1

Grantsline A publication of the Carroll County Grants Office

August 2013 Volume 9, Number 8

Grants

Fidelity Foundation

WellPoint, Inc. Community Relations

Grants

Erie Insurance Giving Network

------------------

Chesapeake Bay Trust

K-12 Environmental Education Mini Grant

Program

Watershed Assistance Program

Restoration Grant Program

------------------

Samuel Rubin Foundation

Awesome Foundation

Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust Grants

The Rite Aid Foundation

Fidelity Foundation The Fidelity Foundation grant program was designed to strengthen the long-term effectiveness of nonprofit institutions. The types of projects they fund are specifically intended to help nonprofits build the organizational capabilities they need to better fulfill their missions and serve their constituencies. The Foundation's grant program seeks to reflect Fidelity Investments' commitment to quality and continuous improvement. They especially look for projects representing creative and innovative means of advancing an organization or nonprofit sector and strive to remain flexible and opportunistic through a competitive selection process. The types of projects funded fall into the following categories:

Planning Initiatives: Funding for project consultants to develop strategic, business, technology, and other types of plans Technology Projects: High-impact technology projects that can substantially increase an organization's efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability. Projects may include the development of front- and back-end office systems; performance measurement systems; online functionality; and financial accounting, inventory management, point-of-sale and other business systems. Capital Improvements: Large-scale projects central to the overall health and sustainability of the applicant, such as new construction, renovations, expansions and other initiatives that support the organization's strategic vision. Organizational Development: Projects that involve the recruitment and development of senior management and operating staff. The Foundation's primary philanthropic investments are allocated to the following sectors:

Arts and culture

Community development and social services Secondarily, grants are considered in the following fields:

Health

Education Geographic Focus: The Fidelity Foundation considers projects from organizations of regional or national importance throughout the United States. High-impact projects with potential to inform or influence the nonprofit sector are of particular interest. Eligibility: Applicants must have current IRS 501(c)(3) public charity status.

2

Contact Information

Carroll County Grants Office

225 N. Center Street Westminster, MD 21157

Cat Wellman cwellman@ccg.carr.org

410-386-2212

Marcia Hoffman mhoffman@ccg.carr.org

410-386-2448

FAX: 410-848-0003

General Office Phone: 1-888-302-8978

Web Page: http://ccgovernment.carr.or

g/ccg/grants/default.asp

Grants are generally made only to organizations with operating budgets of $500,000 or more. Grant Amount: Grants are made to fund only significant, transformative projects usually budgeted at $50,000 or more. Deadline: The Foundation accepts and reviews Letters of Inquiry on a year-round rolling basis. Application Procedure: If you believe your project fits within the Guidelines and Selection Criteria you may consider submitting a Letter of Inquiry of no more than three pages. If your letter results in an invitation to submit a full proposal, they will contact you. Please send the LOI via email to: info@FidelityFoundation.org. If the LOI results in an invitation to proceed with a full proposal, the foundation will contact the applicant. For more information, visit: http://www.fidelityfoundation.org/guidelines/index.html _______________________________________________________________

WellPoint, Inc. - Community Relations Grants

WellPoint seeks to improve lives and communities by addressing preventable health concerns through strategic, charitable choices. WellPoint is committed to championing healthy behaviors, health-risk prevention, and healthy environments. WellPoint funds non-profit fundraising and sponsor initiatives that support the objectives of their signature Healthy Generations program. Healthy Generations is a multi-generational health initiative that touches all ages from unborn children to seniors. Their goal is to improve community health by focusing resources on improving nine key health care concerns. Specifically, Healthy Generations funds programs that are aimed at improving several measures included in WellPoint's State Health Index. These measures include:

Helping children reduce their obesity levels

Helping adults reduce their risks for cardiac mortality

Helping adults improve and sustain healthy physical activity levels

Helping decrease the prevelence of diabetes in adults

Helping at-risk expectant mothers engagein sustained prenatal care in their first trimester

Helping at-risk expectant mothers commit to behaviors that reduce number of low-weight babies

Helping adults improve their influenza prevention and immunization rates

Helping individuals adopt and sustain smoking cessation behaviors Eligibility: Eligible applicants must have tax-exemption status under certain 501(c)(3) subsections as defined by the Internal Revenue Service. Additional eligible subsections are listed on the website. Geographic Focus: Community Relations (CR) funding is apportioned among the states in which WellPoint, Inc. has a business presence. Maryland is

3

Quote of the

Month

“If you change the way

you look at things, the

things you look at

change.”

