Community Organizations
Neighborhoods Partnership Network
News
The latest news for this organization is listed here. For city-wide news, please see our news archive
August 18th 2010
President Obama Comes to New Orleans for 5th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina
President Barack Obama, accompanied by members of his Cabinet, will travel to New Orleans on Aug. 29 to mark the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
The visit will include remarks by the president at Xavier University, where, days short of the first anniversary, then-U.S. Sen. Obama delivered the commencement address to the first class to graduate after the storm.
The announcement was welcome news for political leaders and others in the city and the region who are ever wary that the connection and commitment of a nation that was once so fixed on New Orleans and surrounding communities in the terrible wake of the disaster, is perhaps inevitably waning with each anniversary.
July 31st 2010
MAYOR LANDRIEU AND COUNCILMAN JOHNSON TO HOLD FIRST COMMUNITY MEETINGS
Next week, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu and Councilman Jon Johnson will hold the first round of community meetings in District E. They will be joined by Deputy Mayors, NOPD Superintendent Ronal Serpas, NOFD Superintendent Charles Parent and department heads. These are the first in a series of community meetings to be held in each councilmanic district to discuss budget priorities.
Monday, August 2 – District E (New Orleans East)
Household of Faith Church
9300 I-10 Service Road
6:30pm – 8:00pm
Wednesday, August 4 – District E (Lower 9th Ward)
MLK Charter School
1617 Caffin Avenue
6:30pm – 8:00pm
NOTE: Doors will open at 6:00pm for both meetings.
July 30th 2010
Trumpet: September/October issue
We are proud to announce that we are preparing for our September/October issue of Trumpet Magazine and we will be spotlighting the Carrollton neighborhood.
The theme is Mobility/Transportation but we encourage you to share whatever you want the city and its residents to know about what’s happening in your neighborhood.
The deadline for the articles is Aug 20. Please forward all submissions to
July 30th 2010
PROPERTY ROLLS OPEN MONDAY, AUG. 2, 2010
The public inspection period begins August 2,
and ends August 16, 2010, Monday through
Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Those disputing an assessment are welcome to visit Assessor
Williams’ office, 4th floor Room 4E01, 1300 Perdido Street, City
Hall to discuss their concerns . Real property assessment
information is also available at http://www.nolassessors.com.
Appraisers will be available to discuss the assessed value
of your property, and to explain the assessment review and appeal
process
“If your notice from my office is addressed to you, but you no l
onger own this property, or if you are a new owner and the notice
is in the previous owner’s name, kindly return the assessment notice
with the new and corrected information to the Assessor’s office,” said
Assessor Williams.
www.nolaassessor.com
June 21st 2010
Chase Community Giving Launches Summer 2010 Online Program
Chase, the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., has announced the launch of its Chase Community Giving Summer 2010 program on Facebook. The program will award a total of more than $5 million to be shared among two hundred charities.
Chase Community Giving is a program that allows users to vote online for the local charities that matter most to them. By participating, users will help Chase direct corporate philanthropy dollars to eligible small and local organizations working in the focus areas of primary and secondary education, youth development, healthcare, housing, community development, the environment, combating hunger, arts and culture, human services, and animal welfare.
The first Chase Community Giving program, held earlier this year, was the most popular corporate philanthropy crowdsourcing campaign of its type. More than two million Facebook users became fans of the program and helped decide which of the more than 500,000 charities that participated should receive a share of $5 million. More than a hundred winners from thirty-one states were selected.
For the summer 2010 program, the number of charities eligible to receive awards has doubled and several new tools have been introduced. Charities will be able to edit their charity profiles and add meaningful media to help tell their stories in the form of videos and photos. In addition, badges, which users earn to indicate their commitment to their community, have been introduced. And a Gift Vote feature that lets users earn the right to give additional votes to a friend has been added.
To underscore the program’s focus on small and local organizations, 501©(3) public nonprofits with operating expenses of $1 million or less are eligible to receive funding. The top vote-receiving charities meeting the eligibility and other requirements of the program rules will receive the top grants. The eligible charity with the most votes will receive $250,000; the top four runners-up will receive $100,000 each; and the remaining eligible charities in the top two hundred will each receive $20,000. There will be one round of voting. Voting begins June 15 and ends July 12, 2010.
For more information and program requirements, visit the Summer 2010 Program Web site: http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/
June 21st 2010
Do Something Offers Change for the Children Grants
DoSomething.org has teamed up with the Jonas Brothers Change for the Children Foundation to award project grants to individuals (age 25 or younger) who are taking action in their communities across the United States and Canada.
Grants are available for sustainable community action projects, programs, or ideas. While projects that cover any cause are eligible to apply, special attention will be given to projects that focus on one of three causes — Special Olympics, diabetes awareness, and volunteerism.
Ten projects will each receive a grant of $1,500. All winners will be featured on DoSomething.org and ChangefortheChildren.org, and celebrated through various marketing platforms.
Applicants must be 25 years of age or younger and a U.S. or Canadian citizen.
Visit the Do Something Web site for complete program guidelines: http://www.dosomething.org/grants/changeforthechildren
June 21st 2010
Youth Service America Accepting Applications for Global Disney Friends for Change Grants
The Walt Disney Company and Youth Service America are inviting applications for this year’s second round of Disney Friends for Change Grants.
The Friends for Change program funds youth-led fall service projects that focus on making environmentally friendly changes and engaging youth between the ages of 5 and 18 as leaders in their community. The goal of the grant program is to inspire children to join their friends and families, schools, and communities to address critical environmental needs as “friends for change” at the local, national, and/or global levels.
The program will award seventy-five grants of $500 each to youth-led service initiatives around the world that demonstrate youth leadership and a commitment to making a positive impact on the environment. Eligible applicants will be asked to implement their projects between September and November and to connect their projects to International Coastal Cleanup Day or National Public Lands Day, both on September 25, or on other environmentally-focused days of service.
The grant program is open to schools, organizations, and individuals planning service projects. Applications submitted by younger children (ages 5 to 14) are especially welcome.
YSA will host webinars on June 29 and July 6, 2010, for potential applicants to learn more about the application process. Visit the YSA Web site:http://www.ysa.org/grants/announcements/friendsforchange2010 for further information.
May 28th 2010
Major NORD Reform To be Considered by City Council During Regular Council Meeting Tuesday
Major NORD Reform To be Considered by City Council During Regular Council Meeting Tuesday
After several years of evaluating ‘best practices’ and developing a comprehensive model for improved New Orleans recreation, the City is close to implementing a new vision for municipal recreation, which will be the subject matter of City Council consideration, Tuesday, June 1st at their scheduled meeting in the City Council Chambers, 1300 Perdido.
Once considered a national model of excellence the proposed reforms aim to return New Orleans Recreation Department to this standard of excellence.
The proposed reforms, supported by Mayor Landrieu and co-authored by all seven Councilmembers, will place NORD under the purview of a public private partnership, necessitating a charter change which will be subject to public approval. If the voters pass the Charter change in October, the new Commission will then appoint its board of directors and begin the search for a full-time executive director.
The proposed reforms also entail a significant increase of funding for the new recreation model. All of the cities with award-winning municipal recreation departments have budgets far exceeding the budget currently in place in New Orleans. The source for this new funding, which all parties understand is crucial to the initiative’s success, will be allocated through the 2011 budget process.
“I am greatly excited to work in partnership with Mayor Landrieu and my Council colleagues in implementing what I believe will be one of the most beneficial and important initiatives in New Orleans history,” said City Council President Arnie Fielkow. “The future of our City rests in our youth, and it is incumbent upon us to provide these youth and all other New Orleans citizens with a quality and equitable municipal recreation system, both in terms of facilities and programming.”
“From the beginning it has always been about the kids,” said Rod West. “We’ve set the table and now New Orleanians get to decide if we are satisfied with the status quo or whether we are willing to pay the price to be a great city for the young and young at heart,” said West
April 14th 2010
Take the Social Innovation Survey
Mayor- Elect Mitch Landrieu established the Social Innovation Task Force to address the challenges and opportunities that exist in New Orleans and to create and grow dynamic social solutions. This survey is about listening to you. We want to hear from you and learn from your perspective. Please take 5 minutes to answer the following questions. Your voice is important. Together we will improve this city for all of its residents.
If you would perfer to submit a printed survey, please return your survey to Transition New Orleans,1615 Poydras St. Suite 860. If you require additional information or assistance please contact the Transition Team at 504.529.5300
Additionally, paper surveys will be available at the following community events:
April 13th, Tuesday (Farmer’s Market at Uptown Square)
April 15th, Thursday (Farmer’s Market at American Can)
April 17th, Saturday (Farmer’s Market in the CBD)
April 18th Sunday (Franklin Ave Baptist Church)
CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY&
The Survey will be closed on April 20th.
March 17th 2010
The Trumpet Magazine Theme Announcement:
The next issue of The Trumpet Magazine (May/June 2010) will spotlight the Faubourg St. John neighborhood and focus on music, art and culture in New Orleans.
The deadline for submissions is April 20th and should be sent to: .
Here are some story ideas:
-interviews/profiles of local musicians or artists
-directory of art galleries
-stories related to cultural aspects that are specific to New Orleans
-your favorite New Orleans traditions
March 15th 2010
New Orleans 311 Call Center Dissolved
The 311 phone reporting system that handled city issues and problems has been dissolved.
Effective immediately, please call 658-2299 to report Quality of Life issues and follow the prompts:
Press #1 for Public Works (potholes, clogged drains, missing street signs and traffic signal outages)
Press #2 for Housing / Code Enforcement (status of a hearing, report a blighted structure)
Press #3 for Environmental Health (vacant lot with high grass)
Press #4 for Department of Revenue (property tax, sales tax, occupational license, sanitation fee removal)
Press #5 for Parks & Parkways (City tree trim request or downed trees)
Press #6 for Emergency Preparedness (house elevation, hazardous mitigation, city assisted evacuation plan, Dept of Homeland Security)
Press #0 for all other Department / Agencies
To report streetlight outages, call 658.2299 and follow the prompts for streetlights. You will be directly connected with Robinson Industries, the City’s contracted streetlight repair vendor.
January 5th 2010
Trumpet Release Party Featuring Mayoral Candidates as Celebrity Bartenders!
It’s The Trumpet’s third birthday; and you won’t want to miss it!
New Orleans Mayoral Candidates will be helping us celebrate – by serving as celebrity bartenders for the event. So come out and chat it up – one of them will be your next mayor!
The Trumpet Release Party welcomes people from neighborhoods throughout New Orleans, non-profits, young professionals and local businesses. Feel free to bring your kids.
Cash Bar (wine donated by UnCorked wines )
Fresh Produce provided by Hollygrove Market and Farm
Birthday Cake provided by Fancy Cakes
The dress code is casual to business casual and all are welcome to attend.
Email to R.S.V.P. or if you have any additional questions!
January 20th
Hollygrove Market and Farm
5:30 P.M. – 8:30 P.M.
FREE EVENT! (but bring cash for drinks – there will not be a card machine)
December 31st 2009
Point Foundation Opens 2010 LGBT Scholarship Application Season
The Point Foundation, the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students of merit, has announced the opening of its 2010 application season. Students who will be enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs for the 2010-11 school year are eligible to apply for the prestigious multiyear scholarships.
