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Earlier this month, I taped a segment for WUSA-9, the CBS affiliate in Washington, DC, on the topic of the FDA Globalization Act of 2008. I wanted to share it with you because it's summarizes the heart of the issue. That is, if passed in its current form, it would put thousands of small and woman-owed businesses out of business, while doing nothing to protect consumers. Along with anchor Lesli Foster and IBN member Jamila White of j.blossom, this segment aired on September 18. Unfortunately, the station removes the video links from its site after a few days, and you can read the story here.

This whole process is such a fantastic adventure for me. It is such a pleasure to be in a position to inspire, encourage and advocate on behalf of Indie Businesses across our nation.

If you have not signed our Petition in opposition to the FDA Globalization Act of 2008, please do so by leaving your comment in the comments section of this blog post. You don't have to write a lot. Just say as little as, "I oppose the FDA Globalization Act of 2008. Name, city, state."

Related Posts

Stop the FDA Globalization Act of 2008
Preparing For a Date With Congress
Sample Letters You Can Send to Congress and the Media
It's Not About You

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The number one tool of PR professionals for more than fifty years has been, and continues to be, the press release.***Visit us now at www.prdepotchicago.com and learn how to get a Free Press Release (Reg. $99) created for your business/site, mention you are a member of Sistapreneurs with any distribution purchase and we'll add your site/logo to our Featured Business Links page at no additional cost. - Limited Time Offer
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Indies in the City: San Francisco

I Love Indies in San Francisco!

We had a fantastic time last night at Indies in the City in Point Richmond, California, about 20 minutes outside of one of my favorite cities: San Francisco. I am here for the next 4 days to share my knowledge and experience at Lori Nova's Business Boot Camp. I am always excited to do that, but especially for this event because Lori's Nova Studio is such a lovely and intimate workshop. While I like sharing in any venue, I really love it when I can be up close and personal with other Indies. Here's a picture of everyone smiling in the midst of the chicha.

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L to R: IBN member Donna Lang, The Aromatic Way; Rochel Roland, Kelly Chadwick of Pure Indulgence; dM, Ann Walls, IBN member Joan Morais of Joan Morais Natural Body Care Classes & Workshops; IBN member Lori Nova of The Nova Studio. Throughout the next four days, along with other experts in various fields of small business success, I'll be addressing Lori's group.

My topics are:

  • The New Brand of Business Leaders: Just look around at all of the failed examples of leadership in our society today. Politically, socially and especially in the real estate and financial worlds, people who have taken leadership seminars from the world's best have turned out to be some of the worst leaders of our time. Indies to the rescue! We are the new brand of business leaders. Gone are the days how to identify and embrace your own special form of Indie Business leadership
  • Saving Your Business Before it Starts: Who has time for tomes and volumes of paper exploring ad nauseum how a business will start and become profitable. I take the evening bag approach to business planning: focused and detailed, yet efficient and realistic. I love this one!
  • Your Hidden Intellectual Property Assets: Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! Trademarks, copyrights and layers, oh my! Grasping this stuff is easier than you might think, and I'm going to share all of my attorney tricks from 20 years of practice so help avoid heartache and capitalize on assets that most people miss out on.
  • Become the News You Want to Be: Skip all the expensive workshops about how to get your products featured in top fashion magazines and national television talk shows. Bring the world to your door using using time, your creativity and your laptop. Indies are the news today, and your own story is the world's most popular headline! I'm going to show 17 lucky people how it's done!

You can see a full list of speakers and topics at Lori's website.

Related Posts

Indies on Capitol Hill
Indies in the City: Washington, DC
Indies in the City: Columbia, SC (video)
Indies in the City: Washington, DC (Silver Spring, MD) (video)

