COMMON GROUND CONSULTING LLC

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     

Facilitating SikhLEAD's Third Annual Leadership 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.”

                                                                                                                -- 2012 Leadership Development Program Participants

We're excited to once again be facilitating the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund's next class of the SikhLEAD Leadership Development Program (LDP)! 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 the program for SALDEF three years ago based on our proprietary Infinity Leadership Model. Every year, we 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

Part I of the training is taking place in Washington, DC this weekend with Part II being held in Los Angeles, CA from May 23-26, 2014. The program fee of $250 covers roundtrip airfares (to Washington, DC and Los Angeles), lodging, food and program materials for both parts of the LDP program. Limited need based financial assistance is available. 

You can read much more about our previous work with SALDEF by clicking this link.

Social Profit Grant & Award Opportunities

Lowe's Toolbox for Education

Deadline: October 15

 

For the 2013-14 school year, the Lowe's will give priority to meeting basic necessities, with a preference for funding requests that have a permanent impact, such as facility enhancement (both indoor and outdoor) as well as landscaping/cleanup projects. Any individual public K-12 school or non-profit parent group associated with that public K-12 school is eligible to apply. The requested grant amount must be between $2,000 and $5,000. The deadline is October 15; however, if 1,500 applications are received before the application deadline, then the application process will close.    http://bit.ly/195qDKm       

 

J-Serve Grants

Deadline: October 18

 

J-Serve is the International Day of Jewish Youth Service. Since 2005, J-Serve has been a part of YSA's Global Youth Service Day weekend.  J-Serve annually provides grants of $500, $1,800, and up to $2,500 to projects around the world that meet a significant community need, collaborate with community agencies and run projects that engage large numbers of Jewish youth. Applications for $1,800 and/or $2,500 mini grants are due by October 18th, 2013. Micro grants of up to $500 for J-Serve 2014 will remain available after that time and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. http://bit.ly/111Szb3        

 

MetLife Foundation Afterschool Innovator Awards

NEW Extended Deadline: October 21

 

Nominations for exemplary afterschool programs serving middle school youth are now open! Nominate a program for a chance to win $10,000, receive media recognition as an Afterschool Innovator, present at national conferences, and be featured in Afterschool Alliance's 2013-2014 series of issue briefs and Afterschool in Action Compendium. Categories include: Keeping Kids Safe and Supported in the Hours After School; The Role of Afterschool and the Common Core State Standards; Students with Disabilities and Other Special Needs and Afterschool; and Why Data Matters: How Afterschool Programs Use Data to Improve Programming. http://bit.ly/18UjpVB   

 

Spirit of Innovation Challenge

Deadline: October 24

 

The Spirit of Innovation Challenge provides an opportunity for teams of students to create commercially viable products or services to address issues of global sustainability for the benefit of humanity. This annual competition is free and available to students, ages 13-18, from around the world.  Beginning Aug. 22, teens are invited to "Get Your Genius On" in the Conrad Foundation's Spirit of Innovation Challenge.  Teams from afterschool programs, science clubs, homeschool organizations and charter schools are also encouraged to participate. Deadline for the 2013-2014 one-page abstract qualification round is October 24.  http://bit.ly/15281qt   

Jumpstart Youth-Led Intergenerational Program Grants  NEW!

Deadline: October 30

 

Generations United and Mentor Up, a new way to make a difference from AARP Foundation, are partnering to award $1,000 Youth Jumpstart grants (along with technical assistance) to organizations to develop creative, youth-led intergenerational programs to address the needs of vulnerable adults aged 50 and over.  Initiatives must be youth-led and engage youth and older adults.  Submit your application in writing or via a short video or other multi-media presentation. Grantees will also have the opportunity to participate in a convening in Washington, DC this winter. http://bit.ly/18VxP89      

 

generationOn "Catch the Spirit" Clubs Start-Up Grants

Deadline: October 31

 

GenerationOn, through the generous support of the Prudential Spirit of Community Initiative, is pleased to offer "Catch the Spirit" generationOn Clubs Start-Up Grants of $500 to support newly registered generationOn Service Clubs serving middle school-age youth in the following cities:  Hartford, CT; Jacksonville, FL; Newark, NJ; Minneapolis, MN and Dallas, TX. Adult facilitators or youth members can apply. http://bit.ly/1c5xwdH    

 

KaBOOM! Let's Play Engineered Wood Fiber Surfacing Grants 

Deadline: October 31, Rolling (Monthly)

 

Thanks to generous support from Dr Pepper Snapple Group, KaBOOM! will be awarding grants of $750 each to communities who wish to top-off their Engineered Wood Fiber safety surfacing.  The Let's Play Engineered Wood Fiber Surfacing Grant is designed to help communities top-off their Engineered Wood Fiber safety surfacing to keep it at an acceptable level for safe play. http://bit.ly/1cHm8bl     

 

KaBOOM! Let's Play Maintenance Grants 

Deadline: October 31, Rolling (Monthly)

 

Thanks to generous support from Dr Pepper Snapple Group, KaBOOM! will be awarding grants of $750 each to communities who are working to make their playgrounds cleaner, safer and more inviting.  The Let's Play Maintenance Grant is designed to reward communities that have maintained and improved their play spaces since their playground build.  http://bit.ly/16OsM8E  

 

Samsung 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. 255 teachers (5 in each state + DC) will receive two Galaxy Tabs. 51 State Winners will receive a technology kit to help create a video showing how STEM can help your community. 15 schools will win technology packages estimated at $35,000. 5 of those schools will win prize packages estimated at $140,000 for their school and be honored at an awards ceremony in Washington D.C. http://bit.ly/1fMxxrO    

