COMMON GROUND CONSULTING LLC

Apply Now! SALDEF 2016 Leadership Development Program

“LDP was an amazing experience. It gave me an opportunity to share and build relationships with other individuals who share the same passion as myself for the Sikh Community, for the American Community and humanity as a whole. I plan to build powerful relations with my fellow LDPers and change the world.”

“Words truly cannot describe how truly life changing this weekend has been for me. I found answers to questions that I had found myself asking years before this experience. So extremely thankful for finding Sangat and understanding its true meaning and power.”

We're excited to once again be facilitating the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund's 5th class of the SikhLEAD Leadership Development Program!

LDP is a two-part program designed to inspire, train, and support a diverse, motivated, and entrepreneurial group of young Sikh leaders as they prepare for a lifetime of community engagement and leadership.

Common Ground designed and launched the program for SALDEF six years ago based on our proprietary Infinity Leadership Model. Every year since, we've enhance the program with new and carefully-designed activities.

The program brings together young Sikh American leaders from across the country to participate in six days of training spread over two holiday weekends (Columbus Day and Memorial Day). Participation in both weekends is mandatory. A series of challenging workshops, group activities and thought provoking discussions promote personal growth, develop leadership and build community empowerment skills.

This program is an investment in building the next generation of Sikh American leaders as they recognize their power, explore their true potential and build a network with like-minded achievers.

WATCH: Slideshow of 2012 LDP 2nd class held in Washington, DC

WATCH: Slideshow of 2011 LDP Inaugural class held in Los Angeles, CA

Application Information:

Program info: http://www.sikhlead.org/leadership-dev-program

Application: http://www.sikhlead.org/leadership-dev-program/apply-now-2/

Deadline: March 27, 2016

Click here to read much more about our previous work with SALDEF.

Remembering September 11th, 2001

I originally wrote this post on the 5th anniversary of the September 11th tragedy. I've re-posted it every few years since then. This time, I’m a little more hopeful that our government today prioritizes diplomacy over destruction and working for peace more important than preparing for war.

Still, we’ve done little to end the racial profiling and senseless violence within our own borders. For many, fear of what we don’t understand and of people who look or act or believe differently from us is fueling an ever-widening political divide and making it okay to hate, hurt, harm and discriminate. And the hierarchy of oppression that has always existed in the United States is as rooted in our society as ever. We still have a long way to go ...

I went to bed last night watching the non-stop coverage of the five year anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks on CNN International; and I woke up this morning really aware of being outside of the U.S. on this day.

Five years ago, I was having a quick breakfast at my house in Washington, DC. I was getting ready to go to the airport for a flight to Miami, Florida for the beginning of the U.S. Conference in AIDS. I was the still fairly new director of the National Youth Advocacy Coalition and many of our staff had flown to Florida the day before.

I was watching Matt Lauer on the Today Show interview an author friend of mine, Richard Hack, when they stopped the interview to mention a report of an explosion at the World Trade Center in New York. Those early reports were chaotic and confused; nobody really knew what was happening. After that quick initial report, Matt Lauer went back to interviewing my friend.

Within minutes, however, the real story started to emerge. A plane, they said, off-course, had hit the first tower. What would become around-the-clock coverage began on every channel. Not long after, a second plane, the second tower. Fear and powerlessness began to take over. Planes were grounded. I wasn't going to Miami.

The reports continued frenetically and then in Washington, DC, we felt the ground tremble as yet another plane slammed into the Pentagon. It was unfathomable.

I'm not sure what to say about my emotions that morning. Like everyone, I suppose, it took time for the events to sink in. I sat unable to move from in front of the television for a long time. I left messages for my staff members. I closed the office. I called my mom and dad. I tried to reach my friends in New York.

There were so many lessons to be learned from that day. Five years later, looking at the actions of our government at least, I'm not sure we have. I'm sad and disappointed by many of the ways my government responded.

Back then, I wrote a press release for our organization expressing concern about the future.

Its too bad that I could reissue that same press release today:

As people who work minutes from one of the targets of the bombing, and as proud Americans, we are horrified by the devastation wrought by these terrorists. We are acutely aware of the human toll that this attack has taken on our country—some of us are still grieving, having lost loved ones in this tragedy. Indeed, we stand in absolute solidarity and in sympathy with those who grieve the loss of a mother or a father, daughter or son, husband, wife, life partner or other family or friends. 

And we, too, want to see justice done. 

Nonetheless, we are greatly concerned by the response of our government, and we cannot support the dehumanization and increased racial profiling of Arab, Muslim, Middle Eastern, and Central and South Asian people; the further loss of fundamental American civil liberties; a shifting of economic resources away from critical social and human services; and now, military action in the Middle East which puts innocent people, including US service members, at risk. Nor can we accept rhetoric and actions which disproportionately put young people and people of color directly in the line of fire. 

These are not issues we take lightly. 

In taking this stance, we recognize that it won't be popular and it may even be dangerous. Even now, more than three weeks after this horrific attack, there exists a highly-charged, revenge-bent atmosphere—an atmosphere palpable particularly for people who look like they may be from the Middle East, but which ultimately affects all Americans. 