Point Foundation’s rigorous selection process requires of its candidates demonstrated academic excellence, leadership skills, community involvement, and financial need. Particular attention is paid to students who have lost the financial and social support of their families and/or communities as a result of revealing their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
The average amount of annual support devoted to each scholar is between $25,000 and $33,000. A Point Scholarship award includes financial support as well as programmatic support in leadership training, community service, and mentoring.
Individuals selected as Point Scholars agree to maintain a high level of academic performance, attend Point’s various leadership forums, participate in press interviews, and give back to the LGBT community through the completion of an individual community service project each year. To better prepare its scholars for success in school and in society, they are matched with mentors from the professional world through Point’s Mentoring Program; mentors lend their professional expertise and career guidance and become important role models to scholars.
For information on how to apply for a Point Scholarship, visit the Point Foundation Web site.
Posted on December 17, 2009
Deadline: February 12, 2010
December 29th 2009
American Academy of Dermatology Offers Shade Structure Grants to Organizations Serving Children and Youth
The American Academy of Dermatology’s Shade Structure Program awards grants in the amount of $8,000 each for the purchase of permanent shade structures designed to provide shade and ultraviolet (UV) ray protection for outdoor areas. AAD also provides a permanent sign to be displayed near the shade structure that promotes the importance of sun safety. This is the tenth year AAD has offered the program to nonprofit organizations seeking permanent shade structures for outdoor locations that are not protected from the sun (e.g., playgrounds, pools, eating areas etc.). AAD receives support for the program from Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company.
To be considered for grants, applicants must be a nonprofit organization or public school that primarily serves children and teens 18 and younger; demonstrate an ongoing commitment to sun safety and skin cancer awareness by having a sun safety/skin cancer awareness program in place for at least one year prior to application; and be sponsored by an AAD member dermatologist.
AAD awards thirty to thirty-five grants each year, depending on the availability of funding.
Visit the AAD Web site for guidelines and application instructions.
Posted on December 16, 2009
Deadline: April 12, 2010
December 28th 2009
Morris Animal Foundation Announces Program to Help Shelters Help Cats
With funding from an anonymous donor, the Morris Animal Foundation has announced a Request for Proposals for projects aimed at developing methods (research, education) for preventing or treating infectious diseases that result in negative outcomes for shelter cats. The foundation is particularly interested in proposals related to feline infectious peritonitis and in projects with a training component that will increase the number of scientists working in animal health/welfare research.
MAF anticipates that a total of $250,000 will be available to fund studies for up to three years. The maximum allowable indirect cost rate is 8 percent. MAF does not pay for capital equipment exceeding $1,000 or salaries for faculty appointed to regular/tenure track, full-time, full-salaried positions. Salaries may be requested for technicians, residents, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows and other support staff based on their percentage of time involved in the study. Expenses under $3,000 for travel to scientific meetings may be included in the budget for the purpose of presenting study findings.
The complete shelter cats RFP can be downloaded at the Morris Animal Foundation Web site.
Posted on December 15, 2009
Deadline: February 5, 2010
December 22nd 2009
Nominations of Young Female Social Entrepreneurs Invited for Gladys Marinelli Coccia Awards
Youth Service America is accepting nominations for the first Gladys Marinelli Coccia Awards to recognize two young female social entrepreneurs whose initiatives serve the common good. The awards were created in memory of Gladys Coccia, who began her entrepreneurial career when she was a young girl in West Virginia and later became a very successful businesswoman in Washington, D.C.
To be eligible for the award, nominees must be between the ages of 14 and 17 on January 1, 2010; reside in the United States; have started her own social enterprise or organization; be supported by contributions of at least $1,000 (cash and/or in-kind); and have a business plan, including an itemized budget.
Special consideration will be given to nominees from West Virginia and metropolitan Washington, D.C. Self-nominations are accepted.
The award includes $2,000 for the awardee’s social enterprise and travel, lodging, and registration expenses to the National Service Learning Conference in San Jose, March 24-27, 2010. The awardee will serve as a spokesperson for YSA’s initiatives, will be invited to serve on the executive board of Girls Helping Girls, and will be provided access to YSA’s resources to support and expand social enterprise.
Program information and application are available at the YSA Web site.
Posted on December 11, 2009
Deadline: January 15, 2010
December 21st 2009
Tony Hawk Foundation Offers Grants for Skatepark Construction
The Tony Hawk Foundation makes grants to encourage and facilitate the design, development, construction, and operation of high-quality public skateparks in low-income areas across the United States.
The foundation will consider funding for skatepark projects that are designed and built by qualified and experienced skatepark contractors, include local skaters in the design process, are in low-income areas and/or areas with a high population of “at-risk” youth, can demonstrate a strong grassroots commitment to the project, have a creative mix of street obstacles and transition/vert terrain, do not require skaters or their parents to sign waivers, encourage skaters to look after their own safety and the safety of others, are open during daylight hours 365 days a year, do not charge an entrance fee, and are in areas that currently have no skateboarding facilities.
The applicant must be a 501©(3) public charity or a state or local agency, including public school systems or public projects.
Grants range from $1,000 to $25,000 each. The foundation may offer technical assistance related to design and construction, promotional materials, training materials, and safety information, and it may also facilitate support from vendors, suppliers, and community leaders.
Posted on December 10, 2009
Deadline: March 1, 2010
December 18th 2009
President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities Invites Nominations for Coming Up Taller Awards
Coming Up Taller, an initiative of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities, works to showcase cultural excellence and enhance the availability of out-of-school arts and humanities programs to children.
The Coming Up Taller Awards recognize and support outstanding community arts and humanities programs that celebrate the creativity of America’s young people and provide them with learning opportunities and chances to contribute to their communities.
Award recipients receive $10,000 each, an individualized plaque, and an invitation to attend the annual Coming Up Taller Leadership Enhancement Conference. In addition, thirty-five exceptional youth arts and humanities programs across the country receive a Semifinalist Certificate of Excellence.
Awards are given to organizations for a specific program or programs. In some cases, the organization and program may be the same.
To be eligible, nominated programs should operate as a program for children and youth outside the school day; use one or more disciplines of the humanities or the arts as the core content of its program(s); concentrate on children and youth who live in family and community circumstances that limit their opportunities (underserved children and youth are the primary participants in the program); involve children and youth as active participants in the arts or humanities experience; provide participants with regularly scheduled sessions on an ongoing basis; integrate arts or humanities education programs with youth development goals; have been operational since January 2006 for a minimum of five years (including 2010); be a nonprofit tax-exempt 501©(3) organization, unit of state or local government, or federally recognized tribal community or tribe; and be in good standing if a recipient of a federal grant.
Posted on December 10, 2009
Deadline: January 29, 2010
December 17th 2009
National Film Preservation Foundation Announces Registration Deadlines for Basic Preservation Grants
The National Film Preservation Foundation is accepting applications for its Basic Preservation Grants. These cash grants are awarded to nonprofit and public institutions for laboratory work to preserve culturally and historically significant film materials.
Grants are available to public and nonprofit institutions in the United States that provide public access to their collections, including those that are part of federal, state, or local government. The grants target orphan films made in the United States or by American citizens abroad and not protected by commercial interests. Materials originally created for television or video are not eligible, including works produced with funds from broadcast or cable television entities.
The grant must be used to pay for new laboratory work involving the creation of new film preservation elements (which may include sound tracks) and two new public access copies, one of which must be a film print. The grant does not fund HD transfers.
Awards generally range from $3,000 to $18,000 each.
Visit the NFPF Web site for complete program guidelines.
Posted on December 11, 2009
Deadline: February 12, 2010 (Registration)
December 16th 2009
American Federation for Aging Research Accepting Applications for Medical Student Training in Aging Research Program
Administered by the American Federation for Aging Research and the National Institute on Aging, the 2010 Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) Program provides medical students early in their training with an enriching experience in aging-related research and geriatrics under the mentorship of top experts in the field.
Students participate in an eight- to twelve-week structured research, clinical, and didactic program in geriatrics appropriate to their level of training and interests. Students may train at a national training center supported by the National Institute on Aging or, for a limited number of students, at their own institution. Research projects are offered in basic, clinical, or health services research relevant to older people. Most scholars will do their training and research during the summer months.
Any allopathic or osteopathic medical student in good standing who will have successfully completed one year of medical school at a U.S. institution by June 2010 is eligible to apply. Applicants must be citizens or non-citizen nationals of the United States, or must have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
Visit the AFAR Web site for complete program information.
Posted on December 9, 2009
Deadline: February 5, 2010
December 15th 2009
Miley Cyrus and Youth Service America Launch Global Grants Program for Young Volunteers
Deadline: February 22, 2010
Entertainer Miley Cyrus has partnered with Youth Service America to create Get Ur Good On, a social network that brings together youth to support each other in their mission to do good in their communities. As part of the program, YSA will launch Get Ur Good On Grants to fund youth-led service initiatives on Global Youth Service Day, April 23-25, 2010.
Available to children and youth (ages 5 to 25) around the world, YSA’s Get Ur Good On Grants will award a hundred grants of $500 each to support projects that address critical community issues such as poverty, education, and environmental sustainability.
Visit the YSA Web site for a program eligibility quiz and application instructions.
December 14th 2009
Starbucks Foundation Offers Support for Young Social Entrepreneurs
A program of the Starbucks Foundation, the Starbucks Shared Planet Youth Action Grants program is designed to help young people realize their natural potential to reinvent their local communities. The program is the primary vehicle through which the Starbucks Foundation invests in communities globally as part of the Starbucks Shared Planet commitment to communities. Since launching the grants program in 2007, more than $1.5 million in total has been invested in youth-led initiatives around the world.
The Starbucks Foundation will solicit applications from organizations that provide young people (ages 6 to 24) with a continuum of service opportunities in social entrepreneurship. To be eligible, U.S. applicants must be tax-exempt, 501©(3) nonprofit organizations. Applicants outside the United States must be charitable in purpose and identified as nongovernmental organizations or the equivalent of a tax-exempt nonprofit organization.
Grants will range from $10,000 to $25,000 each for one year.
The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. Interested organizations may submit an online profile. The foundation reviews these profiles periodically and will contact those organizations about which it is interested in learning more. The Starbucks Foundation reviews the submissions on a quarterly basis; there are no deadlines for the submission of organization profiles.
For more information, visit the Starbucks Foundation Web site.
December 11th 2009
Sprint Character Education Grant Program Seeks to Support Positive Development of Young People
Sprint has announced the 2010 entry dates for the Sprint Character Education Grant Program, its annual character-education grant program for schools and school districts across the United States. The 2010 program will run from January 4 through February 5, 2010.
Now in its third year, the program awards Sprint Foundation grants to school districts and individual schools in support of resources that facilitate and encourage character education among K-12 students. The program is open to all U.S. public schools (K-12) and U.S. public school districts.
In 2010, the grant program will award individual-school grants between $500 and $5,000 each and school-district grants between $10,000 and $25,000 each. In 2009, the Sprint Foundation awarded more than $450,000 in combined grants to schools and school districts through the program.
