awarded to early career investigators working to improve clinical trials and therapies for brain tumor patients....

Posted on March 3, 2010
Deadline: March 22, 2010

amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research Seeks Proposals for HIV Eradication Collaborations
Grants of up to $300,000 will be awarded to research collaborations for their continuing efforts to the obstacles to and strategies for eradicating HIV infection....

Posted on February 28, 2010
Deadline: March 25, 2010

» Back to top

Philanthropy and Voluntarism

Energy ALERT Alliance Invites Nonprofit Organizations to Apply for Energy Efficient Lighting Grants
The new program will provide educational institutions, churches, charitable organizations, community groups, and other qualifying nonprofits with cash allowances and services for the purpose of installing new energy efficient lighting systems....

Posted on March 2, 2010
Deadline: March 31, 2010

Corporation for National and Community Service Invites Applications for Social Innovation Fund Competition
Grants of up to $10 million will be awarded to nonprofit community-based organizations working to solve critical social challenges in low-income communities and develop a grantmaking infrastructure that supports social innovation....

Posted on March 1, 2010
Deadline: April 8, 2010

5-Mar-10 9:00 PM

Older Workers Bring New Purpose to Volunteer Work

Mary Beth Harrington — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:00:00 GMT

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: March 4, 2010

Filed at 1:51 p.m. ET

CHICAGO (AP) -- Stuffing envelopes is out and meaningful work experience is in for a new generation of volunteers.

Spurred by the tight job market or often career-change aspirations, older workers with specific goals for donating their time are remaking the face of volunteerism. Call it giving back with an agenda.

Executives at nonprofit organizations around the country testify to the new worker demands, many of them from baby boomers used to pushing for what they want. The execs are hardly complaining -- volunteerism is on the rise and it's the older population that's behind it.

A million and a half more volunteers helped out at a school or hospital or otherwise served their communities at least once during the one-year period ended last September, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The total of 63.4 million included a 4.2 percent jump among those age 45 and over, compared with just 0.7 percent among younger volunteers.

Some of the influx is from unemployed job-seekers looking to keep their resumes current. Many are what Reilly calls 'bridgers' -- workers from for-profit companies who are volunteering their free time because they would like to move into the nonprofit sector as they phase into retirement. Still others are full-time retirees among the 9 million volunteers age 65 and over.

But nonprofits say it's boomers, now ranging from age 45 to 64, who are driving the trend of looking for meaningful volunteer opportunities as they near retirement. That's a big change from earlier generations, whose volunteers, many of them women without jobs, typically haven't arrived with specific demands.

'The traditionalists just want to volunteer -- you can put them wherever you need them,' says Sherry Iversen, manager of volunteer services at the University of Chicago Medical Center. 'Baby boomers know what they want to do and will only volunteer in that capacity.'

Instead of mailing letters or doing basic office or administrative work, boomer volunteers at nonprofits are serving on boards, identifying new clients, helping with marketing and fundraising and even taking on management roles.

'We're not talking about June Cleaver from the '50s,' says Kathy Hayes, volunteer coordinator at the Courage Center in Minneapolis, a rehabilitation center for the disabled. 'This is a whole new batch of volunteers. They have tremendous skills and they want to use them.'

Susan Doyle of Oak Park, Ill., was looking to make more of an impact on her community with her business and management skills after operating her own coffee shops for years. So last summer she got involved in volunteering through Mather LifeWays, a nonprofit organization based in nearby Evanston, as a way to explore career opportunities involving working with seniors.

'I was looking at it as a steppingstone to what I would do next,' she says. 'A lot of volunteers do this now.'

Now, besides running her business, she spends five to 10 hours a week on a project called Wisdom Works, comprised of volunteers over age 50. Together they are working to expand the Grandfamilies Program of Chicago, a nonprofit that helps grandparents who are raising grandchildren.

Thanks to a grant made available through the National Council on the Aging, which oversees Wisdom Works projects nationwide, she gets a $5,000 stipend for her role as a facilitator. But the stipend isn't why she volunteers. She's enjoying the creative, entrepreneurial aspects of her work, which involves recruiting and project management, as well as the chance to do some good through a nonprofit.

Formerly a registered nurse, Doyle says: 'It's very satisfying getting back into that area of helping people in the community who need someplace to turn to.' Even in her 60s, she adds, 'I don't see any reason why I can't change careers at this age.'

Volunteers are increasingly asking about stipends in a turbulent economy, according to Dawn Lehman, director of education for Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging, who conducted a recent study on volunteering. But nonprofits often cannot afford to provide payment. Instead, they may sometimes recognize volunteers with gift cards or lifelong learning opportunities that don't cost the organizations anything.