We are deeply concerned about the environment of suspicion, blame and violence fueled, in large measure, by the bellicose rhetoric which came early from the [George Bush] White House. We hope that their proverbial “better angels” guide all Americans in this time of turmoil. We specifically call upon President George W. Bush to be a leader in this regard, and we are grateful that he has begun to tone down the rhetoric. 

Many have advocated for a national discussion which includes asking why so many people around the world hate the United States in the first place. It is just too bad that this becomes a central question for our government only after the US becomes a target. 

We know we face the inevitable charges hurled from predictable quarters condemning our position as un-American. We are clear, however, in the distinctions between blind nationalism and true patriotism. We refuse to muzzle our deep and heartfelt concerns about this war, for fear of being labeled as traitors. If democratic ideals are ever to be truly realized by all Americans, we must all stand with our country when and where she is right, and work firmly and steadfastly to correct the course when, as now, we believe she is in danger of betraying the ideals that make her great. 

A thirst for vengeance can never really be quenched. It comes from a place of hatred, not of love. By acting with our military, more innocent people will die—civilians, children, young soldiers, many with families of their own to support, both here and abroad. 

As cliché as it may seem, violence only brings more violence. If as a country we take the bait, the healing will not begin, and this terrible national tragedy will only get worse as more terrorism occurs as a result of our actions. We would do well to remember the old adage about not becoming that which we most despise. 

We are not saying that the US cannot work hard to bring the people who are responsible for these atrocities to justice. But, the ends cannot justify the means when the means require us to restrict the democratic values which make us American in the first place. 

In the end, however, social justice must be about something more important than a narrow agenda serving only a few. For us, it requires us to look at the connections which exist between oppressions, and refuse to accept a hierarchy which must always include a few at the top and many at the bottom. 

We are humbled by the spirit of community which has come into our country in countless untold ways over the past few weeks; and we honor the powerful courage shown by so many of our fellow Americans. Now should be a time to grieve for those whom we have lost, celebrating their lives and spirits, and to reflect upon what it will take to end violence, and hunger, and poverty, and tyranny in every corner of the world. 

We should not sit back and accept that so many more must die in order for the US to appear strong. Our national ego cannot allow vengeance to substitute for justice.

Five years ago, I was having a quick breakfast at my house in Washington, DC. I was getting ready to go to the airport for a flight to Miami, Florida for the beginning of the U.S. Conference in AIDS. I was the still fairly new director of the National Youth Advocacy Coalition and many of our staff had flown to Florida the day before.

I was watching Matt Lauer on the Today Show interview an author friend of mine, Richard Hack, when they stopped the interview to mention a report of an explosion at the World Trade Center in New York. Those early reports were chaotic and confused; nobody really knew what was happening. After that quick initial report, Matt Lauer went back to interviewing my friend.

Within minutes, however, the real story started to emerge. A plane, they said, off-course, had hit the first tower. What would become around-the-clock coverage began on every channel. Not long after, a second plane, the second tower. Fear and powerlessness began to take over. Planes were grounded. I wasn't going to Miami.

The reports continued frenetically and then in Washington, DC, we felt the ground tremble as yet another plane slammed into the Pentagon. It was unfathomable.

I'm not sure what to say about my emotions that morning. Like everyone, I suppose, it took time for the events to sink in. I sat unable to move from in front of the television for a long time. I left messages for my staff members. I closed the office. I called my mom and dad. I tried to reach my friends in New York.

There were so many lessons to be learned from that day. Five years later, looking at the actions of our government at least, I'm not sure we have. I'm sad and disappointed by many of the ways my government responded.

Back then, I wrote a press release for our organization expressing concern about the future.

Its too bad that I could reissue that same press release today:

As people who work minutes from one of the targets of the bombing, and as proud Americans, we are horrified by the devastation wrought by these terrorists. We are acutely aware of the human toll that this attack has taken on our country—some of us are still grieving, having lost loved ones in this tragedy. Indeed, we stand in absolute solidarity and in sympathy with those who grieve the loss of a mother or a father, daughter or son, husband, wife, life partner or other family or friends. 

And we, too, want to see justice done. 

Nonetheless, we are greatly concerned by the response of our government, and we cannot support the dehumanization and increased racial profiling of Arab, Muslim, Middle Eastern, and Central and South Asian people; the further loss of fundamental American civil liberties; a shifting of economic resources away from critical social and human services; and now, military action in the Middle East which puts innocent people, including US service members, at risk. Nor can we accept rhetoric and actions which disproportionately put young people and people of color directly in the line of fire. 

These are not issues we take lightly. 

In taking this stance, we recognize that it won't be popular and it may even be dangerous. Even now, more than three weeks after this horrific attack, there exists a highly-charged, revenge-bent atmosphere—an atmosphere palpable particularly for people who look like they may be from the Middle East, but which ultimately affects all Americans. 

We are deeply concerned about the environment of suspicion, blame and violence fueled, in large measure, by the bellicose rhetoric which came early from the [George Bush] White House. We hope that their proverbial “better angels” guide all Americans in this time of turmoil. We specifically call upon President George W. Bush to be a leader in this regard, and we are grateful that he has begun to tone down the rhetoric. 