The program will accept applications for character-education programs that promote and/or address youth leadership, youth volunteerism, a positive school culture, and drop-out prevention.
December 10th 2009
National Geographic All Roads Film Project Offers Seed Grants for Indigenous Storytellers
The All Roads Film Project is a National Geographic initiative dedicated to helping indigenous and underrepresented minority-culture storytellers around the world showcase their works and promote greater knowledge, dialogue, and understanding with a broader, global audience. All Roads includes a film festival, photography program, and seed-grant program.
The seed-grant program is open to indigenous and underrepresented minority-culture filmmakers as well as filmmakers who can demonstrate that they have been designated by indigenous or minority communities to tell their story. Grants funds should be used toward the development and production of a feature film, long documentary, short documentary, shorts, animation, or music video.
The program awards grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to up to sixteen film projects annually. Funding may be used for equipment, travel for field research, editing time, etc.
Submission deadlines are quarterly on the 15th of March, June, September, and December.
Visit the All Roads Web page for complete guidelines and application instructions.
December 9th 2009
Haitian Memorial Foundation Invites Pierre Toussaint Art and Essay Entries
The New York City-based Haitian Memorial Foundation identifies and creates commemorative markers that locate Haitian history, historic persons, and presence by funding and maintaining public art, monuments, and sites consciousness in the built and natural environment that recognize the contributions of Haiti and Haitian descendants in the global community.
The foundation seeks proposals for three programs:
Pierre Toussaint Monument Project in New York: The foundation seeks an artist or team of artists to develop artwork or aesthetic installation in New York City to memorialize Pierre Toussaint, the formerly enslaved African from Haiti/Saint-Domingue who was brought to colonial New York in 1787 by his French master. A devout Catholic, the freed hairdresser performed numerous charitable acts and is currently being considered for canonization by the Vatican. Toussaint would be the second American saint and the first saint of African descent from the Americas. The project budget, including artists design fee, materials, installation, travel, and expenses, is $500,000. (Deadline: December 28, 2009.)
Pierre Toussaint Art Sculpture Award for the Pierre Toussaint Humanitarian Award 2010: The foundation seeks an artist/sculptor to create a three-dimensional bust sculpture of Pierre Toussaint to be presented to the winners of the Pierre Toussaint Humanitarian Award 2010. The project budget, including artist’s renderings and design fees, materials, fabrication, and delivery/travel expenses, is $8,000. (Deadline: December 10, 2009.)
Pierre Toussaint Essay Contest: The foundation seeks the national involvement of all American high school students to enter an essay competition on Pierre Toussaint. Essays should evoke a solid understanding and appreciation of Toussaint and his achievements. Essays may be submitted in either English or French and must not exceed 1,500 words. The three winners will each receive a plaque and cash award. (Deadline: April 30, 2010.)
Visit the Haitian Memorial Foundation Web site for complete information on each of these programs.
December 8th 2009
Sundance Documentary Fund Announces Deadlines for Spring 2010 Grants Round
Posted on December 3, 2009
Deadline: February 9, 2010
The Sundance Documentary Fund, a program of the Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program, is dedicated to supporting U.S. and international documentary films that focus on current human rights issues, freedom of expression, social justice, civil liberties, and critical issues of our time. In supporting such work, the fund seeks to encourage the diverse exchange of ideas crucial to developing an open society, raise public consciousness about human rights abuses and restrictions of civil liberties, and foster an ongoing dialogue about these issues.
The fund considers proposals in two categories:
Development grants of up to $20,000 each to filmmakers whose projects are in the early research or pre-production stage. A previous directing sample is generally required.
Production and post-production grants ranging from $20,000 to $75,000 to filmmakers in various stages of the production and post-production stages. Applications should generally include at least twenty minutes of continuously edited material.
Proposals are evaluated on artful storytelling, stylistic innovation, subject relevance, and potential for social engagement. The fund will only consider projects that range in length from full broadcast hour to long format feature.
December 7th 2009
Aaron Copland Fund for Music Announces Updated Grant Guidelines for Recording Program
Posted on December 3, 2009
Deadline: January 15, 2010
The Aaron Copland Fund for Music seeks to encourage and improve public knowledge and appreciation of contemporary American music.
The fund’s Recording Program provides grants to document and provide wider exposure for the music of contemporary American composers; develop audiences for contemporary American music through record distribution and other retail markets; and support the release and dissemination of recordings of previously unreleased contemporary American music and the reissuance of recordings that are no longer available. The program does not make grants for the purpose of commissions to composers.
Proposals may be submitted by nonprofit professional performance ensembles, presenting institutions, and nonprofit or commercial recording companies. Performance ensembles and presenting institutions must include a Letter of Intent from a recording company or other established physical copy and/or online distribution entity. Compositions for the proposed recording must be completed by the postmark deadline.
Reissue projects are eligible only if the reissuance involves a change of label or significant re-mastering.
Recordings that will be distributed primarily by downloads are eligible. Recordings that will be distributed primarily by streaming are generally not eligible, but exceptions will be made for streaming projects that involve high-caliber works that would otherwise be unavailable.
In general, grants will not exceed $20,000 each. Recordings must be released within two years of an award being paid.
Visit the Copland Fund Web site for complete program information.
November 23rd 2009
Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund Invites Letter of Intent From New Orleans Youth Organizations
The United States Golf Association’s For the Good of the Game Grants Initiative works to create opportunities in the lives of underserved juniors and individuals with disabilities through the game of golf.
The USGA is currently accepting grant applications for 2010 junior golf program support.
The USGA will consider funding requests for the following items provided the applicant is committed to the goals of the “For the Good of the Game” program and its target population(s): golf course access and practice range access; golf instruction; golf equipment; transportation provided for participants to attend programming; and certain construction costs for alternative, beginner-friendly golf courses and golf facilities in areas where there are obstacles to affordable access to the game.
Funding amounts vary. All grant recipients must be tax-exempt 501©(3) organizations or government entities such as schools or municipalities.
Note: The USGA expects to have information available on grant requests for individuals with disabilities no later than January 2010.
See the USGA Web site for complete program information.
Posted on November 19, 2009
Deadline: December 20, 2009 (Letters of Intent)
November 23rd 2009
PeyBack Foundation Announces 2011 Grant Guidelines to Support Programs for Disadvantaged Children
The PeyBack Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation, was established by professional football player Peyton Manning in 1999 to promote the future success of disadvantaged youth (ages 6 to 18) by assisting programs that provide leadership growth and opportunities for children at risk.
Requests for grants are accepted only from agencies and organizations actively working to advance the welfare of disadvantaged children in Indiana, Tennessee, and New Orleans metropolitan areas. The foundation will not consider applications from groups outside these geographic areas. Applicant organizations must have 501©(3) tax-exempt status. For a program to be considered for funding, a significant majority of children being served must be economically disadvantaged.
The foundation prefers to fund programs that have a direct benefit to children through relationships and activities, promote positive interaction with peers and adults, provide opportunities for children to be creative, promote youth and life skills development, develop social skills, provide physical activity, and offer meaningful community involvement.
The foundation does not fund fundraising and sponsorship events, projects/groups benefiting an individual or just a few individuals, building/renovating expenses, travel of individuals or groups, re-granting organizations, post-event fundraising, multi-year gifts, or any meeting, conference, workshop, or seminar expenses.
Starting with the 2011 grant cycle, organizations that have been funded three years in a row (2008, 2009, 2010) are asked to wait until February 2012 to apply again. Requests for funding are limited to one request per organization
Most grants will range between $1,500 and $10,000 each.
Visit the foundation’s Web site for current grant guidelines and application.
Posted on November 20, 2009
Deadline: February 1, 2010
November 23rd 2009
Institute of Museum and Library Services and NASA Invite Museums and Libraries to Apply for Space Shuttle Artifacts
The Institute of Museum and Library Services invites museums and libraries to apply for free NASA space shuttle artifacts, including small items such as astronaut helmets, gloves, and boots, and large items such as shuttle motion-based simulators and crew compartment trainers. NASA will retire the Space Shuttle Program at the end of 2010, and seeks to help the public learn about space exploration through museum and library exhibitions.
Eligible institutions include museums attended by the public and free libraries serving all residents of a community, district, state, or region. Museums and libraries must first be determined as eligible through the State Agency for Surplus Property in their state. Artifacts, which will be released as they are no longer needed by the Space Shuttle program, may be viewed by eligible institutions that have been given log-on and password information at the program’s Web site: http://gsaxcess.gov/NASAWel.htm.
The artifacts are free, but eligible recipients must cover shipping and special handling fees. Shipping fees on smaller items will be relatively inexpensive, while larger items may involve extensive disassembly, preparation, shipping, and reassembly costs.
The artifacts are offered in batches. For eligible museums and libraries, the current screening period ends November 29, 2009. A new batch of artifacts will be made available in January 2010.
Visit the IMLS Web site for the program announcement and access to program resources.
Posted on November 18, 2009
Deadline: Rolling
November 23rd 2009
Chamber Music America Invites Applications From Member Organizations for Residency Partnership Program
Chamber Music America’s residency partnership program supports live ensemble music in rural, urban, and suburban communities across the United States. Dynamic collaborations and non-traditional partnerships among ensembles, presenters, and community-based organizations are encouraged. The program is open to ensemble and presenter members of Chamber Music America.
Residency projects may include workshops, ensemble coaching sessions, lecture/demonstrations, and/or concerts that are not part of a regular series. The length of the collaborative project ranges from a minimum of three days to one year. Support ranges from 50 percent to 80 percent of proposed costs. These may include cash from other grants, earned income, in-kind donations, or an allocation from the organization’s general operating funds.
Short-term projects — a minimum of three days with a minimum of three residency activities — are eligible for grants of from $2,500 to $6,000 each. Extended projects — a minimum of ten activities over a period of one month to a year — are eligible for grants of from $5,000 to $12,000 each.
In addition, one recipient will be selected each year from the string quartet applicants to CMA’s Residency Partnership Program for the Guarneri String Quartet grant, an annual residency grant for a string quartet.
Visit the CMA Web site for program guidelines and CMA membership information.
Posted on November 18, 2009
Deadline: February 12, 2010
November 11th 2009
Echoing Green Opens Application Period for Social Entrepreneur Fellowships
Posted on October 26, 2009
Deadline: December 2, 2009
Each year, Echoing Green awards twelve to fifteen two-year fellowships to social entrepreneurs. Fellows receive seed funding and technical support to turn their innovative ideas into sustainable social change organizations.
Echoing Green seeks individuals or partnerships (organizations led by two people) with innovative solutions to significant social problems; strategies to create high-impact, sustainable change in people’s lives; and the ability to grow and lead a new organization.
The application process is open to citizens of all nationalities working in any country. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, and must have sufficient English fluency to participate in interviews and Echoing Green events.
Organizations must be the original idea of the applicant, and must be independent and autonomous. (Organizations cannot be considered independent or autonomous if they are started under the direction of an existing organization.) Organizations must be in a start-up phase. To be considered a start-up, the applicant may have been running the organization full-time for approximately two years, and Echoing Green’s financial support should qualify it as a major/primary early funder. Applicants who have only worked on their organization on a part-time basis or have yet to start an organization are generally considered eligible. Applicants must make a full-time commitment to the organization’s development.