 

Build a Bear Workshop Grants

Deadline: October 31

 

Build-A-Bear Workshop® believes in the teddy bear philosophy of being good people and good bears. In living those values, they provide grants through the Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation and the Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation to 501(c)(3) public charities or registered Canadian charities that support beary special causes, such as children's health and wellness, animals, and literacy and education. http://bit.ly/1dbyLsW    

 

Lights On Afterschool Facebook Photo Contest

Deadline: October 31

 

Your program could win up to $2,000 in the Lights On Afterschool Facebook Photo Contest!  Any time in October, submit a photo that creatively shines a light on your program and the afterschool activities and staff that enrich and inspire the students and families in your community.  Be as creative as possible - the four photos with the highest number of likes will win cash prizes for their afterschool program! http://bit.ly/1hFTHru     

 

Whole Kids Foundation School Garden Grant Program

Deadline: October 31

 

The Whole Kids Foundation School Garden Grant Program provides support to K-12 schools and nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and Canada that are developing or currently maintaining a school garden project that will help children engage with fresh fruits and vegetables. Grants of $2,000 are provided for garden projects at any stage of development - planning, construction, or operation. http://bit.ly/18UjHM8      

 

CVS Caremark Community Grants

Deadline: October 31

 

Through the CVS Caremark Community Grants Program, CVS provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations that are providing much-needed access to health care for underserved populations; wellness and prevention programs that are aimed at helping people achieve their best health, including programs in public schools; and health education and awareness programs that are helping people on their path to better health. Qualifying organizations are eligible for grants of up to $5,000. http://bit.ly/19lq7Fx      

 

Funds for Fuel Up to Play 60

Deadline: November 1

 

Up to $4,000 per year is available to any qualifying K-12 school enrolled in Fuel Up to Play 60. The competitive, nationwide funding program can help your school jumpstart and sustain healthy nutrition and physical activity improvements. Whether you're just starting out with Fuel Up to Play 60 or looking to expand and extend an initiative that's already in motion, Funds for Fuel Up to Play 60 can help.  http://bit.ly/13Na8uP       

 

National Security Language Initiative for Youth Scholarship

Deadline: November 5

 

The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y), sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, provides merit-based scholarships for eligible high school students and recent high school graduates to learn less commonly taught languages in summer and academic-year overseas immersion programs. Previous language study is not required, and language learners of all levels are encouraged to apply. http://bit.ly/18T2gNB    

 

2014 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

Deadline: November 5

 

Students in grades 5-12 who have volunteered in the past 12 months are invited to apply. Applications must be submitted to a middle level or high school principal or the head of a local Girl Scout council, county 4-H group, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or HandsOn Network affiliate.  State Honorees will each receive $1,000, a silver medallion, and an all-expense-paid trip with a parent to the nation's capital.  Ten National Honorees will receive $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for display at their schools or service organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice. http://bit.ly/Qkoqh8 

 

2014 Best Intergenerational Communities Awards

Deadline: November 8

 

MetLife Foundation and Generations United are searching the nation for communities that place immense value on intergenerational connections and quality of life for all.  If your community fits that description, apply for the third annual Best Intergenerational Communities Awards program. http://bit.ly/GNZpfz

Stephen J. Brady STOP Hunger Scholarship

Deadline: December 5

 

Sodexo Foundation is excepting applications for its Stephen J. Brady STOP Hunger Scholarship program October 5 - December 5, 2013. Through scholarship awards, Sodexo Foundation recognizes and rewards students, ages 5-25, who are driving awareness and mobilizing youth to be catalysts for innovative models and solutions to eliminate hunger across the country. The scholarship recipients each receive $5,000 for their education as well as a $5,000 grant for the hunger-related charity of their choice. Learn more and apply at www.SodexoFoundation.org   

 

Starbucks Youth Action Grants

Deadline: December 15

 

The Starbucks Foundation is interested in supporting organizations that equip young people ages 15 to 24 years old - especially those not engaged in employment, education, or training - in business savvy, social conscience, and collaborative communication. They will consider grants between $10,000 and $30,000. http://bit.ly/1bKhGIz      

 

Daily Point of Light Award

Deadline: Rolling

 

The power of the individual to spark change and improve the world - that's what the Daily Point of Light Award celebrates. Nominate a local hero for a Daily Point of Light Award. Winners get formally recognized by Points of Light, a media advisory sent to their community, a certificate signed by President George H. W. Bush - and a bit of the world's spotlight. http://bit.ly/15XKMSl   

 

World We Want Foundation Grants

Deadline: Rolling

 

The World We Want Foundation promotes and supports Young Global Citizens making positive social change in their communities and around the world. They work with and through Partner Organizations and Mentors youth applicants provide; help young people design and conduct meaningful Social Action Projects and acquire substantive knowledge and 21st-century skills while creating social value; provide micro-grants to support their Projects; provide an online funding platform to encourage and allow others to help fund their Projects; and provide an online Showcase to share their Stories of Social Impact with the world. http://bit.ly/11IE94t    

 

DoSomething.org Seed Grants

Deadline: Rolling

 

Are you working to start a community action project or program with your friends? Do you need money to put your ideas into action? A $500 Do Something Seed Grant is given out every week to help young people just like YOU! These grants can be used towards project ideas and programs that are just getting started, or to jump-start your program and realize your ideas for the first time. These grants can also be used towards projects that are already developed and sustainable, towards the next steps of your project and organization to help you as you look to expand your project and grow your impact. http://bit.ly/PQYfTr