Deb Swanson, 53, a trust associate at a large Minneapolis bank, began volunteering as a ski instructor at the Courage Center nearly a decade ago. Since then she taken on event planning and advisory and other duties totaling about 25 hours a month.

She finds it all so rewarding she has entertained the thought of moving on from her successful banking career and taking a full-time paid position there, even though nonprofits don't pay well.

'It's more engaged in helping people than my job that I do right now,' she says. 'When I can help a student be out of their wheelchair for three hours a week, be on a chairlift, be out skiing on the slopes and tell their buddies at school 'It was so cool!', that is very affirming for me.'

The recession curtailed opportunities for some, however. Some older volunteers have had to stop donating their time after their retirement nest eggs took a hit in the market downturn.

Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland has lost about 150 volunteers, or 7 percent of its work force, in the past year, according to executive director Tom Grazio.

'They're not just tightening their belts,' he says. 'In order to balance their own personal budgets, they need to find part-time jobs.'

Arnie Powell, 70, a retired museum aide from Hyattsville, Md., has delivered meals for the nonprofit group for free for 15 years. Unlike numerous other volunteer drivers who have quit, though, he doesn't plan to let higher gas and other prices in a recession stop him.

'When things get bad, I think people should step up and help,' he says. 'It gives me something to do and it helps out other people as well.'

A version of this article appeared in print on March 4, 2010, on 4 of the New York edition.

5-Mar-10 9:00 PM

Charities Working Harder to Find Revenue

Mary Beth Harrington — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:00:00 GMT

With the U.S. economy struggling to recover from recession, non- profits are finding they have to work harder to raise money and come up with new ways to reach potential supporters, Bloomberg.com reports.

According to Melissa Berman, CEO of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, charitable contributions from U.S. corporations -- a significant source of funding for cultural organizations -- may have fallen by as much as 10 percent in 2009. Indeed, dozens of such organizations, as well as many other nonprofits, have been forced to shut their doors over the last two years.

To be sure, some nonprofits are faring better than others. In 2009, charity: water, a nonprofit that works to bring safe drink- ing water to people in developing nations, boosted its revenue to $9 million, a 30 percent year-over-year increase, in part by amassing a list of 80,000 donors that included many recruited via Facebook and Twitter. "A number of charities make the mistake of not continuing an aggressive fundraising approach," said William Woodson, managing director and head of family wealth management for Credit Suisse Private Banking USA. "We found that those that retained a rigorous approach were exceedingly effective."

Of course, showing donors that their donations will be used wise- ly and that an organization is well run are essential to maintain- ing support in a tough economy. Often, however, it's not enough.

When a major donor informed the Lupus Research Institute he was pledging $50,000 instead of the $100,000 requested, organization officials contacted the donor directly and were able to get him to increase the gift to the desired level. "It's the cause and the mission that makes these gifts possible," said Margaret Dowd, the institute's CEO. "And we never give up."

Cole, Patrick. "Morgan Stanley's Mack, Clooney Help Charities Beat Recession." Bloomberg.com 2/24/10. http://bit.ly/a7phDg

http://pndapps.fdncenter.org/link/30012098/3

3-Mar-10 8:00 PM

$3 Million in Grants Available from the Texas Veterans Commission

Mary Beth Harrington — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:00:00 GMT

TEXAS

VETERANS

COMMISSION

Contact Information

Lisa Waddell

1700 N. Congress, Suite 800

Austin, Texas 78711-2277

512-936-1910 / Fax 512-475-2395

lisa.waddell@tvc.state.tx.us

For Immediate Release: February 25, 2010 Release No. 20100225-01

$3 Million in Grants Available from the Texas Veterans Commission

AUSTIN – Thursday the Texas Veterans Commission announced the availability of up to $3 million in grants to be awarded from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance.

The grant funds will be awarded to qualified charitable organizations, Veterans Service Organizations and local government agencies to address nine areas of concern for veterans and their families. Some of the services to be funded include transportation to medical facilities, counseling for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), housing assistance for homeless veterans, and family and child services. Detailed information about all nine service areas can be found at http://www.tvc.state.tx.us/TVCFundforVeteransAssistance.html.

“1.7 million veterans live in Texas, including over 100,000 who served in Iraq and Afghanistan,” says James Nier, Executive Director of the Texas Veterans Commission. “They have paid a high price for keeping our country free. These grants fund services to ensure that our veterans and their families receive the services they need and deserve.”

The Texas lottery scratch-off game, Veterans Cash, has been the primary source of funds for Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. Since its introduction on November 11, 2009, sales of Veterans Cash scratch-off tickets have provided over $4 million to the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance.

The request for proposals outlining the grant objectives and selection criteria can be found at http://www.tvc.state.tx.us/TVCFundforVeteransAssistance.html.

3-Mar-10 8:00 PM