Many have advocated for a national discussion which includes asking why so many people around the world hate the United States in the first place. It is just too bad that this becomes a central question for our government only after the US becomes a target. 

We know we face the inevitable charges hurled from predictable quarters condemning our position as un-American. We are clear, however, in the distinctions between blind nationalism and true patriotism. We refuse to muzzle our deep and heartfelt concerns about this war, for fear of being labeled as traitors. If democratic ideals are ever to be truly realized by all Americans, we must all stand with our country when and where she is right, and work firmly and steadfastly to correct the course when, as now, we believe she is in danger of betraying the ideals that make her great. 

A thirst for vengeance can never really be quenched. It comes from a place of hatred, not of love. By acting with our military, more innocent people will die—civilians, children, young soldiers, many with families of their own to support, both here and abroad. 

As cliché as it may seem, violence only brings more violence. If as a country we take the bait, the healing will not begin, and this terrible national tragedy will only get worse as more terrorism occurs as a result of our actions. We would do well to remember the old adage about not becoming that which we most despise. 

We are not saying that the US cannot work hard to bring the people who are responsible for these atrocities to justice. But, the ends cannot justify the means when the means require us to restrict the democratic values which make us American in the first place. 

In the end, however, social justice must be about something more important than a narrow agenda serving only a few. For us, it requires us to look at the connections which exist between oppressions, and refuse to accept a hierarchy which must always include a few at the top and many at the bottom. 

We are humbled by the spirit of community which has come into our country in countless untold ways over the past few weeks; and we honor the powerful courage shown by so many of our fellow Americans. Now should be a time to grieve for those whom we have lost, celebrating their lives and spirits, and to reflect upon what it will take to end violence, and hunger, and poverty, and tyranny in every corner of the world. 

We should not sit back and accept that so many more must die in order for the US to appear strong. Our national ego cannot allow vengeance to substitute for justice.

November is National Runaway Prevention Month

Spearheaded by the National Runaway Safeline (NRS) and the National Network for Youth (NN4Y), National Runaway Prevention Month is a unified national effort to increase public awareness of the issues facing runaways, and to educate the public about the solutions and the role they can play in preventing youth from running away.  

Visit the National Runaway Safeline's page How to Support National Runaway Prevention Month to learn how you can participate and observe National Runaway Prevention Month in your school, business, and community.

Two Websites Help Mentoring Programs Engage Men as Mentors

WeBuildMen.org set out to build a national movement that encourages men to help make a positive impact in a young man’s life by building a community platform that’s custom-built for today’s man – to help him take on the challenges of contemporary mentorship in a bite-sized, confident, and exciting way.  The effort is spearheaded by Esquire who also just launched The Mentoring Project to tell the stories of men in mentoring.

There are a number of ways that programs might consider using these new tools:  promote it on social media to spread the word of men as mentors, make sure your mentoring program is included for those seeking opportunities, and check out the resources for program activities and outreach

National Service: Grant Opportunities

Sodexo Foundation Youth Grants

Deadline: January 15

YSA (Youth Service America) and Sodexo Foundation are looking for 100 of the best ideas from young people about how they can help end childhood hunger in their communities. $400 grants are available for youth leaders ages 5-25 across the U.S. to turn their ideas into action and make an impact on the issue of childhood hunger during Global Youth Service Day - April 17-19, 2015 - and beyond. www.YSA.org/sodexoyouth

 

Seat Belts Save Challenge

Deadline: October 17   

Register your school by October 17, and then complete the 4-week challenge by November 18. The challenge includes conducting an initial seat belt survey to determine usage for your school, educating students about the importance of wearing seat belts, and then re-checking with another seat belt survey to see how you moved the numbers....»

 

Media-Smart Youth Teen Leaders Program

Deadline: October 24   

The Media-Smart Youth® Teen Leaders Program is designed for teens/young adults ages 15 to 20 who are interested in bringing the Media-Smart Youth: Eat, Think, and Be Active! ® program to their community....»

 

Samsung's Solve for Tomorrow Contest

Deadline: October 31   

Are you and your students innovative? Do you think you can use STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) to help solve an environmental challenge in your local community? Apply for Samsung's Solve for Tomorrow contest and become eligible for the Environmental Sustainability Innovation Award, in which your school can win an additional $25,000 in Samsung technology! ...»

 

Whole Kids Foundation School Garden Grant Program

Deadline: October 31   

Created in partnership with FoodCorps, the School Garden Grant program provides a $2,000 monetary grant to a K-12 school, or a non-profit working in partnership with a K-12 school, to support a new or existing edible garden on school grounds....»

 

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

Deadline: November 4   

Students in grades 5-12 in the U.S. who have volunteered in the past 12 months are invited to apply for a Prudential Spirit of Community Award. 102 State Honorees (2 per state) will receive $1,000 awards, engraved silver medallions, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent for four days of recognition events May 2-5, 2015. The Top 10 youth will receive a $5,000 award, and a $5,000 grant from The Prudential Foundation for the nonprofit charitable organization of their choice. Apply at http://spirit.prudential.com/...»