Dr Wayne Dyer

allotted a portion of the funding. Deadline: Rolling Grant Amount: Not specified Community Relations Determinations: Email confirmations of both the receipt of a grant application request and the final determination will be sent to applicants. Community relations funding requests are typically determined within 30 business days. Contact WellPoint with questions via email at communityrelations@wellpoint.com Requests for community relations funding must be submitted online at https://www.grantrequest.com/SID_832/Default.asp?CT=CT&SA=SNA&FID=35028&SESID=de192c2824e34a81a0f5462f46cbb5fa _______________________________________________________________

Erie Insurance Giving Network Community service is a valued tradition at Erie Insurance. Erie’s founder, H.O. Hirt, had a lifelong concern for others less fortunate. Through the years, Erie Insurance and its employees and agents have continued H.O. Hirt’s tradition of giving by generously supporting the communities where they live and work. By pooling their resources to help disaster victims, building homes for the homeless, and participating in hundreds of food and clothing drives for the needy, they demonstrate an ongoing concern for others. Today, Erie Insurance employees and agents continue to serve their communities by supporting events and programs within the following areas of focus:

Safety

Community Building

Environmental Responsibility Geographic Focus: Organizations requesting funds must be located in the areas served by Erie Insurance. Erie Insurance has operations in Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Deadline: August 27, 2013 Eligibility: Nonprofit, tax exempt organizations under Section 501(c)3 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and accredited educational institutions are eligible to apply. Grant Amount: Not specified; if over $10,000 additional information will be required. Indemnity Co., Erie, Pa., USA, all rights reserved Priority will be given to organizations that demonstrate commitment to their communities by ensuring their governing bodies include representatives from within the communities they serve. Contact Information: Erie Insurance Giving Network at Erie Insurance

4

Web Resources

Maryland Nonprofits http://www.marylandnonprofit

s.org/dnn/Home.aspx

GrantSpace http://grantspace.org/

Grant Siren www.grantwriters.net/grant-

siren.php

Survey Monkey www.SurveyMonkey.com

Grant Gopher https://grantgopher.com/Defa

ult.aspx

Foundation Center http://fconline.foundationcent

er.org/

GuideStar http://www2.guidestar.org/

Virtual Cap http://www.virtualcap.org

Charity How To Where Nonprofits Learn

http://www.charityhowto.com/webinars2.php?cat=Free

100 Erie Insurance Place Erie, PA 16530 Phone: (814) 870-7403 E-mail: GivingNetwork@erieinsurance.com To apply online, go to: http://www.erieinsurance.com/GivingNetworkRequest/OrganizationInfo.aspx?AI=N _______________________________________________________________

Chesapeake Bay Trust Current Grant Opportunities

K-12 Environmental Education Mini Grant Program

The Chesapeake Bay Trust Mini Grant Program supports activities such as Meaningful Watershed Educational Experienes (MWEE), teacher professional development, and programs to advance environmental literacy in the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams. The Mini Grant Program is supported by a partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Assocation, Watershed Education and Training Program. Geographic Focus: Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, Delaware, and Virginia Eligibility: Non-profit organizations, community associations, faith-based organizations, and more as described in the RFP Grant Amount: Up to $5,000 Current Deadline: August 9, 2013 The Trust is still unable to provide reimbursement funding, which means that project starts dates must occur after the date of decision. Deadlines, decision dates, and acceptable project dates are listed below:

Deadline Date Decision Date Project State Date

August 9, 2013 October 4, 2013 No earlier than October 5, 2013

January 10, 2014 March 7, 2014 No earlier than March 8, 2014

Application Process: The Chesapeake Bay Trust’s grant applications are submitted through an online system. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact this program’s grant manager, Kacey Wetzel, at 410-974-2941, ext. 104. Please contact Kacey Wetzel at kwetzel@cbtrust.org with any questions regarding the new structure of the Mini Grant Program.