Fellows receive up to $90,000 ($60,000 for individuals and $90,000 for partnerships of two people) in seed funding over two years.
November 11th 2009
Nominations Invited for 2010 Tech Awards
Posted on November 1, 2009
Deadline: March 31, 2010 (Nominations)
An annual program of the Tech Museum of Innovation, the Tech Awards are designed to inspire global engagement in applying technology to humanity’s most pressing problems. The awards recognize individuals, organizations, and companies from around the world that are utilizing innovative technology solutions to address urgent issues in the areas of education, equality, environment, health, and economic development.
Each year, candidates are nominated and then invited to submit applications. Individuals, for-profit companies, and not-for-profit organizations are eligible. Self-nominations are accepted.
International panels of judges will review the applications and select fifteen laureates. Awards will be presented in five categories — health, education, environment, economic development, and equality. Three laureates in each category will be honored and one laureate per category will receive $50,000. Laureates will be honored at an annual gala event and inducted into the Tech Awards Network. The goal of the program is to create opportunities for learning, networking, and exposure to assist the laureates in furthering their work.
Nominations are accepted year-round. The 2010 deadline for nominations is March 31, 2010. Nominees that meet the eligibility guidelines will be invited to submit a more detailed application.
“Visit the Tech Awards Web site for complete program information.”: http://techawards.thetech.org/nominate/
November 11th 2009
Clorox Announces New Grant Initiative to Fund Youth Programs
Posted on November 5, 2009
Deadline: November 29, 2009
Clorox Clean-Up, a product of the Clorox Company , has announced that its new Power A Bright Future program will award five grants of $10,000 each to kids’ programs in hopes of enriching the lives of youth across the United States.
The program invites individuals to nominate nonprofit youth programs for a Power A Bright Future grant by submitting a photo and short essay about the project. A panel of children’s advocates will review all submissions and select fifty finalists. From December 7 to January 17, 2010, the public will have the opportunity to vote online for their favorite finalist’s program. The final five will be announced by the end of January. Each winner will receive a $10,000 grant to help the project grow.
November 11th 2009
Black Metropolis Research Consortium Announces Two Fellowship Programs in African American Studies
Posted on November 5, 2009
Deadline: January 11, 2010
The Black Metropolis Research Consortium is an unincorporated Chicago-based association of libraries, universities, and other archival institutions. Its mission is to make broadly accessible its members’ holdings of materials that document African-American and African diasporic culture, history, and politics, with a specific focus on materials relating to Chicago.
The Black Metropolis Research Consortium is accepting applications for two fellowship programs:
With support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the BMRC short-term fellowship program in African-American studies supports scholars, professional artists, and writers who wish to conduct research in BMRC member institutions’ collections relating to African-American and African diasporic culture, history, and politics. The fellowship period is for one or two months during the summer of 2010. Fellows will receive a stipend of $3,000 per month to conduct research in Chicago. Qualified scholars, composers, media artists, musicians, visual artists, and writers are encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to applicants who wish to conduct research at more than one of BMRC’s member or associate member institutions.
BMRC is also administering the Timuel D. Black, Jr. Short-Term Fellowship in African American Studies. The Timuel D. Black, Jr. Fund, a standing committee of the Vivian G. Harsh Society, Inc., is providing short-term research fellowships related to the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature housed at the Carter G. Woodson Regional Library of the Chicago Public Library. The fellowship program supports scholars, writers, educators, and institutional researchers who would benefit from research conducted at the Vivian G. Harsh Collection. The fellowship period is for one or two months during the summer of 2010. Fellows will receive a stipend of $2,000 per month while conducting research in Chicago.
Visit the Black Metropolis Research Consortium Web site for complete program information.
November 11th 2009
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Pew Charitable Trusts Announce Health Impact Project
Posted on October 30, 2009
Deadline: Open
A collaboration of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Pew Charitable Trust, the Health Impact Project is intended to encourage the use of Health Impact Assessment (HIA) to help decision-makers better assess proposed policies, projects, and programs with respect to their impact on health so that they may avoid adverse health consequences and costs and improve health. The program partners have issued a call for proposals to demonstrate the effectiveness of HIAs and promote their incorporation into local, state, tribal, and federal decision-making.
Eligible applicant organizations include: state, tribal or local agencies; tax-exempt educational institutions; and publicly supported charitable organizations that are exempt from federal income tax as an organization described by section 501©(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applicant organizations must be located in the United States or its territories at the time of application.
Up to fifteen demonstration projects will be awarded in this round of funding. Grants will range from $25,000 to $150,000 and must be completed within twenty-four months. Proposals for more than $150,000 may be considered under rare and exceptional circumstances. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis; proposals may be submitted at any time.
Complete program information is available at the RWJF Web site.
November 11th 2009
ING Unsung Heroes Program Offers Grants for K-12 Educational Projects
Posted on October 29, 2009
Deadline: April 30, 2010
The ING Unsung Heroes program annually provides grants to K-12 educators utilizing new teaching methods and techniques that improve learning.
Each year, educators submit applications for an ING Unsung Heroes grant by describing projects they have initiated or would like to pursue. Each project is judged on its innovative method, creativity, and ability to positively influence students.
One hundred finalists will be selected to receive a grant of $2,000 each, payable to both the winning teacher and his or her school. At least one grant will be awarded in each of the fifty states, provided at least one qualified application is received from each state. Of the hundred finalists, three are selected for additional financial awards — $25,000 for first place, $10,000 for second place, and $5,000 for third place.
All K-12 education professionals are eligible to apply. Applicants must be employed by an accredited K-12 public or private school located in the United States and be full-time educators, teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, or classified staff with effective projects that improve student learning.
November 11th 2009
Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation Invites Nominations for Inclusion Champion Award
Posted on October 29, 2009
Deadline: May 1, 2010
The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation works to help young people with physical, mental, or learning disabilities to lead full and productive lives.
The MEAF Inclusion Champion Award honors individuals who have made significant efforts to promote the full inclusion of youth with disabilities in society. The focus of the efforts may include, but is not limited to, helping to create a culture of inclusion within an organization or community or developing innovative strategies for inclusive programming in school activities, after-school programs, community service, and leadership development.
The Inclusion Champion is selected each year by a panel of experts in the field, and is presented during the Kids Included Together annual conference. The award consists of a trophy and $1,000 donated to the charity of the awardee’s choice.
Criteria for selection include evidence that the nominee’s efforts have changed attitudes, increased inclusion, made a measurable impact on the lives of young people with and without disabilities, and promoted sustainability of inclusion outcomes.
November 11th 2009
Terra Foundation Offers Summer Residency in France for Artists and Scholars
Posted on October 29, 2009
Deadline: January 15, 2010
The Terra Foundation for American Art annually offers ten summer fellowships to artists and scholars from the United States and Europe. The residency is designed to provide participants with an opportunity for the independent study of American art within a framework of interdisciplinary exchange and dialogue. The setting for the program is the village of Giverny, France, located less than an hour from Paris.
These fellowships are awarded to artists who have completed their studies at the master’s level and to doctoral students engaged in research on American art (from the eighteenth century to the 1980s). During their eight-week stay, senior artists and art historians are in residence to mentor fellows and pursue their own work.
Applicants must be nominated by a professor at an academic institution. Eligible applicants are American and European doctoral candidates researching a subject that contains a significant American art component, or that examines artistic exchange between America and Europe; and American and European artists who have completed a master’s program (or its equivalent) in mixed media and/or painting. All applicants are expected to be fluent in English. Knowledge of French is desirable, but not required.
Each Terra Summer Residency Fellow is provided with lodging and study or studio space, daily lunches, and a program consisting of independent study, meetings, and seminars. Terra Summer Residency fellows are awarded a stipend of $5,000 and artists receive an additional $200 for the purchase of materials.
Visit the Terra Foundation Web site for complete program guidelines.
November 11th 2009
More Affordable Housing in Mid-City
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and First NBC Bank awarded a $500,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant to Gulf Coast Housing Partnership (GCHP) to renovate a vacant, flooded apartment complex, creating 108 units of affordable and supportive housing. The historic Sacred Heart High School was previously converted to an assisted living facility for seniors, which has been vacant since Hurricane Katrina floodwaters damaged the property in 2005.
GCHP is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote housing production and community redevelopment in areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This project, to be known as 3222 Canal, is located in an area with a high demand for affordable housing, and the grant will help bridge the funding costs for renovations.
“There has always been a need for affordable and supportive housing in New Orleans, and especially since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita,” said Noel Henderson-James, Project Manager at GCHP. “By renovating historic and abandoned structures, we are bringing the buildings back into commerce and improving the surrounding neighborhood.”
The structure will offer affordable housing units for very low- to low-income individuals, as well as supportive housing for the homeless and those living with special needs.
“The redevelopment of the former Sacred Heart School continues the major revitalization of the famous Canal Street of New Orleans since the flooding of Hurricane Katrina. We thank the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas for its key role in making this project possible,” said Ashton J. Ryan, Jr., President of First NBC Bank.
The project remains in the initial planning stage, and construction is scheduled to begin in March 2010.
Each year, the FHLB Dallas returns 10 percent of its profits to the communities served by member institutions in the form of AHP grants issued through its member financial institutions. As of September 30, 2009, FHLB Dallas has awarded $8.4 million to projects within its five-state District, including more than $2.1 million to projects in Louisiana, resulting in the creation or renovation of 332 housing units in the state.
For more information about FHLB Dallas programs, please contact the Corporate Communications Department at 214.441.8445.
About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 12 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $67.3 billion as of September 30, 2009, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to more than 900 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit the FHLB Dallas web site at fhlb.com.
CONTACT: Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas Corporate Communications (214) 441-8445 http://www.fhlb.comhttp://www.benzinga.com/press-releases/g38998/fhlb-dallas-and-first-nbc-bank-award-500-000-grant-to-gulf-coast-housing-partn
October 21st 2009
Vote Now: Trumpet Awards
October 19th 2009
Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries Accepting Applications From School Libraries
In order to promote a love of reading, the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries works to provide books to the school libraries and students that most need them.
The foundation makes grants of up to $6,000 each to update, extend, and diversify the book collections of school libraries. All LBF grants are made to individual schools rather than to school districts, county systems, private organizations, foundations, or other entities. LBF gives selection preference to schools in which 90 percent or more of the students receive free or reduced lunches and are likely to have the fewest books at home.
Foundation funds are available only for library books and magazine/serial copies and subscriptions. The Laura Bush Foundation is unable to honor requests for staffing, shelving, furniture, equipment, software, videos, classroom book sets or any kind of book guides, tests, or exams. Only one application per school is allowed per year.
Libraries at public and private schools are eligible to apply.
Deadline: December 31, 2009
Visit the LBF Web site for complete program information and application instructions.
October 19th 2009
Fund for Teachers Accepting Applications for 2010 Summer Education Grants
Fund for Teachers invites educators from across the United States to design and submit proposals for their own educational adventures next summer.
The program is designed to provide educators with the opportunity to pursue areas of personal and professional interest and bring their experiences back to the classroom for the benefit of their students. Eligible projects include tours, conferences, and independent studies anywhere in the world.