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Brown Sugar Chic BoutiqueFor Those That KnowBrown Sugar Chic Boutique provides its clients with a unique buying experience. To the women of distinction, Brown Sugar Chic Boutique brings class, creativity, femininity, and fun to women of all ages and sizes. Brown Sugar Chic Boutique orders no more than 6 of any item carried. This ensures exclusivity to its clients. BSCB carries apparel, handbags, shoes and accessories.CEO & Owner, Tammy Hamilton, recently added a new service to the Brown Sugar Chic Boutique roster. BSCB now offers its clients image consulting and personal shopping services.To read more visit http://www.alivemagonline.com/entrepreneur_highlights.
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As a member of the Board of Directors, I would like to send an invitation to attend if your schedule permits. ~Lisa Marie GloverAfrica’s Children’s Fund (ACF) a non-profit development and relief organization will host its 9th annual Taste of the World celebration on October 5th from 3pm until 7pm at the Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Atlanta.The premier fundraising event—hosted by ACF and the United Culinary Chefs Association—will feature food tasting from some of the finest chefs in Atlanta, a cooking demonstration from Atlanta’s own Chef Marvin Woods and a ceremony to recognize the recipient of the 2008 Children’s Champion Award, Actor/Activist, Danny Glover.All proceeds from the event will support ACF’s programs in Metro Atlanta, the Caribbean and several African countries.In 1993, Victor Mbaba (Tuskegee Univeristy Alum, MS, Class of 1986) founded Africa’s Children’s Fund, an organization dedicated to assisting children and families in Atlanta, Africa and the Caribbean through health, education, housing and mentoring programs. ACF’s notable programs include Project EXCEL, a mentorship and tutoring program in Metro Atlanta, the AIDS-Orphans Project in Africa, and the Gift of Books program which collects and distributes books to impoverished schools in Africa and the Caribbean. To date, more than 30,000 individuals have benefited from ACF’s programs.ACF also enjoys the support and leadership of world renowned public figures such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole.Tickets to our 9th annual Taste of the World celebration are available with a $45 donation for general admission and $100 for reserved seating. To purchase tickets, please contact Colenda A. Jefferson at (770) 465-6610 or by visit http://www.africaschildrensfund.org/.The purchase of a Taste of the World ticket is much more than an opportunity to participate in a festival. It is hope for children and families all over the world. Taste of the World is one of the many ways ACF creates futures forAtlanta’s youth, homes for struggling families, and healthcare and education for children in Africa and the Caribbean.So, we invite you to “taste the world” with Africa’s Children’s Fund to afford you another opportunity to recognize and appreciate the many cultures and cuisines that make this world beautiful.You may obtain additional information regarding this event by going to http://www.tasteoftheworld.info

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GOLD RUSH THIS FALL

I'm so excited to tell you about the hottest eye color this season. Get excited! It's Gold

Sometimes the most spectacular makeup looks use only one shadow and a little imagination... Once the face is entirely made up, and above all, you've applied concealer around the eye, follow these steps:Apply the Gold Shadow over the entire lid, blending lightly into the inner corners of the eye. If you want, increase the intensity by adding a second layer of eyeshadow. Leave the browbone clean; it isn't always necessary to use a lighter-colored eyeshadow in this area. Many times the concealer that you applied to the area can serve as a highlighter.Next, use black eyeliner this is the part that you have to practice, but it's easy. Line your eyes at the roots of your lower eyelashes with a well-sharpened eye pencil. Follow the same procedure on your upper eyelashes, paying special attention to draw a straight line at the inner corner of your eye.Beginning at your tear duct, draw a thin line, then thicken it at the center of the eye, and then taper it back down at the outer corners. Leave the inner rim of your eyelid without makeup to make your eyes look bigger.Finally, apply two coats of mascara. Apply the first coat, wait until it dries, then apply the second coat.Now all you need to do is practice :-) Until next time...Have a wonderful day!Try MK Amber Blaze Click On Link

http://www.marykay.com/cmitcham/color/eyes/viewall/default.aspxCorinne's Fashion World
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Get in on what's happening at From A Writers POV

Hello BBWO friends. My magazine From A Writers POV has been updated. I wanted to send a preview of the newsletter here just incase anyone was interested.If you are a publisher, reviewer or editorial company and would like to submit your company info to be advertised with our magazine next month, you can submit it here: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/advertiseyourcompanies.htmWe've added a new package for authors who are looking for interviews as well as ads with for their books. You can view more details here: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/advertisementinfo.htmThere are two spots left for the women's writing event "Women Empowering Women" If your intersted, you can sign up here: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/womenswritingevent.htmGet in the spotlight this week with a new question "What do you think is the reason that most black men are being killed before they reach 21?"Post your comments on this statement here: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/fromawriterspov.htmIf you haven't posted your site to our Top 100 Sites, you have one week to do it! http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/fromawriterspov.htmBe sure to read our new weekly feature and inspirational writing this week.I look forward to seeing you all there!!!Thanks, Dominiquehttp://fromawriterspov.webs.com
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Sister's Battle