 

NYLC Youth Leadership for Service-Learning Excellence Award

Deadline: November 7   

The Youth Leadership for Service-Learning Excellence Award recognizes service-learning programs and projects that demonstrate outstanding youth leadership....»

 

NYLC Service-Learning Practitioner Leadership Award

Deadline: November 7   

The Service-Learning Practitioner Leadership Award recognizes those who have equipped young people to lead and serve, both through their direct work with youth and by nurturing other practitioners....»

 

2014 H&M Drug Free Slogan Contest

Deadline: November 14   

High school students, grades 9-12, can visit www.MentorFoundationUSA.org and enter the message that keeps them motivated for success and away from drugs. Mentor Foundation USA will choose a winning slogan and H&M will design a T-Shirt featuring that slogan to be sold nationwide! The winning student will receive a $150 H&M gift card, 200 of the winning T-Shirts to share with their peers and the student will be honored at our Shattering the Myths youth rally in Washington D.C. in January 2015...»

 

Making the Future U.S. After-school and Summer Program Grants

Deadline: November 15   

Cognizant awards grants to child-serving U.S. non-profit organizations wishing to run after-school, in-school and summer Maker programs. Programs must support our mission to inspire young learners in the STEM disciplines by providing fun, hands-on learning opportunities....»

 

Cities of Service City Hall AmeriCorps VISTA Program

Deadline: November 21   

Cities of Service will provide both financial and human capital support to six cities for up to three years, including a $30,000 grant and two City Hall AmeriCorps VISTA members to support the planning and implementation of Love Your Block initiatives in low-income neighborhoods....»

 

WKCD Youth Research for Action Grants

Deadline: November 26   

Youth Research for Action will award grants of up to $2,000 to youth-designed and -led action research projects across the U.S. The competition is open to teams of public high school students nationwide, along with youth in community-based organizations....»

 

Make a Difference Day Awards

Deadline: November 30   

On Oct. 25, millions of Americans will take part in Make A Difference Day. Newman's Own supports the day by awarding $10,000 to the charities of each of the 10 national honorees, three community Make a Difference Day awardees, and one All Star honoree. For a chance to win a $10,000 grant from Newman's Own, register your project here....»

 

Sodexo Foundation's Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarships

Deadline: December 5   

#GET5GIVE5 and Impact Millions! Sodexo Foundation's Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarships reward students that are working to end hunger in their communities. To support their innovative efforts, winners get a $5,000 scholarship for school and a $5,000 matching grant to give to the hunger-related charity of their choice....»

 

Karma for Cara Foundation Micro-grants

Deadline: Rolling

The Karma for Cara Foundation is encouraging kids 18 and under to apply for funds between $250 and $1,000 to complete service projects in their communities. Whether it is turning a vacant lot into a community garden, rebuilding a school playground or helping senior citizens get their homes ready for winter, they want to hear what project you're passionate about....»

 

Sports-For-All Clinic Grants

Deadline: Rolling   

Passion for sports?  Promote fitness in your community by hosting a Sports-For-All Clinic. VolunTEENnation.org can provide you with funding, support and guidance to host your own sports clinic for youth on the autism spectrum. The grant can help fund the facility rental, healthy snacks, promotional fliers and/or equipment costs. http://bit.ly/Sports4AllGrant ...»

 

VolunTEEN Nation International Service Project Grants

Deadline: Rolling   

Students (ages 13-22) from the United States going abroad to volunteer or study in a developing country are encouraged to apply for an international service-learning mini-grant from VolunTEEN Nation. Grants are for up to $300 to create a service project in a developing country while you are visiting that country....»

 

Make Your Mark on Hunger Grants

Deadline: December 15   

This spring, from March 15--April 30, generationOn is challenging you to Make Your Mark on Hunger. Apply for a $500 service project grant to support youth-led hunger relief activities....»

 

EPA's People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) Program

Deadline: December 16   

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will award up to $15,000 for each of 42 college student teams to pursue projects that deliver sustainable, alternative approaches to address environmental challenges....»

 

Katie's Krops Grants

Deadline: December 31  

Katie's Krops is excited to offer grants to youth between the ages of 9 and 16 in the United States to start vegetable gardens with the harvest donated to feed people in need. The winners will be awarded a gift card to a garden center in their area (up to $500), support from Katie's Krops, and a digital camera to document the garden and the harvest....»

 

Campus Kitchen Launch Grant

Deadline: February 1  

The Campus Kitchens project has numerous funding options and $5,000 grant opportunities available to schools across the country to help with the planning and implementation of a Campus Kitchen. The Campus Kitchens Project is a national non-profit that empowers student leaders to create innovative and sustainable solutions to hunger. 

Grant Opportunities: National & Youth Service

Family Volunteer Day Grants NEW!

Deadline: September 4

 GenerationOn, with generous support from Disney Friends for Change, is giving out Family Volunteer Day grants and event day service kits to affiliates or non-profit organizations around the country. Organizations approved for a grant will receive a $1,000 grant and an event day service kit; including t-shirts, a vinyl banner, stickers and a project planning guide. Family Volunteer Day is November 22 this year - the Saturday before Thanksgiving to 'kick off' the holiday season with giving and service, and to signal the start of National Family Week. http://bit.ly/1kpXnF9     

Unitarian Universalist Association Fund for a Just Society Grants NEW! 