5

------------------------------------------------------------------------ Watershed Assistance Program

The Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources welcome requests for technical planning and design assistance associated with protection and restoration programs and projects that lead to improved water quality in the Maryland portion of the Chespeake Bay watershed and the Maryland Coastal Bays. The purpose of this assistance is to help grantees accomplish the earliest phases of restoration projects. Recipients of this technical assistance and design funding may use the resulting plans and designs to:

Craft future proposals or accomplish deliverables listed in the applicant’s proposal to the Maryland Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (the Local Implmentation Grant Program) or through the Maryland Department of the Environment

Develop deliverables that will inform Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) Phase II strategies

Craft proposals for implementation funding through programs at the Chesapeake Bay trust

Geographic Focus: Maryland Eligibility: Non-profit organizations, community associations, faith-based organizations, and more as described in the RFP Grant Amount: $5001 - $50,000 Deadline: August 30, 2013 Application Process: The Chesapeake Bay Trust’s grant applications are submitted through an online system. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact this program’s grant manager, Hieu Truong at 410-974-2941, ext. 112. Questions and Technical Support Chesapeake Bay Trust Hieu Truong htruong@cbtrust.org 410-974-2941, ext. 112 Maryland Department of Natural Resources Jennifer Raulin jraulin@dnr.state.md.us 410-260-8745

--------------------------------------------------------------- Restoration Grant Program

The Chespeake Bay Trust Restoration Grant Program supports demonstration-scale, community-based, on-the-ground restoration projects.

6

This program funds:

Wetland and marsh creation and enhancement

Bioretention cells, bioswales, rain gardens, rain barrels, and other low impact development stormwater techniques

Streamside forest buffers

Shoreline and stream bank enhancement and stablilization

Fish passage projects

Installation of agriculture best management practices, including fencing, buffers, wetlands, and more

Large scale school property projects to restore habitat, improve water quality, and establish outdoor classrooms on school grounds. Proposed projects should:

o contribute to Maryland Green School certification efforts o be integrated into classroom curriculum o have a plan for continued use of the project areas as an outdoor

classroom beyond the term of the grant Geographic Focus: Maryland

Eligibility: Non-profit organizations, community associations, faith-based organizations, and more as described in the RFP

Grant Amount: $5001 - $25,000 for projects not based on or identified in a watershed plan.

Match: Match is not required, but it is encouraged.

Deadline: September 6, 2013.

Application Process: The Chesapeake Bay Trust’s grant applications are submitted through an online system. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact this program’s grant manager, Jen Wijetunga at jwijetunga@cbtrust.org or 410-974-2941, ext. 106.

Applicants for each of these three programs are encouraged to apply up to 7 days prior to the deadline due to potential for high website traffic on

the date of the deadline. _______________________________________________________________

Samuel Rubin Foundation The Samuel Rubin Foundation's general purpose is to carry on the vision of its founder, Samuel Rubin, whose life was dedicated to the pursuit of peace and justice and the search for an equitable reallocation of the world’s resources. The Foundation believes that these objectives can be achieved only through the fullest implementation of social, economic, political, civil and cultural rights for all of the world’s people. Eligiblity: Applicants must be a tax-exempt non-profit organization. Geographic Focus: There are no geographic limitations. Grant Amount: The majority of the Foundation's grants are in the $5,000 -10,000 range. Deadline: Application deadlines are the first Friday in January, September, and