This was sent to me today...True as it maybe, I still wanted to share this in showing that no matter if the support is not standing with me, I am standing for you and with you...Success To All...Ok…so I walk in and you see me. You see that my hair is done, my outfit is fierce and I carry myself like a lady. I smile at you but you roll your eyes at me, then, turn your head and whisper something to your girl. Why you hatin'?Ok… so maybe I'm a new employee and this is my first day at work. I almost thought I would be the only sister in the joint until someone introduced us to each other. I smile and extend my hand, happy to know I won't be here alone. You smile and shake my hand but there's insincerity in your eyes and your hand is limp. You seem guarded. What's wrong?Ok …so maybe my husband and I have been having problems. And since you've been my best friend for years I confide in you that I think he's cheating on me. You offer your support. Until I find out that he's been cheating on me….with you! Why would you hurt me like that?I found your knife girl…..it's in my back. Now I'm not saying every sister has a knife…but some of you do….and you know who you are.As women we battle daily. We battle keeping our families together, keeping our men happy and maintaining our presence in the workforce. With all that battling going on why in the world should we have to battle each other?Why is it that a woman can't get her shine on without you having a problem with it? Why is it when I have some news to share with you, you make it about you? If I'm working myself to death in the office trying to climb the corporate ladder…why am I suddenly a sellout? Why is it if I'm working two and three jobs I must need something...How about a sister trying to be "debt-free! Have you thought about that?Just because I'm smiling at you, doesn't mean I'm not onto you...If I leave the room for a minute why can't I trust you not to talk about me, let alone be around my man? Why are you always silently competing with me? You know I'm hitting home now...You're just smiling in my face, but gossiping behind my back… you now have permission to consider yourself trifling'!Inferiority Complex; it makes us feel that in order to be someone special we have to put everyone else beneath us. Are we so insecure in ourselves that we can't feel good until we pull someone else down? There's something wrong here. We've come to envy those who've accomplished in their lives what we've only dreamed of having for ourselves. And when we fear we will never be able to get what we want - so what do we do....steal it... and make the other sister feel bad about making decisions that's right for her.There is a serious self-worth issue going on here. We're in a day and age where we should be encouraging each other and holding each other up. Sisterhood should not end when Oprah goes off! Truth be told, there will always be someone prettier, sexier, stronger, and smarter. that's just the way it is. But that's ok …I don't care how good Beyonce' looks - if she walks into the same room I'm in, it doesn't make me any less of the diva than I already am! I love admiring hairstyles…but there's no need to be jealous. Honey, nowadays there's enough hair for everybody.I have goals in life. There are things I strive to attain. Yet I seek out successful sisters because they keep me motivated. So my beautiful sisters please don't tear one another down for personal gain and satisfaction, it still makes you ugly no matter what the men are saying!!! Check your loyalty!Life is so much more than who looks the best, who dresses the best and who makes more money. So when you see your sister going for hers let it inspire you.... I'm going to still keep on keeping on...And as for you, try to do you and be happy for the next sister! When you are happy for your sister, God can bless you with your own: house, finances, husband, children, job, and education.Peace and Blessings
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FREE Menopause Survival Kit

Sistas this is a kit that I feel that is needed if you are 40 and over. This kit will help you to cope with the challenges of this time in your life? (The Change) It is important to remember that the "change" called menopause is a natural, normal phase of female development and not a disease process. Sign up for the FREE MenopauseRx Survival Kit to receive free educational materials, full size samples and coupons for products to relieve menopause symptoms and address pertinent health concerns.

survivalkit2.jpg

For more freebies, please join our group 'Sistas Lovin Freebies' right here on black business women online!
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RUNWAY vs.YOUR WAYBring the hottest Runway looks to your closet at the fraction of the costRunway Fall '08St. John $1,295Your Way Fall '08Terramina 6690 only $160Taking cues from the hottest Fall'08 Runway looks, we offer you looks inspired by the NY Fall Fashion shows at a fraction of the cost! We want to help you be in style AND save!

www.SuitsAbounding.com
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I Would Love...

... To network with anyone in the public relations or advertising industry in NYC. I have been busting my hump trying to break in for months, and it is getting a little frustrating... More than one person has told me it's all about "who you know", so I would love to network with any sistahs in "da biz". I am definitely capable, and we all know you have to crawl before you walk... If there is anyone out there who would be interested in giving me some sound advice, information or contacts, don't hesitate to contact me. After all, isn't that what we're here for? Thank you my sistahs and PEACE!ps: you can hit me here or on my gmail account: coolcruelworld@gmail.com!
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ARE YOU AN UN-PUBLISHED AUTHOR?