Deadline: September 15

 Grants are made to non-Unitarian Universalist groups in the U.S. and Canada that use community organizing to bring about systemic change leading to a more just society and mobilize those who have been disenfranchised and excluded from resources, power and the right to self-determination. Priority is given to active, specific campaigns to create change in the economic, social, and political structures that affect people's lives.  The maximum grant is $15,000. Most grants are between $6,000 and $8,000. http://bit.ly/1oSMThp   

Teens Teach Tech Grant

Deadline: September 15

 Apply for a grant to hold your own Teens Teaching Tech program in your community. Older adults have gadgets like digital cameras, tablets, mobile phones, and apps that they find challenging to use. The goal of this program is to help senior citizens feel comfortable with ever-evolving technology.

The applicant must be part of a school-based club or homeschool community organization in the United States. The $250.00 grants are provided to high school clubs: community service, National Honors Society, and computer clubs. http://bit.ly/TeenTechGrant     

 

Laura W. Bush Traveling Fellowship NEW!

Deadline: September 22

 The State Department is currently accepting applications to help fund innovative travel around the world by young people who use education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and/or communication and information to build strong ties among nations. The fellowship is intended for American college students who have not been afforded many opportunities to travel abroad. Through 4 to 6 weeks of travel anywhere in the world, you can have the opportunity to interact with individuals from other nations while promoting the goals of UNESCO! http://bit.ly/statedeptfellowship     

 

Campus Kitchen Launch Grant NEW!

Deadline: September 30

 If hunger and food insecurity are issues in your community and you want to make an impact on both the community need and the students on campus, consider starting a Campus Kitchen chapter at your school. Campus Kitchen students rescue food that would have gone to waste from their on-campus dining hall cafeterias and use that food to prepare and serve balanced nutritious meals food insecure residents in their communities. To learn more about these $5,000 launch grants, visit our grants page at: http://bit.ly/1fCH0CD  

 

J-Serve (International Day of Jewish Youth Service) Grants NEW!

Deadline: September 30

 J-Serve 2015, the International Day of Jewish Youth Service, is on April 19, 2015! Through the generosity of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation and in an effort to empower communities around the world to participate and grow their J-Serve programs, grants are now available for J-Serve 2015.   Grants of $500 to engage 10-74 teens, $1800 to engage 75 or more teens, and $2500 to engage 150 or more teens are available.  http://bit.ly/1pX6ihu   

 

VolunTEEN Nation International Service Project Grants NEW!

Deadline: Rolling

 Students (ages 13-22) from the United States going abroad to volunteer or study in a developing country are encouraged to apply for an international service-learning mini-grant from VolunTEEN Nation. Grants are for up to $300 to create a service project in a developing country while you are visiting that country. Projects that foster good health, education, and economic self-sufficiency in developing countries are eligible.  http://bit.ly/19OAEa2       

 

Sports-For-All Clinic Grants 

Deadline: Rolling

 Passion for sports?  Promote fitness in your community by hosting a Sports-For-All Clinic. VolunTEENnation.org can provide you with funding, support and guidance to host your own sports clinic for youth on the autism spectrum. The grant can help fund the facility rental, healthy snacks, promotional fliers and/or equipment costs. http://bit.ly/Sports4AllGrant             

 

Project Learning Tree GreenWorks! Grants 

Deadline: September 30

 Do you have an idea for a school/community native plant garden, a forest improvement project, a streamside restoration plan, a recycling program, or energy conservation project for your students?  Apply for a Project Learning Tree GreenWorks! grant. Grants are available in three award levels:  

1) the traditional GreenWorks! grants up to a maximum of $1,000,  

2) GreenWorks! grants up to $1000 for schools involved in the USFS ClimateChangeLIVE Program,

3) GreenWorks! grants up to $2,000 for registered PLT GreenSchools! (free online registration!) http://bit.ly/1nyYj9h  

 

Captain Planet Foundation Grants    

Deadline: September 30

 Captain Planet Foundation will accept small grant requests for amounts between $500 - $2,500.  All proposed activities must be project-based, projects must be performed by youth; and projects must have real environmental outcomes. The Captain Planet Foundation primarily makes grants to U.S.-based schools and organizations with an annual operating budget of less than $3 million.  International requests are also accepted, with preference given to international projects that have U.S.-based partners. Preferential consideration is given to requests who have secured at least 50% matching or in-kind funding for their projects.  http://bit.ly/y1tPpz  

 

Lowe's Toolbox for Education Grants NEW!  

Deadline: October 15                 

 Whatever goals and dreams you have for your school, Lowe's Toolbox for Education Grant Program can help fulfill them with grants of $2,000 to $5,000. K-12 public schools as well as school parent-teacher groups are eligible. Preference is given to funding requests that have a permanent impact such as facility enhancement (both indoor and outdoor) and landscaping or clean up projects. http://bit.ly/195qDKm    

 

Ben & Jerry's Foundation Grassroots Organizing for Social Change Program NEW!