The program offers individual grants of up to $5,000 each and team grants of up to $10,000 each for the summer of 2010.
Deadline: January 29, 2010
“Visit the Fund for Teachers Web site for detailed information about the schools/districts eligible for Fund for Teachers grants and for complete application guidelines.”:
October 19th 2009
Fund for Teachers Accepting Applications for 2010 Summer Education Grants
Fund for Teachers invites educators from across the United States to design and submit proposals for their own educational adventures next summer.
The program is designed to provide educators with the opportunity to pursue areas of personal and professional interest and bring their experiences back to the classroom for the benefit of their students. Eligible projects include tours, conferences, and independent studies anywhere in the world.
The program offers individual grants of up to $5,000 each and team grants of up to $10,000 each for the summer of 2010.
Deadline: January 29, 2010
October 19th 2009
MacJannet Prize for Global Citizenship Seeks Nominations of Exceptional University-Based Community Outreach Programs
The Talloires Network, an international association of universities committed to ensuring that higher education strengthens communities the world over, and the MacJannet Foundation have announced that nominations are being accepted for the second annual MacJannet Prize for Global Citizenship.
The prize recognizes exceptional university-based programs around the world that encourage active citizenship and student leadership. The prize is designed to raise awareness of higher education’s distinctive role and responsibilities in benefiting both local and international communities through understanding, outreach, and service.
Eight prizes will be awarded in 2010 — a first prize of $5,000, two second prizes of $2,500 each, and five third prizes of $1,000 each. Prize money will be used to further the goals and strengthen the impact of the awarded programs. Winning programs will demonstrate exemplary service in addressing an issue of global significance such as threats to public health in the developing world, efforts to promote literacy, or assisting the economic development of distressed communities.
Only programs originating from member institutions of the Talloires Network are eligible for the prize. Nominations will be accepted from students, faculty, staff, or administrators at member institutions. Leaders of higher education institutions around the world are invited and encouraged to join the Talloires Network.
Deadline: December 15, 2009
October 19th 2009
Youth Service America Seeks State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grant Applications
Youth Service America is accepting applications for State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grants to support service-learning projects that culminate on Global Youth Service Day, April 23-25, 2010.
School and community educators across the United States and Canada (select provinces) can apply for up to $1,000 in funding for youth-led projects. Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with academic study and reflective practice to enrich learning, build civic engagement, and strengthen communities. State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning grant applicants are encouraged to develop projects that launch on Martin Luther King Day of Service, January 18, 2010, and culminate on the weekend of GYSD, April 23-25, 2010.
Deadline: November 9, 2009
For the State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grant application form, visit the YSA Web site.
October 19th 2009
Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Arts Program Accepting Applications for Fund for National Projects
As part of its initiative to help strengthen the national performing arts sector, the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation’s Arts Program will support select national projects that strengthen the health of the dance, jazz, presenting, and/or theater fields.
The foundation’s Fund for National Projects supports projects that strengthen the national infrastructure of the professional nonprofit dance, jazz, presenting, and/or theater fields; or improve conditions for the national community of performing artists in professional nonprofit dance, jazz, and theater.
National projects engage a broad national constituency, occur once (or periodically) rather than annually, and have the potential to significantly impact a field. Eligible projects include research projects assessing the national health of professional nonprofit arts groups or of individual professional artists; special national convenings for entire professional nonprofit performing arts fields (beyond traditional national annual conferences); and special projects that address unique circumstances that affect an entire professional nonprofit field.
Single nonprofit organizations and consortia are both eligible to apply.
From 2009 through 2011, the fund will award a total of up to $1 million in grants each year to support key national projects. Grants range from $60,000 to $200,000 each and cannot exceed 40 percent of a project’s total cost.
The arts program staff reviews letters of inquiry on a rolling basis. Deadlines for letters of inquiry are November 1 and May 1, with full proposal deadlines (upon invitation) due no later than December 1 and June 1, respectively.
Deadline: November 1, 2009 and May 1, annually (Letters of Inquiry)
October 19th 2009
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Accepting Applications for 2010 Institutional Grants
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences funds the Institutional Grants Program to assist in fostering educational activities between the public and the film industry while encouraging the appreciation of motion pictures as both an art form and a vocation.
Academy Institutional Grants are awarded only to nonprofit film organizations and to film programs within schools, colleges, universities, and other institutions and nonprofit organizations. Grants are not awarded to individuals or to for-profit companies or organizations.
Eligible programs include but are not limited to craft workshops and conferences in which college students and/or adults are trained in one or more of the various craft fields of film production (directing, cinematography, screenwriting, editing, etc.); internship programs in which college students are placed in professional environments outside of their schools, either on film productions or in film-related offices; library and archival projects in which the papers of filmmakers are preserved and/or made available to the public; screening programs, especially those in which filmmakers interact with audiences; seminar programs, in which film professionals discuss their work and/or particular aspects of the creation and distribution of films; teacher training programs, in which production techniques and/or film appreciation information is presented for teachers to take back to their classrooms; training/bridge programs, in which college students and/or adults are trained for and then placed in film industry jobs (this includes mentoring programs); and visiting artist programs, especially those in which a filmmaker spends several days in residence at a college, university or media center.
Grants are not awarded to cover the expenses of producing a film or to film festivals. (The academy has a separate festival grants program.)
Deadline: January 15, 2010
“Visit the academy Web site for complete program guidelines and application.”: http://www.oscars.org/education-outreach/grants/institutional/index.html
October 2nd 2009
Samsung's Four Seasons of Hope Offers Technology Donation Competition for U.S. Schools
Students, parents, and teachers across the United States are invited to help improve technology in classrooms by submitting a brief essay for the opportunity to receive a portion of over $1 million in technology from Samsung Electronics America’s Four Seasons of Hope campaign. The philanthropic initiative will reward winning writers with a Samsung Go Netbook and their local schools with Samsung products, Microsoft software, DIRECTV educational television programming, and cash grants as well as special @15 gift cards supplied by Best Buy.
Competition participants are invited to submit hundred-word essays on how the consumer electronics, computer equipment and software awarded through Samsung’s Four Seasons of Hope could benefit their school. Participants should nominate a public or state-accredited private school for grades K-12 in their community. Home schools, colleges, universities, and vocational/trade schools are not eligible for nomination.
Posted on October 2, 2009
Deadline: November 1, 2009
Complete contest rules and online entry forms are available at the Four Seasons of Hope Web site.
October 2nd 2009
Powered by Service Offers Funding to Seed Youth-Led Service Projects
Usher’s New Look, a nonprofit organization founded by entertainer Usher Raymond IV that supports underprivileged youth in using their talents to become community leaders, has announced the launch of Powered By Service, a new initiative to encourage young people around the world to become involved in addressing the most pressing problems facing their communities — from preventing malaria and stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS to ending gang violence and increasing access to clean water.
Young people all over the world can participate in Powered By Service. Participants will have access to online toolkits and opportunities to apply for financial resources to support their projects. Grants will be awarded for exceptional service ideas.
Powered By Service currently has two grant opportunities available for youth volunteers.
Sponsored by the United Nations Foundation, the “Nothing but Nets” grant is designed to help youth create projects that increase awareness and funds for the purchase of bed nets to prevent the spread of malaria in Africa.
Sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service’s Learn and Serve America, the “What’s Your Power?” grant opportunity offers funding for projects that address any issue. Youth are invited to design a project around the cause that interests them.
For complete program information, visit the Powered By Service Web site.
October 2nd 2009
Surdna Foundation Accepting Applications for Arts Teachers Fellowship Program
The Surdna Foundation has announced the tenth year of a national initiative to support the artistic revitalization of outstanding arts teachers in public arts high schools.
Through the Surdna Arts Teachers Fellowship Program, fellows will design individualized courses of study that provide both immersion in their own creative work and the opportunity to interact with other professional artists in their fields.
Teachers will be expected to design a fellowship program that provides opportunities to interact with professional artists and enhances their understanding of current techniques, activity, and thinking in their artistic domain(s). A fellowship program may include study in arts courses; attendance at advanced art-making workshops, festivals, or institutes; residencies at artists’ colonies; formal mentor relationships with recognized professional artists; independent study towards the completion of an artistic project (which includes interaction with other professionals), or other artistic pursuits.
All permanently assigned full- and part-time arts faculty in public arts high schools may apply. Eligible schools include specialized public arts high schools and arts-focused magnet and charter high schools. Teachers of all arts disciplines are eligible — visual arts, photography, theater, music, dance, film, video, multidiscipline, and creative writing. Applicants must be minimally in their fifth year of teaching arts in high school, and plan to continue as an arts teacher in their specialized public arts high school in 2010-11.
Twenty awards of up to $5,500 each, with a complementary grant of $1,500 to the fellow’s school to support post-fellowship activities, will be made.
Visit the Surdna Web site for complete fellowship program information.
Posted on September 27, 2009
Deadline: November 13, 2009 (Intent to Apply)
October 2nd 2009
MAP Fund Accepting Letters of Inquiry for Contemporary Arts Performance Projects
Funded by the Rockefeller Foundation and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and administered by Creative Capital, the MAP Fund works to help build a risk-welcoming contemporary performance field by providing project-specific funding to playwrights, choreographers, directors, composers, and performers experimenting in any performance tradition or discipline.
MAP seeks especially to support work that brings insight to the issue of cultural difference or the concept of “other,” be that in class, gender, generation, ethnicity, or formal consideration.
Letters of inquiry and full applications must come from organizations based in the United States that have current nonprofit 501©(3) federal tax status. Unincorporated artists or ensembles may apply to MAP through an eligible fiscal sponsor. Organizations and artists must demonstrate at least two years’ professional experience.
Posted on September 30, 2009
Deadline: October 19, 2009 (Online Letter of Inquiry)
September 21st 2009
Home Construction: Preventing and Recovering from Contractor Fraud
NPN presents:
an informational round table hosted by Galante Bivalacqua,
LLC on the major problems faced by homeowners and
contractors alike, and how to identify possible contractor
fraud in the post-katrina environment.
Wednesday, September 23rd – starts at 6:30pm
The Urban League of New Orleans 2322 Canal St
For more information, e-mail kellynpnnola.com
September 17th 2009
Trumpet Release Party: Success!
Thanks so much to everyone who came out to The Trumpet Release Party last night! We had 78 AMAZING guests and made enough money from the raffle to purchase 3-4 new magazine racks to increase Trumpet distribution; and we are hoping that the November Release Party will be even bigger and better!
Huge Thanks to HOUSE OF BLUES for donating The Parish Room, which was an amazing space and for all of their help throughout the event, and also thanks to Fair Grinds Coffee and to Body Bistro Salon and Spa for their generous raffle donation of a Day at the Spa (which was won by Trumpet Contributor Brian Opert)!
And of course, The Trumpet wouldn’t even exist without fantastic contributing writers – and we have some of the best! Please check out their amazing stories.