If you are a writer, finished your work, and are looking for a publisher, then don't hesitate to visit us at www.obpublishing.homestead.com. We, here at Opal Book Publishing, help those un-published authors get their names and titles out worldwide. We are a very inexpensive company and our sole mission is to help you to achieve your goal as a published writer. Opal Book Publishing is looking for DETERMINED authors who are ready to venture into the next stages in their lives. If you're ready, just submit your first 3 chapters to obp_submissions@yahoo.com. For more information, visit www.obpublishing.homestead.com. We "Treat Your Work Like A Precious Jewel".Corinthia A. KelleyFounder and CEOOPAL BOOK PUBLISHING

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Letter To God!!!!!

Dear God,When I am lonely and,Perhaps I feel despair.Let not my ailing heart forget,That You hear every prayer.Remind me that no matter what,I do or fail to do,There still is hope for as longAs I have faith in You.Let not my eyes be blinded bySome folly I commit.But help me to regret my wrong,And to make up for it.Inspire me to put my fears,Upon a hidden shelf,And in the future never toBe sorry for myself.Give me the restful sleep I need,Before another dawn,And bless me in the morning withThe courage to go on.
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Hello, it's Ruth.I found something that looks really great and I believe it will interest you also. I am very excited about it.I am looking for 2 motivated strategic business partners to have fun with. I respect you and would like to invite you to become one of my 2 strategic partners today. Please check it out thoroughly and get back to me today so we can see if you are going to be one of my 2 partners or not. Either way is fine with me. I was blown away when I checked it out.There are so many incredible people involved in this project.Watch the short 1 minute slide show on the home page. Please be sure you have your speakers turned on.Also, be sure to click on the $22K Income Generator Link & The Charity Link featuring Chuck Norris and Shakira!Please get back to me as soon as possible today or tomorrow at the latest as this is exploding worldwide right now and we are moving forward very fast.Sincerely,Ruth Clements413 363 2041prosperity_in_2008@yahoo.comCLICK HERE TO SEE THE WEBSITEPS: If you wish to become one of my 2 strategic partners, go ahead and sign up right away and get back to me ASAP.I'm looking forward to hearing back from you today or tomorrow at the latest. Thank you.http://ProsperityIn2008.mentorsclub.comhttp://blackbusinessbuilders.com/bbb7.htm?2659Ruthhttp://www.prosperityin2008.mentorsclub.com/http://www.blackbusinessbuilders.com/bbb7.htm?2659
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Published Authors? Looking for an Interview?

My magazine, From A Writers POV has now added a feature to our book advertisements and you picture could be the cover of our magazine. You can be featured as our "Writer of the Month" with Book Advertisements. From A Writers POV will do a column on you and your book as well as other accomplishments. You will also have your book advertised on a full page in our magazine for one full edition. We simply ask that your book has been released within a year or being released within 3 months. You will fill out the form. (link is below) and submit it to us. This will reserve your spot for a particular month. If you need to reserve your spot for one specific month, please contact us.Once your form has been received, we will contact you with questions for our column that we will publish to our magazine. You will need to provide a picture of the cover of your book. A picture of yourself (Please provide a professional picture as this will be on the cover of our magazine). A link to where readers can buy your book. A brief description about the book and it's author.Book Advertisements are $15 for one ad and article column for one full edition.For more info and to contact us on the Ad and article, view this link: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/advertisementinfo.htmPlease be sure to view our calender to see what month's are available for book Ads. The calendar link is here: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/apps/calendar/I look forward to hearing from you!Thanks, Dominique!
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I'd Love Your Feedback on My New WordPress Blog Layout

I have been blogging since 2005. You can see the remnants of my first blog here. I keep thinking I should take that site down, or at least disable the blog, but I don't because it is such a useful teaching tool. It shows how awful a beginner blogger really is. In fact, shortly after I launched that blog, I interviewed Debbie Weil, author of the Corporate Blogging Book, on Indie Business Radio. On a whim, during the live show, I asked Debbie to log onto my blog and give me some real time feedback. I had not prepared her for the question and I could tell immediately that Debbie did not want to embarrass me on my own radio show. She was gracious of course, yet honest, and I am so thankful to her for telling me the truth without slamming me.

Indie_2

So I keep the blog up, and link to it from time to time to encourage other beginner bloggers that everyone has to start somewhere. Now, 3 years and 3 blogs later, I'm considering switching to a WordPress blogging platform. (I'll post an article about why I am considering this later.) I hired Matt Blancarte Unique Blog Designs to create something just for me. What you see in the graphic above is his first draft.

What do you think? I'll ask Debbie too. In fact, I'm working with her to set up a return date on Indie Business Radio. Debbie lives and breathes blogging and she's a fantastic resource. I highly recommend that you enjoy the show from a few years ago and buy her book at the link, and stay tuned for an announcement soon about Debbie's return to Indie Business Radio.