Deadline: October 15              

 The Grassroots Organizing for Social Change Program supports non-profit grassroots, constituent-led organizations across the country that are using direct action, grassroots community-organizing strategies to accomplish their goals. Proposals should align with the Foundation's broad interests in social justice, environmental justice and sustainable food systems. They fund organizations with budgets of $500,000 or less. Grant awards are up to $20,000 for a one-year period. http://bit.ly/1pQmD6A    

 

NYLC Youth Leadership for Service-Learning Excellence Award 

Deadline: November 7

 The Youth Leadership for Service-Learning Excellence Award recognizes service-learning programs and projects that demonstrate outstanding youth leadership. This award focuses on projects that show a high level of youth initiative in all areas including identifying an authentic need, planning the service, and putting that plan into action. Teams of young people participating in service-learning projects can apply. http://bit.ly/1rfyhas   

 

NYLC Service-Learning Practitioner Leadership Award

Deadline: November 7

 The Service-Learning Practitioner Leadership Award recognizes those who have equipped young people to lead and serve, both through their direct work with youth and by nurturing other practitioners. Nominations are accepted from the general public, and a committee of leaders from the service-learning field will select the winners. http://bit.ly/1rfyhas   

USAID Uganda Feed the Future

“Good management is the art of making problems so interesting and their solutions so constructive that everyone wants to get to work and deal with them.”   — Paul Hawken

 

CHECK OUT OUR PICTURES FROM UGANDA

As some of you know, I’ll be heading back to Uganda for the next couple of weeks to provide a range of assistance to USAID grantees and partners. 

I’ll be working with the Uganda Feed the Future Enabling Environment for Agriculture Activity (EEA)—a three-year activity that aims to improve the environment for agricultural development, trade, and adaptation to climate change within the coffee, maize, and beans value chains in Uganda.

A specific objective of our work will be to enhance the capacity of Private Sector Organizations (PSOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to contribute to policy decisions related to agricultural development, agriculture trade, and climate change adaption.

In addition to providing one-to-one structured and intensive technical assistance with three agricultural associations, I’ll be leading a four-day association management training workshop for close to 50 participants from a wide variety of agricultural CSOs and PSOs.

Our approach is practical, results-oriented, and grounded in the adult experiential learning cycle. The workshop will foster participation and the application of real-life experiences, ensuring that members of selected organizations will be able to:

• Better understand the roles of a member-driven organization;
• Ensure a structurally sound organization that is well-staffed, well-managed, and well-governed;
• Define or refine their organizational mission, objectives, and goals, and develop a strategic plan and program of work;
• Ensure responsive, accountable, and engaged boards and effective association governance mechanisms;
• Ensure development of the organization’s human resources;
• Apply strategies for revenue generation and tools for effective financial management; and
• Develop and apply external and internal communications strategies and tools. 

In addition to the specific management issues that we will cover during the first three days, the workshop will also include one full day focusing on specific association membership engagement issues. We have asked board members to join their staff leadership on this day, so that teams from each organization can work together on clarifying member benefits, messaging, and participatory process development. 

• EEA Partner Teams will be able to:
• Clearly define their member benefits; 
• Understand that their members will do a costs-benefits analysis before they decide whether or not to join an association; 
• Recognize the primary reasons PSOs and CSOs join associations; 
• Understand and apply proven tools for attracting and retaining members and techniques for addressing member non-compliance, e.g. non-payment of dues, etc.; and
• Both learn and practice strategic ways to define their messaging, communicate their successes, and market what they offer to existing and potential members.

During the second week in Uganda, I will provide more than 40 hours of individualized technical assistance to three participating associations/organizations on issues in direct support of the development of their public policy advocacy and lobbying activities. These sessions will include strategic planning, advocacy campaign plan development, and the facilitation of one group’s annual membership meeting.

We’ve been fortunate over the years to work on many agriculture projects—in Bolivia, Macedonia, and Moldova, for example—and on several projects in Africa—in Ethiopia, South Africa, and now Uganda. I'm excited to be back in Africa working on such an important project and looking forward to once again experiencing the amazing energy, passion, and power of the people of Uganda.

New Funding from the CNCS Social Innovation Fund!

This is an exciting time for the Social Innovation Fund. In a few months, SIF will celebrate its five year anniversary, and yesterday, they launched their fourth funding competition! Thanks to a substantial increase in this fiscal year’s appropriations, the Social Innovation Fund will invest $65.8 million in award funds to grantmaking institutions that are ready to disrupt the status quo. 

I’ve been a grant reviewer for SIF and been nothing but impressed by this amazing funding stream.

If you are a grantmaking institution that is serious about finding solutions that work and making them work for more people, then you should check out their Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), and start the application process today. The 2014 competition builds on nearly five years of "lessons learned" and places a special emphasis on Promise, Opportunity, and Impact. 

The 2014 competition encourages applications with strong plans to expand opportunity for youth disconnected from school or work, leverage collective impact approaches, or serve America’s most vulnerable populations and underserved communities. They are serious about solutions that work, and even more serious about helping to drive impact on issues of critical national importance today.

CNCS has developed many resources to guide you in the application process all available at their NOFA information hub.  In addition, they will host technical webinars to provide an overview of their priorities and answer questions about the funding opportunity.  The deadline to apply for a 2014 SIF grant is April 22. Don’t delay. Get started or spread the word today!