You can read the online Trumpet here: September Trumpet
Or pick up a hard copy at a distribution location near you: Distribution Locations
Here are some of the tweets from the night:
jonahevans: Excited for the @NPNnola Trumpet Release party 2nite!
lunanola: My article is the friggin’ feature article/centerfold in this month’s The Trumpet — Thanks, @NPNnola! I’m awestruck!
jonahevans: So proud of heyitsmegan for putting on a great Trumpet Release party for NPNnola. Pick up a copy!
champsuperstar: RT NPNnola: Phenominal party tonight - thanks to Hobnola and everyone who came out!!!
champsuperstar: @NPNnola Thank you! Very cool event!
sherinola: @NPNnola sorry we were late but so glad we made it. got to chat it up with some greatness!
lizmoney: @NPNnola Had a great time last night at the event! Looking forward to more great things to come!
RedCrossSELA: @NPNnola Congratulations on your successful event! ^RC
September 1st 2009
SCSJ to award Grants to support Census outreach
SCSJ is giving small grants to organizations to support outreach efforts for the 2010 Census.
Eligible organizations are located in our five target states of Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana, and work with our target populations including low-income people, people of color, tenants, migrant workers, homeless, and others at risk of undercount.
August 27th 2009
Greater New Orleans Foundation Accepting Applications for Grants from the Norco Community Fund
NEW ORLEANS – The Greater New Orleans Foundation announced today that approximately $50,000 will be made available to 501©(3) organizations that serve the Norco community. Grants made from the Norco Community Fund aim to improve the quality of life for Norco residents through the support of programs that serve their community. The deadline to apply for a grant is September 18, 2009. A grant application form is available at http://www.gnof.org. Specific areas of interest include the arts and humanities, community building and development, education, environment, healthcare, human services, and youth development.
Established in 2003 by Shell Chemical Norco and Motiva Enterprises, the Norco Community Fund has awarded over $200,000 to nonprofit organizations serving the Norco community. “We are proud to continue a company tradition of investing in our community,” said External Affairs Manager for Shell and Motiva, Lily Galland.
Interested organizations should submit completed a grant proposal with all supporting materials to:
The Norco Community Fund P.O. Box 70
Norco, LA 70079
The Greater New Orleans Foundation is the community foundation serving the 13-parish Greater New Orleans metropolitan area. We design and lead initiatives that improve the region, connect donors to community needs, identify and support great nonprofits, and strengthen civil society.
August 24th 2009
Ezra Jack Keats Mini-Grant Program Accepting Applications From Public Schools and Libraries
Created by the children’s book author and illustrator, the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation is accepting applications from public schools and libraries anywhere in the United States and its protectorates for program or event mini-grants of $500 each.
Creative programs funded in the past have included ongoing pen-pal projects bringing disparate communities together; multi-cultural portrait projects; art projects culminating in art shows, murals, or quilts; bookmaking; creation and performance of puppet shows; and inter-generational journals.
Deadline: September 15, 2009
August 24th 2009
Applications Invited for State Farm's Youth Advisory Board Service-Learning Grants Program
The State Farm Youth Advisory Board is a group of thirty diverse youth that helps create and oversee a State Farm-funded grantmaking initiative for student-led service learning projects in the United States as well as Alberta, New Brunswick, and Ontario, Canada.
Grants are available for projects that address the issues of environmental responsibility, natural and societal disaster preparedness, driver safety, financial education, and accessing higher education/closing the achievement gap.
August 24th 2009
Open Society Institute Seeks Entries for Moving Walls 17 Documentary Photography Exhibition
The Open Society Institute invites photographers to submit a body of work for consideration in the Moving Walls 17 group exhibition.
Moving Walls is an exhibition series that features in-depth explorations of human rights and social issues. Thematically linked to OSI’s mission, Moving Walls is exhibited at OSI’s offices in New York and Washington, D.C. The show will feature the work of seven photographers.
“Link”: http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/rfp_item.jhtml?id=262900004
August 17th 2009
Applications Available for AAUW Community Action Grants
Grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to individuals, AAUW branches, AAUW state organizations, and well as local community-based nonprofits working to promote education and equity for women and girls….
Deadline: January 15, 2010
August 13th 2009
UnitedHealth Group Offering Grants to Help Combat Childhood Obesity
Grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded to young people working with educators and other youth leaders to create local hands-on programs that address the issue of childhood obesity in their communities….
Deadline: October 22, 2009
August 6th 2009
NPN seeks new board members!
The NPN Nominating Committee is requesting nominations for the NPN Board, to be elected at the October membership meeting. Board Members must be members of an active NPN membership neighborhood association, have a commitment to citywide neighborhood unity, recovery and development, and be able to commit to serve one 3-year term. Please e-mail nominations to or contact Kelly at (504) 940-2207 for nomination form.
You can also download a nomination form here:
July 27th 2009
The "Master Plan" draft - available now
The Residents’ guide to the draft of the 21st Century Plan for New Orleans (a.k.a. “The Master Plan” draft) is available now!
Click Here!
June 16th 2009
The Trumpet Blog has a new look!
After a few months of dormancy, The Trumpet Blog is back. Visit us at http://npntrumpet.blogspot.com. We’ll keep it updated with community news and events, so check back often to see what’s going on in your community. Send us an email at if you’ve got a story that you want to contribute!
May 11th 2009
NPN's Capacity College Featured in the Times-Picayune!
April 16th 2009
NPN Seeks Trumpet Editor!
The Trumpet Editor Position:
Neighborhood Partnership Network (NPN) mission is to improve our quality of life by engaging New Orleanians in neighborhood revitalization and the civic process. The Trumpet is looking for the next Editor. It is a great opportunity to lead an authentic and growing community publication. The Editor is a part-time position. Help carry the torch of community writing.
Job Duties
- Reach out to community residents, students and non-profits and work with them on their submissions.
- Edit and manage the design of the print edition of The Trumpet which is published 6 times during the year, with one of the editions being the “The Trumpet Anniversary Edition” – January issue.
- Act as a liaison with the Times-Picayune, the Gambit, and other local papers
- Coordinator graphic layout and printing of the Trumpet to ensure execution of the magazine
- Ensure the sustainability by researching potential underwriters.
- Collaborate with established leaders in the non-profit, community organizing, and government sectors
- Write editorials, give presentations, or undertake such additional tasks as may be requested by the Executive Director or the Board which are conducive to marketing New Orleans neighborhoods and promoting NPN events.
Skills and experience required:
- Excellent writing and editing skills
- Computer skills, familiarity with Microsoft Office and programs such as Adobe Photoshop and In-Design (preferred)
- Graphic design skills (preferred)
- Experience with use of the Internet
- Organized and ability to meet deadlines
Please send cover letter, resume, writing sample, and design examples to
Timolynn Sams
Executive Director
March 9th 2009
NPN Releases 2008 Annual Report
NPN recently released its annual report for 2008, detailing our organizational achievements for the year. Click here to read the report!
March 2nd 2009
NPN Holds Breakfast with Members about Legislative Priorities
Yesterday, March 2, 2009, over 30 NPN members gathered at a breakfast to discuss legislative priorities before state legislators go into delegation in Baton Rouge on April 27. The breakfast was a proactive move by the NPN network to ensure that the concerns and priorities of New Orleans citizens are addressed by our representatives. In the meeting, residents voiced concerns and suggestions on issues surrounding crime and safety; education; streets and roads; and the general recovery of the city.
Notes and a full report from the breakfast meeting are forthcoming, and will be posted on npnnola.com. While none of the invited legislators attended this initial meeting, three legislative aides were present. Ultimately, NPN will use yesterday’s conversation as a springboard for a final meeting before the April 27 delegation, in which we will seek once again to engage our legislators in a conversation about our shared interests and opportunities in the coming year.
Members, stay tuned for information about this upcoming event.If you are not yet a member of the network, become one today and ensure that your voice is heard!
December 3rd 2008
Education Advisory Task Force Meets to Plan Capacity College
The NPN Education Advisory Task Force, composed of neighborhood residents and nonprofit staff, had a successful meeting November 25th. Among the points of discussion were:
- What are the five overarching core classes for Capacity College?
- How do we make sure the workshops have a strong “takeaway” for neighborhood participants?
We are preparing to invite neighborhood leaders to apply for Neighborhood Educator Fellowships, a year-long leadership development program within Capacity College. Fellows will receive development training, prepare and teach a Capacity College workshop and meet with regional/national experts and leaders. If you are interested or would like to nominate someone who you think would be an excellent Fellow please email
November 11th 2008
NPN's Timolynn Sams Named one of "50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World"
NPN’s Executive Director, Timolynn Sams, was recently named one of “50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World” by Utne Reader. Sams was featured in a section alongside Brahm Ahmadi, cofounder of People’s Grocery in West Oakload, California. Click here for the online version of the full article.
_________
GROWING THE GRASS ROOTS
The mendacious politician who belittles the role of community organizers should hoof it to People’s Grocery in West Oakland, California, where Brahm Ahmadi leads the crusade for food justice.
What started as a few people dissatisfied with their lack of access to fresh produce is now a model for how to integrate a sustainable local food system into an inner-city community. Ahmadi stresses the need to build a set of choices first, and then enable individuals to make those choices for themselves. He’ll soon take on a new role as CEO of the first community retail market when it rolls out over the next two years.
Elsewhere, another solution-oriented movement is making headway under the direction of native New Orleanian Timolynn Sams. After Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on her city, Sams wrote to the Neighborhoods Partnership Network, asking to be involved with the organization through AmeriCorps. Instead, they put her in charge.
Once leaders truly empathize with citizens, they can leverage the peoples frustrations and make change, says Sams, who faces the same struggles with overcrowded schools and power outages as do the people she serves.
She describes New Orleans as a laboratory for the entire country. While the challenges of natural disasters and institutional bungling are universal, what makes Louisiana special is its citizenrys uncanny resilience and generations of community ties, which have linked to form an unbreakable bond.
Sams knows there will always be another storm but remains upbeat about the soul of her city. As for the rest of the country? She admits to being a little concerned.
October 27th 2008
Operation REACH's Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund Call for Nominations
Operation REACH’s Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Hamilton Simons-Jones
October 23, 2008
(504) 529-1722 ext. 110
________________________________________________________________________
Operation REACH, Inc Seeks Outstanding Youth to Serve on Grant Awards Panel
New Orleans, LA—Operation REACH, Inc is pleased to announce a call for nominations for members of the Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund Youth Advisory Board, a youth philanthropy program that awarded over $12,500 in grants last year to local youth-led and youth-driven organizations. Operation REACH is seeking energetic, community-oriented youth who are looking to make a difference in the community.
Thirty middle and high school students from around the Greater New Orleans area will be selected to serve on the Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund Youth Advisory Board. The students, who are nominated by schools and local organizations, must complete an application and interview. The deadline for nominations is October 31, 2008.
The Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund (GYAF) engages youth as leaders and empowers them with the resources to make strategic investments in their peers and communities. GYAF is a program of Operation REACH, Inc., a local community education organization that engages, empowers, and inspires children youth and families through informal learning. Operation REACH runs the Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund in partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) and supported by the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation, the Foundation for the Mid South, Rebuilding Our Community, Inc., United Way of Greater New Orleans, the Metropolitan Human Services District, FedEx Corp., State Farm Insurance Companies, and Interfaith Works.