So, what do you think of the draft of my new blog layout?

Related Posts

Blogging: So Easy, Anyone Can Do It
Save Time, Blog Fast
Top 10 Reasons Why Your Business Blog is Dead
My Blog Mentors
The Whole Hog Business Blog

For more Indie Business blogging information and tips, subscribe to Indie Business Blog today.

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HI, THIS IS A FRIEND OF MINE, LIANA! SHE WAS FEATURED IN THE FEBRUARY ISSUE OF ULM BECAUSE SHE CREATES HER OWN LINE OF BEAUTY PRODUCTS CALLED "INDIVIDUAL EXPRESSIONS"

IN FACT, SHE'S MAKING A PERSONAL LINE FOR ME CALLED "LYFESTYLES" AND SHE CAN CREATE YOURS ALSO



SHE IS ALSO A FRIEND OF YOURS BECAUSE SHE IS A MEMBER OF BBS AND IS A CHAIR ON THE BBSVT!

LIANA IS PRODUCING A DAY TRIP TO BAJA MEXICO THAT IS GOING TO BE SO AWESOME!

PLEASE SEND THIS TO YOUR FRIENDS AND SUPPORT A GREAT PERSON DOING GREAT AND MIGHTY THINGS!
YOU CAN VISIT HER SITE BY CLICKING HERE!

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What are you missing?

You have a website, you've setup a blog, but what next? You have tried a few things, posted a few comments, but you are not clear on where to go at this point. If you want to fill in the blanks and improve your web skills, you should have joined my web coaching program yesterday, but today is as good a day as any to join and I will tell you why. Right now, I am showing my members how to improve on their sites, increase their clicks, and set realistic web goals. This month the featured topics include: 1. Setting up a blog and creating a blog community 2. The Basic Principles Behind Building an Online Presence 3. Using Your Web Stats to improve Your Website 4. Effective Time Management Skills so You Actually do your To Do List 5. How to Build a Network of New and Potential Customers 6. How to Target Your Target Audience 7. I am event talking about how to upload images and covert them into links, important web howtos for novice entrepreneurs interested in trying their hand a web design Right now my members are learning how to improve their sites, setting goals, and getting feedback on their websites. They have a space to dialogue, learn new ideas, and share their own frustrations about being a web entrepreneur. They get complete access to all my work and web women podclasses and recieve a copy of one of my eBooks every month. The response to this web coaching program has been great. When asked how they liked the network, this is what members had to say: "Thank you for this network. I like what I see." - Theresa "LaShanda I am so happy I joined. I have been reading like there is no tomorrow. It has really changed my approach." - Tanai "I like the fact that this network is focused on improving our web visibility and all things related on online business." - CeeCee "I think this idea was brilliant! I have been patting myself on the back daily since I joined. I think this was a great investment." - Arlice "I'm loving it so far. With my post in the Member Microscope forum, I received so many appreciated suggestions and ideas to work with. And it's great to see others jump in." - Nita "I have to be honest and admit that I have an aversion to "networks" devoted to business development related topics, but all the things I that I have issue with I am not finding here. LaShanda, this network is very helpful, and I glad I got in on the ground floor." - TurquoizBlue "This is a phenomenal network and was a much needed one and I am glad to be a part of it and I am still learning so much from you and the others too." - Charlene Dont miss out. Get answers to your web questions. Join my web coaching program today. Posted by: LHenry creator of the SistaSense eBussines Blog, a series of Web Business Howto Guides, BBWO Network for Professional Black Women and the Web Newbie Know How Coaching Program.
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Grant Opportunities