USAID Uganda Feed the Future

“ADVOCACY is a set of hands-on technical skills and practices needed to effectively press for change.

"It is also the foundation of active citizenship, a process through which ordinary people learn to participate in decision-making at all levels. Identifying priorities, crafting a strategy, stepping forward, taking action, and achieving results are critical steps to finding one's voice, making oneself heard, and shaping one's future.”                                  

— Institute for Sustainable Communities

CHECK OUT OUR PICTURES FROM UGANDA

Many of you have been asking about the work Common Ground will be doing in Uganda over the next couple of weeks. I am excited about the project, particularly the opportunity to work in Africa again. 

This time, we’ll be working with the Uganda Feed the Future Enabling Environment for Agriculture Activity (EEA)—a three-year activity that aims to improve the environment for agricultural development, trade, and adaptation to climate change within the coffee, maize, and beans value chains in Uganda.

A specific objective of our work will be to enhance the capacity of Private Sector Organizations (PSOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to contribute to policy decisions related to agricultural development, agriculture trade, and climate change adaption.

In addition to one-to-one technical assistance with a dozen agricultural associations, I’ll be leading a two-day advocacy training workshop that will result in the development of advocacy and lobbying skills among selected Ugandan organizations in the agricultural sector.

Our approach is practical, results-oriented, and grounded in the adult experiential learning cycle. The workshop will foster participation and the application of real-life experiences, ensuring that more than 30 members of selected organizations will acquire the skills necessary to define and clearly communicate their positions on key policy issues, engage a cross-section of stakeholders (including the media and local government), and help them to achieve their mission-critical organizational goals.

As a primary resource for the training, Common Ground will adapt our Advocacy Planning Toolkit for use in Uganda. The toolkit assists organizations in preparing a detailed Advocacy Campaign Plan, providing a systematic way for them to 1) Identify a problem; 2) Research the issues surrounding the problem and the stakeholders who care; 3) Plan a set of activities; 4) Act on the plan; and 5) Evaluate the results of their efforts. The toolkit will help participants identify specific targets for their advocacy, create SMART objectives with clear monitoring and evaluation (M&E) indicators, and carefully select their advocacy and lobbying activities.

During the second week in Uganda, we will conduct site visits and provide more than 40 hours of individualized technical assistance to participating associations/organizations on issues in direct support of the development of their public policy advocacy and lobbying activities.

We’ve been fortunate over the years to work on many agriculture projects—in Bolivia, Macedonia, and Moldova, for example—and on several projects in Africa—in Ethiopia, South Africa, and Uganda. Our advocacy training background is extensive and includes an almost identical scope of work for a project we did in 2010 in Albania in which we provided two, two-day trainings to local CSOs and PSOs focused on advanced elements of the advocacy campaign cycle and an advanced workshop on monitoring advocacy campaign outcomes.

We’re excited to be back in Africa working on such an important project and looking forward to once again experiencing the amazing energy, passion, and power of the people of Uganda.

Grant Opportunities for Youth & Youth Orgs

Sodexo Foundation Youth Grants

Deadline: January 31

 

Do you know where your next meal is coming from? One in five children in America don't. But this is a problem that can be solved, and kids are a part of the solution. That's why YSA (Youth Service America) and Sodexo Foundation are offering Sodexo Foundation Youth Grants, funding of up to $500 for youth that live in the U.S. to lead projects focused on ending childhood hunger in their communities. Find out how you can help end childhood hunger:  www.YSA.org/sodexo_foundation_youth_grants

 

Disney Friends for Change U.S. Grants

Deadline: February 6  

 

YSA and Disney Friends for Change are offering young change-makers an opportunity to receive a $500 grant to help make a lasting, positive change in the world. Applicants leading high-impact and/or large-scale projects may also request an additional $500 grant (up to $1,000, total) to support their work. Grants support projects taking place on or around Global Youth Service Day, April 11-13, 2014. Learn more at http://bit.ly/1bb9qLa   

   

White House Student Film Festival  NEW!

Deadline: January 29

 

The White House Student Film Festival is a video contest created just for K-12 students to share videos that highlight the power of technology in schools. Your (less than 3-minute) film should address how you currently use technology in your classroom or school or the role technology will play in education in the future. Videos must be uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo to be submitted. Finalists will have their short films shown at the White House. Finalist videos may also be featured on the White House website, YouTube channel, and social media pages. www.whitehouse.gov/filmfestival   

 

Kick Butts Day Grants  NEW!

Deadline: January 31

 

Kick Butts Day is a national day of activism when teachers, youth leaders, public health advocates, and other community leaders organize events designed to get youth to stand out, speak up and seize control against Big Tobacco. Kick Butts Day will be held on March 19, 2014. Thanks to the generosity of the United Health Foundation, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is offering grants of $250 or $500 to supercharge your event. These grants will help your event be even more powerful and make a greater impact in your community.  http://bit.ly/1aKSLir    

 

Top 24 Under 24 Drug Mythbusters NEW!

