Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC Community Development, Community Organizing, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Grant Masters, Grant Writing, Grassroots Organizations, Nonprofit Organizations, Resource Development, Social Impact, Social Impact Organizations, Uncategorized

Maximize Funding with Demographic Data | Webinar on Candid

Candid will be hosting a webinar teaching simple steps for conducting a demographics survey and explaining how and why funders use demographic data. Webinar attendees will also gain access to tools and templates to collect demographic data in a respectful and appropriate way, designed to help save time and resources. By sharing your organization’s leadership demographics on your Candid profile can helps you earn a 2024 Gold Seal of Transparency – boosting your organiztion’s visibility and help increase your chances of attracting more funding.   

Webinar Details

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Eastern: 2:30 pm – 3:15 pm
Central: 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm
Mountain: 12:30 pm – 1:15 pm
Pacific: 11:30 am – 12:15 pm

You must be logged in to your Candid account to enroll for this webinar.

Outcomes

  • Share your leader’s demographic information on your Candid profile
  • Collect demographic info about your board and staff taking into account best practices
  • Enter board and staff demographic info on your Candid profile
  • Use the shareable link to provide potential supporters with a full view of your nonprofit, including your work and impact

Intended Audience

  • All levels of experience
  • Board members
  • CEOs, executive directors, upper management
  • Fundraising & development staff
  • Grant writers
  • Marketing, communications, external affairs
  • Nonprofit startups
  • Program directors and staff

Visit Candid for more info about this webinar, presenters and to enroll…

Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC Community Development, Community Organizing, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Environmental Justice, Grant Masters, Grant Writing, Grassroots Organizations, Justice 40, Nonprofit Organizations, Resource Development, Social Impact, Social Impact Organizations, Uncategorized

How does Grant Writing Benefit our Communities?

(Originally posted on LinkedIn on 5/29/2024 by Wisdom Born Consulting)

In a recent article, I explored how grant writing can create opportunities for both organizations and the communities they support. How do our communities specifically gain from grant writing? What doors does grant writing open for them?

Community Development

Grant writing benefits our communities in numerous ways. It provides essential financial resources that can be used to fund programs, projects, and services that directly address community needs. The process of grant writing itself often necessitates a thorough assessment of needs and resources, leading to better-informed decision-making and strategic planning. This can result in more targeted and efficient use of funds, ensuring that the initiatives supported have the greatest possible benefit.

By securing grants, nonprofits and other agencies can leverage these resources to attract further funding and investment, creating a ripple effect that amplifies their impact. These funds can support a wide range of initiatives, from educational programs and healthcare services to infrastructure improvements and social services.

Community Empowerment

Grant-funded projects provide valuable opportunities for community engagement and empowerment. By involving community members in the planning and implementation phases, projects and initiatives can foster a sense of ownership and pride, building stronger, more resilient communities. In this way, grant writing not only addresses immediate needs but also contributes to long-term community development and sustainability.

Grant writing often involves collaboration and partnerships among various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community groups. This collaboration can strengthen community ties and foster a sense of collective purpose and solidarity.

Capacity Building

Successful grant writing can enhance the capacity and sustainability of organizations within our communities. By securing funding, organizations can expand their reach, improve the quality of their programs and services, and invest in staff development and training. This, in turn, leads to better outcomes for the community members they serve.

Overall, grant writing is a vital tool for community development, enabling organizations to secure the necessary resources to create positive, lasting change.

Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC Community Development, Community Organizing, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Grant Writing, Grassroots Organizations, Nonprofit Organizations, Resource Development, Social Impact, Social Impact Organizations

How Effective is Grant Writing in Creating Opportunities?

(Originally posted on LinkedIn on 5/28/2024 by Wisdom Born Consulting)

Grant writing is an incredibly impactful component in providing opportunities, it serves as a crucial bridge between innovative ideas and the resources needed to bring them to life. Successful grant writing can unlock funding for a wide array of projects, from community development, and climate and environmental justice to educational programs and even artistic endeavors. By securing grants, individuals and organizations gain the financial support necessary to advance their missions, enhance their capacities, and create meaningful change in the lives of those they serve.