Below are several grant opportunities. Please read the specific requirements to determine if your organization qualifies.Should you need assistance establishing your non-profit entity, or with preparing and managing your grants, Alive Inc. does offer this service. Please contact us directly at coach@aliveincorporated.com for service process and rates.Youth GardensDeadline: November 1, 2008.The National Gardening Association is delighted to announce that The Home Depot will return as our Youth Garden Grants sponsor for 2009. During its long history, the Youth Garden Grants program has helped more than 1.3 million youngsters reap rewards and vital life lessons from working in gardens and habitats. Thanks to the generosity of The Home Depot, we can reach many more eager young learners. NGA awards Youth Garden Grants to schools and community organizations with child-centered garden programs. In evaluating grant applications, priority will be given to programs that emphasize one or more of these elements:• educational focus or curricular/program integration• nutrition or plant-to-food connections• environmental awareness/education• entrepreneurship• social aspects of gardening such as leadership development, team building, community support, or service-learning.Schools, youth groups, community centers, camps, clubs, treatment facilities, and intergenerational groups throughout the United States are eligible. Applicants must plan to garden with at least 15 children between the ages of 3 and 18 years. Previous Youth Garden Grant winners who wish to reapply may do so, but must wait one year (e.g., if you won in 2008, you can apply again in 2010) and have significantly expanded their garden programs. See the website below for details.http://assoc.garden.org/grantsFunds for Skateboard Parks in Low-Income CommunitiesDeadline: October 1, 2008, and March 2, 2009.The mission of the Tony Hawk Foundation is to foster lasting improvements in society, with an emphasis on supporting and empowering youth. The principal focus of the Foundation's grant program is to facilitate the design, development, construction, and operation of new, quality skateboard parks located in low-income communities throughout the United States . The Foundation looks for projects that can demonstrate a strong grassroots commitment, particularly in the form of fundraising by local skateboarders and other community groups. Priority is given to projects that are designed and built by qualified and experienced skateboard park contractors and include local skaters in the design process. Visit the website listed below to access the online application information.http://www.tonyhawkfoundation.org/grant_application.aspSeed Money for Innovative ProjectsDeadline October 31, 2008The Sparkplug Foundation primarily supports nonprofit organizations that are proposing start-up projects in the fields of music, education, and grassroots organizing. In the Music category, the Foundation supports emerging professional musicians or music-development programs. In Education and Teaching, the Foundation funds projects that deal with "the whole student" and with learning as a community activity. Through Grassroots Organizing, the Foundation encourages activist strategies for addressing institutional injustices and for building a reasoned, just society. In addition to these three categories, the Foundation is currently interested in supporting communities working on sustainable energy and Gulf Coast reconstruction democracy. The Foundation also provides limited support for projects in Israel that involve Palestinian communities. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. A telephone conversation to determine eligibility must be scheduled in order to initiate the application process. Prospective applicants are strongly urged to read the Foundation's website carefully before requesting a telephone interview. http://sparkplugfoundation.org/Support for Progressive ArtistsProposals for 2009 grants will be accepted from September 1 until December 30, 2008.The Puffin Foundation seeks to open the doors of artistic expression by providing grants to art organizations and artists who are often excluded from mainstream opportunities due to their race, gender, or social philosophy. The Foundation makes grants averaging $1,000 to $2,500 to encourage emerging artists in the fields of fine arts, film and video, music, photography, theater, and public interest. The Foundation is particularly interested in supporting creative and innovative initiatives that will advance progressive social change. Visit the website listed above for application instructions.http://www.puffinfoundation.org/ELA Foundation Offers Grant Support for Adult Disability Programs in Arts and AdvocacyDeadline: September 15, 2008 (Online Grant Application Form), November 1, 2008 (Final Application Deadline)The ELA Foundation ( http://www.ela.org ) offers grants to fund established programs in the areas of arts and advocacy to non-profit organizations led by or supporting adults with disabilities who are at least 22 years old. The foundation encourages applications from distinctive, cutting-edge programs that impact the lives of people with disabilities by "changing the face of disability" in a community.In the arts, the foundation funds programs that support professional artists with disabilities or encourage a professional environment while enhancing creativity among people with disabilities who are not professional artists themselves.In the field of advocacy, the foundation supports programs that promote change in legislation, or provide education that will enhance knowledge and action to create laws and policies that will result in better lives for people with disabilities.The ELA Foundation funds program grants only. The foundation will not fund building or equipment funds; capital campaigns; endowment funds; fundraising activities; or general support, Applicant organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and have been in existence for two years or longer.Program grants range from $1,000 to $5,000 each. Visit the foundation's Web site for complete program information.Community Development Financial Institutions Program (CDFI)Deadline: October 1, 2008 CDFI Certification, October 29, 2008 Technical AssistanceThrough the CDFI Program, the Fund provides Financial Assistance awards to CDFIs that have Comprehensive Business Plans for creating demonstrable community