Youth participants will be trained in all aspects of philanthropy. They will facilitate training workshops for youth and adults, review proposals and serve on a panel that makes grant awards of $500 to $5000 to local youth-led and youth-serving organizations.
�The Advisory Board will have adult-level responsibilities and adult-level resources and assets to be actual policy shapers and decision makers, thus having a direct impact on this community�s recovery,� said Dr. Kyshun Webster, CEO of Operation REACH, Inc.
�They will learn and take responsibility for advocating for positive change in their schools, amongst their peers and in their communities.�
Youth Advisory Board members will be selected and begin training in October. The training sessions will be led by community leaders and mentors, including topics like fiscal management, community organization, public relations, and the art of reading and writing business proposals. Youth will also learn how philanthropy relates to economics, geography, government, history and civic engagement.
To request a nomination form for the Youth Advisory Board, visit http://www.thegyac.org.
Individuals and corporations interested in donating to the Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund should call (504) 529-1922 × 110.
For more information on the Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund, visit http://www.thgyac.org
October 24th 2008
Funding Opportunity for New Orleans Area Nonprofit
New Orleans Nonprofit Organizations Invited to Take Freeman Challenge to Build Endowments
Deadline: November 17, 2008
The Richard West Freeman Endowment Challenge through the Greater New Orleans Foundation (http://www.gnof.org/) is designed to assist nonprofit organizations within the Greater New Orleans area looking to create an endowment for the first time or build on an existing one.
An endowed fund is one where the principal is kept intact and invested, with only a certain portion of the investment income distributed back to nonprofits for their general use. Often, nonprofits will see their endowments grow by reinvesting earnings and by adding additional contributions from donors.
The Freeman Challenge will match one dollar for every two dollars raised by nonprofits up to $15,000. Nonprofits will have the opportunity to select a preference for one of three matching categories: 1) the nonprofit raises $10,000, the Freeman Challenge matches $5,000; 2) the nonprofit raises $20,000, the Freeman Challenge matches $10,000; and 3) the nonprofit raises $30,000, the Freeman Challenge matches $15,000.
Nonprofit, tax-exempt, 501©(3) organizations are eligible to apply, as are organizations that have a fiscal agent relationship with a 501©(3) nonprofit.
October 23rd 2008
Education, Community, and Health Funding Opportunity -- RGK Foundation
The following funding opportunity announcement is likely to be of interest to nearly all nonprofit organizations certified as tax exempt under Sections 501c(3) or 170c of the Internal Revenue Code and/or classified as “not a private foundation” under Section 509(a). Hospitals, educational institutions, governmental institutions, and school districts meeting these requirements are eligible to apply:
EDUCATION, COMMUNITY, AND HEALTH
RGK Foundation
Application Deadline: There is no deadline for submitting an electronic letter of inquiry. Foundation staff reviews electronic letters of inquiry on an ongoing basis and typically responds within two days, but asks that applicants allow up to two weeks for a response. The foundation will send an e-mail message either declining each applicant’s request or inviting the applicant to submit a formal application packet for further consideration.
Description: The RGK Foundation awards grants in the broad areas of education, community, and medicine/health. Community Improvement programs include those that enhance nonprofit management and promote philanthropy/volunteerism. Other programs considered include human services, abuse prevention, and youth development programs. The Foundation is also interested in programs that attract female and minority students into the fields of mathematics, science, and technology.
Limitations: As a general practice, RGK Foundation refrains from funding capital campaigns/renovation projects, emergency or disaster relief efforts, and indirect/administrative costs. The Foundation prefers to provide programmatic support ~ including program salaries ~ for nonprofits. Reference website for a complete list of restrictions.
Who May Apply: Grants are made only to nonprofit organizations certified as tax-exempt under Sections 501©(3) or 170© of the Internal Revenue Code and classified as “not a private foundation” under Section 509(a). There are no geographic restrictions (within the United States) on the Foundation’s grantmaking program.
Funding Amount: Although the foundation occasionally awards grants of more than $100,000, grants generally average $25,000.
For more information, go to:
http://www.rgkfoundation.org/public/guidelines
September 25th 2008
NPN GUSTAV ROUNDTABLE A SUCCESS
Neighborhoods Partnership Network hosted two roundtable discussions moderated by Executive Director Timolynn Sams and facilitated with board members LaToya Cantrell (Broadmoor) and Tillman Hardy (Leonidas/Pension Town) at noon and 6:00 PM. The purpose of the meeting was to voice neighborhood concerns and experiences about what was and was not successful during the Gustav evacuation and return as well as posit solutions for future hurricane preparedness.
Residents from all parts of the New Orleans area were represented at both discussions. A total of 83 sign-ins with 50 of the persons present being representatives from neighborhood organizations, and 32 city, state, and non-profit agencies were present for the conversation.
The discussion for the meeting included broad topics such as Travel, City Transportation, Shelters/Hotels, Expenses, Crime/ Safety, and Retuning Home. Citizens were asked to provide the good, the bad, and the ugly about their personal experiences during and after Gustav.
We are excited that the City Council will review the final document to consider the citizens and grassroots perspective on New Orleans hurricane preparedness and return procedures.
September 24th 2008
Green Jobs Now! Rally at Lafayette Square September 27
SEPTEMBER 27 will be a national mobilization to say, “I’m ready for the green economy.” We are ready to tackle the climate crisis by building a green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty. Come out to visit and tour green project sites around the city, sign up to volunteer for green community service projects, and learn where our candidates stand at a local political forum, or just come out and participate at Green Jobs Now rally!
See our events on the NPN Calendar for September 27th
Tentative Listing of Greater New Orleans 9.27.08 Events:
The Alliance for Affordable Energy at 1001 South Broad Street, New Orleans, LA 70125 will host a sneak preview of our New Orleans BuildSmart learning center.
The Conservation Corps of Greater New Orleans will host a series of service projects focused on public lands and green jobs at different sites around the region. To learn more, contact the CCGNO office (504)267-7301
The Global Green House, 409 Andry Street, New Orleans. Open for public tours Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11am-4pm, Saturday 10am-1pm. For more information, please call 504-525-2121, email , and visit http://globalgreen.org/neworleans/holycross/
Loyola University and the Gulf Restoration Network will host the Louisiana 2nd Congressional District Candidates’ forum from 7pm-9pm at Roussell Hall on Loyola’s campus.
NOLA100 Energy Efficient Home Renovation: 1441 St. Roch (corner of St. Roch and N. Robertson), NOLA 70117 or call (504)583-1214. Tours will take place from 10AM-1:30PM
September 12th 2008
NPN Awarded Grant for Capacity College
The Neighborhoods Partnership Network was awarded a grant from the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation to develop Capacity College – a series of workshops, forums and partnerships designed by and for neighborhood organizations and residents.
The NPN Education Committee invite all NPN members to join the committee and help work on the program’s design and implementation. For more information contact
September 9th 2008
Neighborhood Roundtables: Debriefing on Gustav Evacuation, Return and Recovery
Neighborhoods Partnership Network (NPN) will hold a round table of neighborhood leaders to review the Gustav evacuation and return on a neighborhood by neighborhood basis to identify what worked, what did not, and make recommendations for improvements. Overall the evacuation went smoothly, but to avoid widespread evacuation fatigue, we must address those aspects of the process that did not work.
Key leaders from neighborhoods and some service providers will talk frankly during a “debriefing” for the first hour of two sessions, the first at noon, and the second at 6 p.m. During the second hour, solutions and recommendations will be developed for submission to public officials and provider agencies. A review of the issues discussed during the first hour will also be covered during the later session. Issues such as pick up points, transportation, shelter conditions, communications regarding evacuation and return, psychological issues, security, debris and trash removal, grocery and other supply availability will all be reviewed.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 10, 2008
1st session: 12 p.m. 2 p.m.
2nd session: 6 p.m. 8 p.m.
WHERE: 3500 Canal Street, 2nd Floor (NPN OFFICES)
WHO: ALL INVITED – neighborhood organizations, leaders and citizens to join them along with representatives from the Mayors office, city agencies, Entergy, City Council, New Orleans Police Department.
August 31st 2008
New Orleans "Emergency Operations Center" Update
Quoted from New Orleans “Emergency Operations Center”
The following is updated public information from the City of New Orleans Emergency Operations Center.
Media Briefing:
- The next media briefing will occur at 7:45 p.m. today in the City Council Chambers on the first floor of City Hall.
Emergency Operations Center:
- State of Emergency Declaration filed on August 29, 2008
- The City of New Orleans Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated to a level 2
- CAEP – CAEP began at 8:00am. Citizens are making their way to the 17 pick up locations. RTA is bringing citizens to the Union Passenger Terminal for processing. The lines are lengthening but are still being managed. Water and snacks are available for the citizens waiting to be processed. Trains and buses are being loaded as quickly as possible. The first Amtrak train departed New Orleans at noon.
- The Central City Senior City pick up location published is incorrect. 2020 Jackson Ave is the correct address, not 2020 Philip Street.
- New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness are encouraging all citizens who need assistance evacuating to continue going to the 17 pick-up locations. Please do not wait until the last minute to evacuate.
- Tourists should continue to evacuate as well. Tourists with airline tickets need to proceed to the Sheraton Hotel on Canal or Harrah’s Hotel. These tourists will be routed to MSY.
- Over 100 busses have been loaded and are enroute to shelters. A second Amtrak train will be departi.
- As of 1:00pm 19,885 citizens have registered for the CAEP. Prior to the impending storm only 7,000 citizen registered. 12,885 have since the impending storm.
- Currently the only people who need to register with 311 are those who are confined to a bed or those who cannot make it to one of the 17 pick-up locations on their own.
New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) Capt Terry Hardy, Public Affairs
- The New Orleans Fire Department has split its Incident Management Team to handle command, finance, logistics and planning.
- NOFD has agreed to work with city finance and purchasing to handle logistic and finance for the city.
- New Orleans Fire Department will check nursing home facilities at 12:00 noon and report the stats to Emergency Operation Center.
- New Orleans Fire Department will transport pet from the seventeen pick-up sites to the Union Passenger Terminal.
- New Orleans Fire Department will run full staff today and tomorrow. We will use operation activation to recall all uniform fire department personnel.
New Orleans EMS (NOEMS) Jeb Tate, Public Information Officer
- NOEMS has activated 80% of their staff with 100% of staff reporting Sunday morning at 6:00am
- NOEMS is not currently experiencing high call volume. NOEMS has answered over 40 calls for service since 6:00am today.
- No significant hurricane evacuation related responses
Clarifications
- Citizens are not being turned around at the Texas state line – Entergy is not going to disconnect power at large apartment complexes – Citizens with questionable citizenship will be allowed to evacuate in the CAEP safely without risk of deportation.
August 29th 2008
PSA From City: Citizens Urged to Sign Up for Assistance with Evacuation
Quoted from Mayor’s Press Office
Citizens Urged to Sign Up for Assistance with Evacuation
Buses will pick up people at 17 locations
NEW ORLEANS, LA (August 29, 2008) – Mayor C. Ray Nagin and Lt. Col. Jerry Sneed, Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, are urging residents who will need assistance to evacuate from New Orleans to register for the City Assisted Evacuation Plan.