Grant Writing: Merging Narrative Artistry with Technical Precision

Grant writing is an intricate blend of emotional storytelling and technical expertise. It involves crafting a narrative that emotionally connects with potential funders while providing detailed data to support the proposed project. A successful grant proposal hinges on grasping the community’s needs or causes and aligning with the funding organization’s priorities and guidelines.

  • A compelling grant proposal commences with a captivating introduction, clearly stating the project’s purpose and significance.
  • It proceeds with a comprehensive needs assessment, highlighting the issue or opportunity the project addresses.
  • Subsequently, the proposal delineates goals and objectives, offering a roadmap for project implementation and desired outcomes.

Beyond the narrative, the technical components of a grant proposal are equally vital. These include a well-justified budget, a timeline with project milestones, and an evaluation plan to measure success. Additionally, showcasing the organization’s capability to execute the project, emphasizing past achievements and team qualifications, is crucial.

Due to the technical nature of drafting a proposal, grant writers also take on the role of a researcher – engaging in data collection, analysis, and synthesis to support a case for funding. This involves delving into academic journals, government reports, and statistical databases to gather pertinent information that enhances their proposals. The thorough research conducted helps in identifying needs, justifying projects, and showcasing potential impacts. Moreover, grant writers must keep up with current trends and funding priorities in their field to customize their applications successfully. Their role necessitates not only precise and clear writing but also strategic thinking and a profound grasp of the subject matter. As a result, accomplished grant writers are often lifelong learners, continuously broadening their knowledge to remain competitive and proficient in their profession.

Unlocking Opportunities

Grant writing serves a dual purpose by not only securing crucial funding for major projects but also fostering strategic planning, innovation, and collaboration. These elements collectively pave the way for seizing and creating transformative opportunities. The essence of grant writing lies in establishing a connection between the applicant and the funder, forging a partnership grounded in shared objectives and trust. By combining compelling storytelling with meticulous planning and analysis, a carefully crafted grant proposal has the potential to unlock funding avenues that can create a meaningful difference – unlocking the door to unlimited opportunities to do more and help more in our communities.

Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC Community Development, Community Organizing, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Grassroots Organizations, Nonprofit Organizations, Resource Development, Social Impact, Social Impact Organizations

Ben & Jerry’s Foundation Grant Program: Apply Now for Unrestricted Support

The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation is now accepting applications for its national grant program for grassroots organizations.

“Speak up, speak out, get in the way. Get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” – John Lewis, Civil Rights Icon

The National Grassroots Organizing Program (NGO) offers two-year unrestricted, general operating support grants of up to $30,000 per year, with an average grant size of $20,000 per year, to small (budgets under $350,000), constituent-led grassroots organizations throughout the United States and its territories.

APPLICATIONS FOR 2024 ARE OPEN!!! The Foundation is utilizing a new rolling process. Applications can be submitted anytime throughout the year, through October 2024.

Activities that are eligible for funding include:

  1. Community & Ally outreach
  2. Leadership Development of Constituents
  3. Constituent Empowerment & Decision-Making
  4. Popular Education
  5. Campaign Development
  6. Mobilizing Constituents & Allies
  7. Coalition Building
  8. Non-Violent Direct Action (NVDA)

Areas Not Funded:

  1. Direct services to individuals, i.e. food pantries, youth mentorship programs
  2. Internationally oriented programs
  3. Organizations with an annual operating budget over $350,000
  4. Discretionary or emergency support
  5. Donations or sponsorships
  6. Public or private schools, colleges or universities
  7. Activities to elect specific candidates for public office
  8. Individuals, fellowships or scholarship programs
  9. Litigation
  10. Capital or endowment campaigns
  11. State agencies or government programs
  12. Businesses or business associations
  13. Religious activities
  14. Arts or Media programs that are not linked to a clear grassroots organizing campaign
  15. Other foundations

In order to apply, organizations must meet the following requirements:

  1. Have an annual operating budget under $350,000
  2. Use grassroots, collective-action organizing campaigns as the primary strategy for creating social change
  3. Be a non-profit with 501(c)3 status, or have a fiscal agent with this status
  4. Be U.S.-based and U.S.-focused