development impact through the deployment of credit, capital, and financial services within their respective Target Markets or the expansion into new Investment Areas, Low-Income Targeted Populations, or Other Targeted Populations, and Technical Assistance grants to CDFIs and entities proposing to become CDFIs in order to build their capacity to better address the community development and capital access needs of their existing or proposed Target Markets and/or to become certified CDFIs. For more information visit http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-18960.htmGrassroots Local Projects FundedDeadline: OpenThe Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation is dedicated to improving the communities the company serves through support of public education, community improvement projects, and home safety initiatives. Support is provided to grassroots projects located in communities where Lowe's operates stores and distribution centers. Priority is given to projects that can utilize Lowe's volunteers. Grants generally range from $5,000 to $25,000. Visit the website listed below to take the eligibility test and submit an online application.http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=frameSet&url=apps.bridgetree.com/funding/default.aspCommunity Leaders Invited to Apply for Preserve America Community DesignationDeadline: Quarterly—Next Deadline is December 1, 2008Community leaders across the United States are invited to apply for the Preserve America community designation, which recognizes a community's efforts to care for and share its cultural and natural heritage. The designation also makes the community eligible for special federal funding. Preserve America is a White House initiative conducted in cooperation with the Institute of Museum and Library Services ( http://www.imls.gov/ ) and other federal agencies.Through participation in Preserve America, communities share knowledge about the nation's past, strengthen local identities and local pride, increase neighborhood participation in preserving the country's cultural and natural heritage assets, and sup- port economic vitality.Once a community receives the Preserve America designation, it is eligible to apply for Preserve America grants, which may be used for research and documentation, education and interpretation, planning, marketing, or training. These grants, which must be matched by the community, cannot be used for construction or repair projects. In 2008, $7.5 million has been made available for the grants, which range from $20,000 to $150,000 each.To win the designation, applicants must submit an application with written support from community leaders and evidence of cultural or historic preservation activities.Applicants must be municipalities or counties with an elected governing official, or unincorporated communities within their jurisdiction; distinct neighborhoods within large cities or city-counties with a population of 200,000 or greater; or tribal communities (federally recognized) with an elected governing official or subdivisions of such tribes. Further information is available at the program's Web site.Grants Target Root Causes of PovertyThe Pre-application Eligibility Quiz, available on the CCHD website, may be submitted between September 1 and November 1, 2008. Online applications for new applicants are due December 15, 2008.The mission of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is to address the root causes of poverty in the United States through the support of community-controlled, self-help organizations and through transformative education. CCHD's Community Organizing Grants support projects in which poor and marginalized people join together to seek solutions to local problems and find ways to improve their lives and neighborhoods. Applying organizations must demonstrate a change from traditional approaches to poverty by attacking the basic causes of poverty and by effecting institutional change. Eligible projects should directly benefit a poverty group who, in turn, should have the dominant voice in the project. The Pre-application Eligibility Quiz, available on the CCHD website, may be submitted between September 1 and November 1, 2008. Online applications for new applicants are due December 15, 2008. Visit the CCHD website below for details on the Community Organizing Grants program.http://www.usccb.org/cchd/grants/criteria.shtmlGrants Available for Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service ProjectsDeadline: September 23, 2008The Corps Network ( http://www.corpsnetwork.org/ ), through the support of the Corporation for National and Community Service (http://www.nationalservice.org/ ), will make funding available to organizations that undertake service projects for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day ( http://www.mlkday.gov ) on January 19, 2009.The network will fund organizations that plan and implement service projects that mobilize a diverse group of volunteers to address conditions of poverty in their community. The net- work will disseminate a total of $80,000 to approximately twenty-five sub-grantees. In accordance with CNCS requirements, at least 30 percent of these funds will be available to organizations outside of the network.Award amounts will range from $1,000 to $10,000 each. Preference is given to organizations mobilizing the greatest numbers of volunteers. Applicants must enlist at least two hundred volunteers for every $1,000 requested.Visit the Corps Network Web site for the complete Request for Proposals.The Gideon Project – To Increase Fairness in the Criminal Justice SystemDeadline: OpenThe Open Society Institute and Soros Foundations ANNOUNCE THE Gideon Project. The mission of the Gideon Project is to improve the fair administration of criminal justice in the United States . The project awards grants in three areas affecting youth and adults in the criminal justice system: 1) Improving Public Defense Services, 2) Death PenaltyReform, 3) Racial Profiling. See the website below for more information.http://www.soros.org/initiatives/justice/focus_areas/gideon/guidelinesNew Prisoner Reentry Initiative Grants AnnouncedLimited Competition in 19 CitiesDeadline: November 4, 2008Background: The President's Prisoner Re-entry Initiative (PRI) seeks to strengthen urban communities characterized by large numbers of returning prisoners through an employment-centered program that incorporates mentoring, job