The City estimates that 30,000 people will need evacuation assistance because they do not have vehicles, cannot afford to evacuate on their own, or have special medical needs,
Below is key information about the program:
- Register by calling 311 or (504) 658-2299
- Citizens also may register in the Office of Public Advocacy,
- Citizens will board RTA buses at 17 pickup sites once the CAEP is initiated. Each site has special signage.
- Citizens should identify the closest pick-up site now.
- People who have not registered may still show up at one of the sites.
- ID will not be required in order to board a bus.
- Buses will transport citizens to the Union Passenger Terminal. From there, they will be transported to a shelter outside the New Orleans.
- Bring luggage similar to what would be taken as a carry-on for an airplane – one medium-sized bag and a personal bag, such as a purse or laptop bag.
- Maps are available online at http://www.cityofno.com
Citizens with special medical needs
- Residents with special needs are urged to evacuate with a family member or friend if possible.
- Registration is critical for those with special medical needs who may need to be transported by ambulance or who may require other special care.
- Residents with special medical needs who have been pre-identified will be transported from their homes.
- Citizens with special medical needs should plan to bring one attendant with them.
Pets
- Citizens may bring their pets with them.
- All pets should be in kennels
August 20th 2008
Web Workshop
Web Profile Training – Learn How To use Your Group Profile on NPNNOLA.com
WHEN: Wednesday, August 20th 6:00pm
WHERE: Gentilly Terrace Elementary, 4720 Painters Street.
Please RSVP 504-267-4669
Come for a hands-on workshop. Whether the profile is your group’s first website or part of your communications strategy, you will learn how to maximize its potential. Learn to:
- Share news and announcements with groups across New Orleans
- Improve your group’s exposure and outreach.
- Find partners and services that fit your group’s needs.
- And more……
August 13th 2008
Rebuilding Information Station
The Rebuilding Information Station provides information to assist homeowners in managing the various aspects of rebuilding hurricane-damaged homes. LSU AgCenter, UNO-CHART, Tulane City Center, and The Road Home will be supporting the stations mission.
The Station houses community educators with whom homeowners can participate in one-on-one conversations about rebuilding projects, as well as provides access to numerous resource-materials. A Road Home representative will be there to look up your records to say yes, they have your elevation grant application but haven’t distributed your money. They also deal with other issues with full access to your records.
Information will be provided to homeowners on how to:
1.Build a safer, more energy efficient home
2.Prepare financially for your restoration or rebuilding project
3.Better understand the construction process including changing building codes
4.Navigate the registry of licensed local contractors for homeowners’ particular needs
5.Obtain information on hazard mitigation
6.Manage your contractors and learn how to avoid contractor fraud
Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 10AM-6PM Wednesday & Friday 9AM-5PM
Where: UNO’s Research/Technology Park in the CERM Building, 2045 Lakeshore Drive, Suite 103.
UPDATE: Mini-seminars on Hurricane Resistant Home Improvement which will be offered this month at the new Rebuilding Information Station. There will be ample time for questions and discussion after each presentation.
When: Thursdays in August, 4:30-5:30 pm August 7, “Protecting Windows and Doors” August 14, “Storm Resistant Roofing Techniques” August 21, “Make Your House Stronger With Hurricane Straps” August 28, “Foundations For LA Homes”
August 5th 2008
Neighborhoods and Universities Come Together to Discuss Partnerships
On Wednesday, July 23rd, neighborhoods, nonprofits and local universities came together to discuss the possibilities within neighborhood-university partnerships. At the Developing University Partnerships Workshop, co-sponsored by NPN and the Tulane Center for Public Service, over 50 individuals listened to presentations, engaged in discussion and networked. Cheryl Diggins from Melia Subdivision and Audrey Browder from Pontilly Disaster Collaborative provided neighborhood perspectives on working with universities to design and implement projects. Key information on university partnership opportunities was presented by Warren Puneky, Director of Service Learning at Delgado Community College, Nick Harris, Director of the Dillard Community Development Corporation, and Michael Pizzolatto and Bridget Smith from Tulane Center for Public Service.
The presentations showed attendees the diversity of available options when looking to engage in neighborhood-university partnerships. During the reflection, several attendees expressed that they had learned about opportunities of which they were not previously aware. A networking session allowed both presenters and attendees to address specific questions, share ideas and exchange contact information. According to feedback provided to NPN, this event was a successful introduction to university-neighborhood partnerships and may have even sowed the seeds for future partnerships between participants.
Read the minutes from the Developing University Partnership Workshop
Download the handouts
August 5th 2008
Neighborhood Groups of NPN Elect New Board of Directors
On July 30th, twenty-two (22) neighborhood groups and seventeen (17) nonprofit organizations gathered for the 1st Annual Neighborhoods Partnership Membership Meeting. With a membership of 70+ neighborhood groups and nonprofits, NPN is committed to take its lead from the network. Accomplishments at the membership meeting included: Electing eight new Directors to the Board, Reviewing the year’s Annual Report, Establishing Committees such as“Advocacy and Outreach” and “The Trumpet Editorial Board.”
Resident and nonprofit leaders throughout the city of New Orleans had an opportunity to set the direction of NPN’s coming year of programs, workshops and committees. Board Members Phil Costa (former Board Chair), Deborah Langhoff, Amy Lafont, and Kim Henry served from Fall of 2006 through July 2008, giving their time and energy to establishing the foundation of the Neighborhoods Partnership Network.
Jessica Knox led a facilitated discussion inviting the membership to provide feedback on NPN programs and set the course for NPN’s 2008-2009 goals. Common suggestions throughout the meeting included having more opportunities for peer neighborhood groups to network with one another, what role NPN can have with regard to advocacy or issue education, and continuing the personalized support throughout NPN’s programs.
August 4th 2008
LRA Approves Funding for Jeremiah Group's Homeownership Strategy
The LRA Approves Funding for Jeremiah Group’s Project!
On Wednesday, July 30th, the LRA voted unanimously to support The Jeremiah Group’s Project Homeownership strategy, allocating $75 million for zero-interest soft-second that will make homeownership affordable for working families and restore thousands of blighted properties throughout the City. The allocation will create the largest homeownership strategy in the City’s history!
In addition to the funding approval, the board backed legislation calling upon federal housing officials to let the Road Home program pay grants based on the highest available property value and showed interest in reimbursing Road Home applicants up to $7,500 for the cost of adding storm-resistant house features.
The LRA’s endorsement must still approved by the Housing and Urban Development which has shown support for the subsidy. The program is set to begin in November if it is approved by HUD.
Get in touch if you want to be involved with the next phase of Project Homeownership — Making sure our local entities implement it quickly, effectively and fairly!
For more information can be found at this link http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/capital/index.ssf?/base/news-6/1217482525154890.xml&coll=1&thispage=2
July 31st 2008
PATHWAYS TO HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM DESIGNED TO INCREASE HOMEOWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITES AND REVITALIZE NEIGHBORHOODS
“From the Mayor’s Press Office”
(New Orleans, LA) July 31, 2008) —Today, The Finance Authority of New Orleans in cooperation with the Louisiana Recovery Authority, the State of Louisiana Office of Community Development and the City of New Orleans will launch the first phase of a global ‘Pathway to Homeownership’ Soft-Second Mortgage Loan Program designed to assist residents in purchasing homes, and those current homeowners who need help with renovating their homes.
The program will be open to properties located in the Housing Opportunity Zones in Orleans Parish, which were created in response to the two year citizen-driven Unified New Orleans Plan (UNOP) for recovery and redevelopment of New Orleans.
The initial phase of the program funded by the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) offers soft-second mortgage loans for up to $65,000 to first time homebuyers with household incomes of 80 percent or less of the metropolitan area median income (AMI). The loans will be available through participating lenders, and are offered at zero percent interest with payments on the loan deferred until the sale or refinance of the home. In addition, this phase of the program offers up to $10,000 in closing cost assistance for the homebuyer’s principal residence in any one of the Housing Opportunity Zones.
Homebuyers who have already received payments from the State under the “sell” or “relocate” options of the Road Home Program are not eligible to participate in this program.
The actual amount of the loan and closing cost grant received will be determined by need and annual household income, since the goal of this loan program is to cover the ‘gap’ between the highest affordable first mortgage loan for which the homebuyer would qualify, and the purchase price or value of the home. The LRA has approved $27.8 million to fund this portion of the program.
The City plans to expand the program to more of its citizens by matching the LRAs funds, increasing the income eligibility, and including soft-second mortgage loans for rehabilitation and renovation. The additional program funds will provide homebuyers with higher incomes an opportunity to utilize the program, and will help to fill the reconstruction gaps experienced by many citizens. The City has pledged $27 million to fund this portion of the program and anticipates the full approval by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by mid August.
“We anticipate the full approval of the expansion of this program within the first couple of weeks of August. By partnering with the State, the City will provide a $54 million dollar Soft-Second mortgage program that will reach almost 1000 homeowners, including those in the middle class who historically don’t qualify for these types of programs,” said Mayor C. Ray Nagin. “By focusing on the targeted Housing Opportunity Zones, this program will be a catalyst for the recovery and renewal of our neighborhoods by creating infill, clustering and rebuilding, and fighting the Jack-O-Lantern effect, just like the residents told us to do in the UNOP.”Those approved for the loans must commit to remain the owner and/or occupant at the financed home for at least three years. Those borrowers who demonstrate continual occupancy for five years will receive loan forgiveness equal to 20 percent on the balance of their Loan.
For more information on Housing Opportunity Zones in Orleans Parish visit http://www.financeauthority.org
July 23rd 2008
Governor Jindal Vetos Millions to NGOs
Governor Jindal vetoed 258 budget earmarks intended to Non-Government Associations (NGOs) July 14. With much of the funds going to non-profits and NGO service providers in New Orleans and other Louisiana parishes, there is concern that the budget cuts will hurt the availability of services for residents. Setting a record with the most vetoes ever, Governor Jindal cites that the $16 million dollars cut from the budget did not comply with the letter to legislators outlining the criteria for NGO funding. According to Governor Jindal’s website the criteria are as follows:
- Must have statewide or substantial regional impact.
- Must have been presented/openly discussed during the legislative session.
- Must be a state agency priority.
- Must have the proper disclosure form published online prior to consideration for funding (consistent with information provided in the House disclosure form). Quoted from Governor Jindal’s web site.
Some local New Orleans non-profits are questioning how funding can be cut to parishes that so badly need funding due to Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita and the federal levee failures. For a full list of the vetoes cut from House Bill 1 (HB 1) click on the following link http://www.gov.state.la.us/index.cfm?md=newsroom&tmp=detail&articleID=337 .
If you want to get involved with legislation about non-profits, Louisiana Association of Non-Profits (LANO) located at 1812 Orethat Castle Haley Blvd provides updates on policy concerning NGOs, non-profits and service providers.
NPN seeks new board members!
The NPN Nominating Committee is requesting nominations for the NPN Board, to be elected at the October membership meeting. Board Members must be members of an active NPN membership neighborhood association, have a commitment to citywide neighborhood unity, recovery and development, and be able to commit to serve one 3-year term. Please e-mail nominations to or contact Kelly at (504) 940-2207 for nomination form.NPN is funded with help from CPSC