Deadline Extended: February 2

 

Do you know a young person who's using his or her talents, passion and creativity to shatter myths about drugs? YSA is partnering with SparkAction to find the Top 24 Under 24 Mythbusters, young people who are informing and empowering their peers to make decisions based on science, not rumor. In support of National Drug Facts Week, we're looking for young people making a real difference in their communities. Tell us why and how you or someone you know is busting myths using facts, and you could be selected as one of the top 24! http://bit.ly/1kszpbJ    

 

Colin Higgins Youth Courage Awards  NEW!

Deadline: February 6

 

The Colin Higgins Youth Courage Awards are bestowed each year to acknowledge remarkable young people who refuse to be silenced by societal norms and demonstrate profound courage in the face of hardship, intolerance and bigotry based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.  To further elevate their advocacy and educational efforts, each Colin Higgins Youth Courage Award winners receive a grant of $10,000 and are honored during Pride weekend on an all-expenses paid trip to New York or Los Angeles. Also, each winner receives a trip to the Creating Change Conference to network and learn with other outstanding LGBTQ leaders from across the nation. http://bit.ly/1mdq8SY   

 

2014 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards 

Deadline: February 10

 

Twelve award-winning programs this year will receive $10,000 and an invitation to accept their award from First Lady Michelle Obama at a ceremony at the White House. After-school and out-of-school time arts and humanities programs sponsored by museums, libraries, performing arts organizations; educational institutions (e.g., preschools; elementary, middle, and high schools; universities; and colleges), arts centers, community service organizations, businesses, and eligible government entities are encouraged to apply. http://bit.ly/IGIqfn      

DoSomething.org Scholarships  NEW!

 

Valentine's Day Cards for Seniors Scholarships

Deadline: February 15

 

Make a valentine's day card for an older adult in need and you'll be entered to win a $4,000 scholarship. http://dsorg.us/KQ5sSW   

 

Help the Homeless in your Community Scholarship 

Deadline: February 16

 

Sign up with your school for a jeans drive to provide jeans to homeless youth. You'll be automatically entered to win a $4,000 scholarship! http://dsorg.us/zmZanJ        

 

The Bezos Scholars Program

Deadline: February 18

 

Every spring, 30 top high school students and exceptional educators from across the U.S. and Africa are selected to participate in this year-long leadership development program. The program kicks off with an all-expenses-paid scholarship to attend the acclaimed Aspen Ideas Festival (AIF), a remarkable gathering of thinkers and change agents from around the world. Throughout the academic year, Scholars participate in virtual Bezos Scholars Program trainings and are invited to apply for a $1,000 seed grant to design and implement their Local Ideas Festival. http://bit.ly/19Fwp1g    

 

Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam Initiative   NEW!

Deadline: February 28

 

The InvenTeam initiative offers an unparalleled opportunity for high school students to cultivate their creativity and experience invention. InvenTeams are teams of high school students, teachers, and mentors that receive grants up to $10,000 each to invent technological solutions to real-world problems. Each InvenTeam chooses its own problem to solve. InvenTeam students rely on inquiry and hands-on problem solving as they apply lessons from science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to develop invention prototypes. Science, math, and technology educators at high schools and nonprofit educational organizations are eligible to apply. http://bit.ly/1j9QO7c  

 

Opal Apple Youth Make a Difference Initiative Grants  NEW!

Deadline: February 28

 

The Opal® Apple Youth Make a Difference Initiative will award $75,000 in funding to youth-based initiatives serving their communities in the U.S. and Canada, where youth, ages 6 - 25, take leadership roles in addressing one or more of the issues of food security, nutrition, agriculture, or food politics and education. Grants will be awarded in the range of $5,000 - $20,000. http://bit.ly/1iWVayx     

 

Lend for America Fellowships  NEW!

Deadline: March 30

 

The Lend for America fellowship program trains students who are seeking to start microfinance organizations ("Campus MFIs") at their college campuses. Fellows receive a crash course in microfinance in North Carolina, a full-time paid summer internship with an existing microfinance group at one of three locations (North Carolina, New Jersey, or Rhode Island), and year-round support from Lend for America as they start their organizations on campus. Undergraduates and graduates of all majors are encouraged to apply. http://bit.ly/1myC7rL   

 

World of Children Youth Award   NEW!

Deadline: April 1

 

The World of Children® Award provides funding and recognition to support life-changing work for children by discovering and elevating only the most effective changemakers for children worldwide. The Youth Award recognizes a young hero (under the age of 21) who is making extraordinary contributions to the lives of other children. Awards will be presented at an annual ceremony held in New York City, USA, on November 6, 2014. At that time, World of Children Award will offer cash grants up to $25,000 to the proven, sustainable programs created and managed by the 2014 Honorees. http://bit.ly/1d02HEU   

 

President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll  NEW!

Deadline: April 3

 

The President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, launched in 2006, annually highlights the role colleges and universities play in solving community problems and placing more students on a lifelong path of civic engagement by recognizing institutions that achieve meaningful, measureable outcomes in the communities they serve. The 2014 Honor Roll will recognize higher education institutions in four categories: General Community Service, Interfaith Community Service, Economic Opportunity, and Education. http://1.usa.gov/1mMThF8