training, and other comprehensive transitional services. This program is a joint effort of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Labor (DOL) designed to reduce recidivism by helping inmates find work when they return to their communities.DOJ recently awarded PRI grants to 19 State correctional agencies to provide pre-release services to prisoners returning to one targeted county within the state.Eligibility: Under this new solicitation, DOL will be awarding grants to faith-based and community organizations (FBCOs) to provide post-release services to ex-prisoners in urban communities within the target counties. This competition is limited to FBCOs operating within the target county(ies) identified in each DOJ grant. They include:1. Jefferson County , AL2. Maricopa County , AZ3. Los Angeles County , CA4. Denver County , CO5. Fairfield County , CT6. New Castle County , DE7. Cook County , IL8. Allen County , IN9. Caddo and Bossier Parishes, LA10. Baltimore County , MD11. Genesee County , MI12. Greene County , MO13. Clarke County , NV14. Mercer County , NJ15. Erie County , NY16. Tulsa County, OK17. Philadelphia County , PA18. Davidson County , TN19. Milwaukee County , WIVisit the website below for details.http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-20570.pdfMiscellaneous OpportunitiesSeed Grants Promote Services for Surrogate ParentsDeadline: December 4, 2008.The Brookdale Foundation's Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP) is designed to encourage the creation or expansion of services for grandparents and other relatives who have taken on the responsibility of surrogate parenting. The RAPP Local Initiative awards seed grants to local agencies in order to: provide support groups and at least two other supportive services to relative caregivers and their families; encourage cooperation among various service delivery systems (i.e., child care, family services, and healthcare); ensure the development and future continuity of local services; and create replicable models of service. The RAPP Regional Initiative provides grants to organizations that: serve a broad geographic area, support the development of a variety of local or regional group activities, and establish a Regional Advisory Committee to bring together representatives from various fields and communities. Application guidelines and forms are available on the Foundation's website below.http://www.brookdalefoundation.org/relativesasparents.htmAdvertising Funds for Environmental OrganizationsDeadline: November 8, 2008.The Temper of the Times Foundation promotes the use of standard marketing concepts to increase environmental awareness. Recognizing that organizations working to protect the environment often have limited access to paid media, the Foundation provides funds to underwrite advertising designed to promote the conservation and restoration of native wildlife, plants, and ecosystems in the United States. Projects which are likely to have measurable effects on wildland ecosystem conservation will be prioritized over those that are purely educational in nature. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 may be used to fund the production of print, radio, or television ads; to pay for advertising space or airtime; or to produce or distribute pamphlets, books, videos, or press packets. Funding guidelines are available on the Foundation's website listed.http://www.temperfund.org/AAUW Educational Foundation Accepting Applications for Community Action GrantsDeadline: January 15, 2009The American Association of University Women ( http://www.aauw.org/ ) Educational Foundation annually provides Community Action Grants to individuals, AAUW branches, and AAUW state organizations as well as local community-based nonprofit organizations for innovative programs or non-degree research projects that promote education and equity for women and girls.The program provides one-year grants of $2,000 to $7,000 each as seed money for new projects, and two-year grants of $5,000 to $10,000 each as start-up funds for longer-term programs. Special consideration is given to projects focused on K-12 and community college girls' and women's achievements in science, technology, engineering, or math.Applicants must be women who are U.S. citizens or permanent resi- dents. Nonprofit organizations must be based in the United States , and grant projects must take place within the U.S. or its territories.See the AAUW Web site for complete program information.White House 2008 Conferences on Faith-Based and Community InitiativesOctober 3rd – Dallas , TXThis event is part of a series of regional conferences designed to connect effective social service organizations with resources that can strengthen and expand the services they offer to the people they serve. The purpose is to provide an understanding of the President’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative, information about the Federal grants process and funding opportunities, and the basic legal responsibilities that come with Federal funding. Special emphasis will be placed on opportunities for partnership at the state and local level. They will also offer practical information on the grant-writing process, share successful practices from other organizations, and facilitate opportunities to network with government officials.This conference is free, but pre-registration is required.For more information, visit the conference section of www.fbci.gov or send an email to fbci@dtihq.com“Sustaining Grassroots Community-based Programs: A Toolkit forCommunity and Faith-based Service Providers.”The toolkit is designed to help community organizations plan for sustainability, so that they will have sufficient resources to help people with substance abuse and mental health disorders. However, the toolkit contains useful information for all community and faith-based service providers, regardless of the population they serve. The toolkit contains planning templates, worksheets, and best practices for strategic planning, organizational assessment and readiness, fund development, fundraising, and results-oriented evaluations. The kit is free and available online, and we encourage all of you to download a copy and share it with your organization, coalition, and volunteer groups. To access and download the online version of the kit, go to http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=17868
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