For more information about Ben & Jerry’s Foundation’s application process, past grant winners and to apply visit: Ben & Jerry’s Grassroots Organizing National Grant Program 2024

Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC Community Development, Community Organizing, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Grassroots Organizations, Nonprofit Organizations, Resource Development, Social Impact, Social Impact Organizations

Funding Opportunity: 24-Month Grant Program for Community Economic Development Projects

By: Natisha Jordan | Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC – GrantWise Solutions Initiative

Community Economic Development Planning Projects from the Administration for Children and Families support the development of community economic development projects in underserved areas. These projects aim to empower local communities by providing resources and guidance to help them thrive economically. By focusing on underserved areas, the Administration for Children and Families is dedicated to promoting financial stability and creating opportunities for growth and sustainability. Through collaboration and strategic planning, these initiatives work towards fostering a strong foundation for economic success and prosperity within these communities.

Ten grants of $75,000 – $150,000 are expected to be awarded for a grant period of 24 months. There is no matching requirement. Applications are due by July 2, 2024. For more info visit: Grant Central Depot

Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC Community Organizing, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Social Impact, Women Empowerment

International Women’s Day 2024

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International Women’s Day honors the achievements of women worldwide and calls for gender equality and empowerment. It inspires future generations to dream big and break barriers in various fields. It is an incredibly significant day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world. By highlighting the achievements of women in various fields such as business, politics, science, arts, and more, International Women’s Day helps inspire future generations of women to dream big and break barriers. It empowers women to strive for their goals, pursue their passions, and stand up for their rights. Additionally, this day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges that women face globally, including gender-based violence, discrimination, and unequal access to opportunities.

It is essential to recognize the importance of International Women’s Day not just on March 8th, but every day. We must continue to support and uplift women in all aspects of life, whether it’s through education, employment, healthcare, or leadership roles. Together, we can create a world where women are truly valued, respected, and given equal opportunities to thrive.

Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Social Impact

The Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act of 2023

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Following the Affirmative Action incident, a bipartisan bill was introduced named the Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act (MEGPA), introduced by Congresswoman Nikema Williams (D-GA). This new bill aims to establish a federal grant program at historically Black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions. The bill’s official summary states that the Small Business Administration (SBA) is required to award grants to create or enhance programs at these institutions that promote, foster, and increase opportunities for minority business ownership. Additionally, the SBA will establish a Minority Entrepreneurship Advisory Board to develop recommendations for better service to minority businesses and entrepreneurs by these institutions and HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). For more information, visit: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1402

Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC Community Organizing, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Environmental Justice, Freelance, Grant Writing, Grassroots Organizations, Independent Contractors, Justice 40, Nonprofit Organizations, Resource Development, Social Impact, Social Impact Organizations

Reflecting on Kwanzaa’s Seven Principles and My Work as a Grant Writer

Yesterday marked the beginning of Kwanzaa, a cultural holiday celebrated in the African American/Pan African community. For me, the holiday is a reminder of why I chose to become a grant writer and help community-based, grassroots organizations. I frequently turn to Kwanzaa’s seven principles for inspiration and guidance in my work.

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The seven principles of Kwanzaa are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. These principles align well with the values and goals of many community-based organizations that seek to improve the quality of life for marginalized communities. As a grant writer, I strive to support these organizations by helping them secure funding to implement their programs and initiatives.

Unity is particularly important in this work, as it requires collaboration and partnership between organizations, funders, and the communities they serve. Self-determination is also crucial, as it empowers communities to identify and address their own needs rather than relying on outside sources to dictate their priorities.

Collective work and responsibility emphasize the importance of working together to achieve common goals, while cooperative economics encourages the development of sustainable and equitable economic systems. Purpose and creativity are essential for developing innovative approaches to social issues, and faith provides a foundation of hope and resilience in the face of challenges.

By incorporating these principles into my work as a grant writer, I hope to contribute to a more just and equitable society, one that aligns with the values and goals of Kwanzaa and other cultural traditions that prioritize community empowerment and social justice.