7

May. Application Process: A brief proposal of no more than 5 pages, together with a budget and IRS tax-exempt determination letter, may be sent to Ms. Lauranne Jones, Grants Administrator, at any time. No application form is provided. The Foundation accepts applications for general operating expenses as well as for specific projects within an organization. Contact Information Ms. Lauranne Jones, Grants Administrator Mailing Address: Samuel Rubin Foundation 777 United Nations Plaza New York, New York 10017-3521 Tel: 212 697-8945 Fax: 212 682-0886 Email: joneslauranne@gmail.com Please visit http://www.samuelrubinfoundation.org/guidelines.html for more information. _______________________________________________________________

Awesome Foundation The Awesome Foundation is an ever-growing, worldwide network of people devoted to forwarding the interest of awesomeness in the universe. Created in the long hot summer days of 2009 in Boston, the Foundation distributes a series of monthly $1,000 grants to projects and their creators. The money is pooled together from the coffers of ten or so self-organizing “micro-trustees” and given upfront in cash, check, or gold doubloons. The chapters are autonomous and organized by the trustees around geographic areas or topics of interest. The Foundation provides these grants with no strings attached and claims no ownership over the projects it supports. It is, in the words of one of their trustees, “a micro-genius grant for flashes of micro-brilliance.” Since its humble beginnings, many Awesome Foundation chapters have sprung up globally to conserve, sustain, and support the worldwide ecosystem of awesomeness. Projects have included efforts in a wide range of areas including technology, arts, social good, and beyond. The Food Chapter of the Awesome Foundation is now accepting applications to further food awesomeness in the universe. Eligibility: No specified requirements Geographic Focus: National Maximum Grant: $1,000 Deadline: Online applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Contact Information: You can email them at contact@awesomefoundation.org, follow them on Twitter at @awesomefound, or track them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/awesomefoundation.

8

For more information and to apply, go to: http://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/submissions/new?chapter=food&utm_source=July+17%2C+2013&utm_campaign=July+17%2C+2013&utm_medium=email Website: www.awesomefoundation.org _______________________________________________________________

Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust Grants

The Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust Grant are dedicated to one, single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. Each year brings dramatic new changes in the lives of veterans that present greater challenges to our mission of service to veterans and their families. The Trust will continue to do all it can to meet the real needs of sick and injured veterans. Their mission of service is accomplished by:

making sure sick and injured veterans have transportation to VA medical facilities for treatment;

providing food and shelter and medical aid to homeless and needy veterans;

meeting the special needs of veterans faced with such specific injuries as paralysis, amputation and brain injuries;

supporting physical and psychological rehabilitation projects aimed at some of America's most profoundly injured veterans; and

bringing hope to the forgotten and suffering families of veterans. Eligibility: Grantmaking is targeted to not-for-profit entities. Geographic Focus: National Deadline: October 20, 2013 Grant Amount: Not specified Priority is given to long-term service projects providing direct assistance to sick and injured veterans and their families. For additional information please contact the Trust’s Administrative Office at Disabled American Veterans National Headquarters; 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday. DAV Charitable Service Trust 3725 Alexandria Pike Cold Spring, KY 41076 Phone: 877-426-2838, ext. 3309 FAX: 859-442-2088 Email: cst@dav.org To apply, go to: http://www.cst.dav.org/grants/Default.aspx?utm_source=July+17%2C+2013&utm_campaign=July+17%2C+2013&utm_medium=email

9

Website: www.cst.dav.org _______________________________________________________________

The Rite Aid Foundation Rite Aid’s mission is to improve the health and wellness of communities through engaging experiences that provide customers with the best products, services and advice to meet their unique wellness needs. The Foundation lives this commitment every day in every community they serve. Beyond their stores, they bring their mission to life through thousands of hours of volunteer service every year and through grants from The Rite Aid Foundation. Foundation Focus: The Rite Aid Foundation has chosen children’s health and well-being as the core focus of their charitable giving. The Foundation believes that children are the future of our communities and they deserve and need support. They also believe this focus will enable them to make a meaningful difference in communities for years to come. Geographic Area: Applicant’s organization must operate in a community in which Rite Aid has a business presence. Eligibility: The following requirements must be met in order to apply:

Applicant is a nonprofit, exempt from federal tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code

Applicant’s primary program focus is the health and well-being of children

Applicant’s program has been in existence for at least one year and is in good financial standing

Deadlines: Although The Rite Aid Foundation accepts proposals throughout the year, the submission deadlines for their quarterly board meetings are:

January 15 for the February board meeting

April 15 for the May board meeting

July 15 for the August board meeting

October 15 for the November board meeting Any submission received in The Rite Aid Foundation Management Office after the deadline will be held and reviewed for the next quarterly board meeting. Their goal is to review and respond to all correctly submitted applications within 90 days of arrival in their office. Grant Amount: Not specified Submission Guidelines: Funding requests must be submitted in writing on the organization's letterhead and mailed to the following address: The Rite Aid Foundation Attn: Gayle Rife, Manager P O Box 3165 Harrisburg, PA 17105 For more information, visit: https://www.riteaid.com/about-us/community-service/rite-aid-foundation

10

Informational Articles

On the Subject of Asking

The Power of a Memorable

“Thank You” Letter

Informational Articles On the Subject of Asking

By Jerold Panas, GuideStar July 2013

Jerold Panas has helped a diverse range of organizations raise an estimated $11 billion. He recently spoke with his publisher about asking for major gifts. This is in interview conducted by GuideStar. You've been at this for 40 years. What motivates a person to make a major gift? I've done studies on this and the results are almost always the same. The primary reason someone gives a major gift is that he or she believes in the mission of the organization. A second important factor is the organization's financial stability. Would-be donors have to be convinced the agency is prudently managed. As you can imagine, people don't want to give money away. They want to contribute to bold and heroic programs. They want to make things happen. And mostly, they want to change and save lives. To be successful in asking, what factors have to be present? As I discuss in my book, Asking, three pieces are important. The first is that the organization and the project must be relevant. The donor has to feel this is something that's significant. Next, what you're raising money for has to have emotional appeal. I like it best when the hair on the back of the neck stands up! I want it to be exciting and have snap, crackle, and pop. But most importantly, there has to be a sense of urgency. The donor must feel this can't be postponed. The project has to move forward and the decision to give must be made as soon as possible. Time is working against us. Lives are being lost. Kids aren't being served. The single most important quality of an effective asker is what, in your opinion? The most important quality of an effective asker is that they have passion for the cause. You can't always achieve it, but the ideal is someone who's "burning in his bones" for the organization. I'll also include persistence. That's because it often takes at least two visits to secure a gift. So, you've got to stick with it. And, finally, the ability to listen is absolutely necessary. I tell clients that they should talk 25 percent of the time and listen the other 75 percent. Who's the best person to call on the would-be donor? This will seem simplistic, but it's key: you send the person who the would-be donor will have the hardest time saying “no” to. In some cases, it may be the CEO. It could be a member of the development staff, or a faculty member who's had a great impact on the person, or the doctor who performed open-heart surgery on the individual. I like taking two people on the first call, if it can be arranged. For a potential major donor, I like having the chief executive officer accompany a volunteer. I call that a magic partnership. I also believe the volunteer should testify to the gift he has made. If it's a sacrificial or a stretch gift, that's powerful and compelling ammunition. Of course, you never take anyone with you who hasn't already made his own gift. When the solicitor makes the call, what's usually going through the donor's mind? The would-be donor wants to know, why should I give to this organization? What's so important about this cause that I should give it priority? Next, why is this particular program important enough that I should give? Does

11

the project have my full interest and will it make a difference? Third, the donor wants to know why she should give now. Is it really urgent? Is it more important to give to your organization than some others I've been considering? And finally, why me! She wants to know, why are you calling on me for this gift? Why have you singled me out? My colleague Harvey McKinnon has a terrific book on the subject: The 11 Questions Every Donor Asks and the Answers All Donors Crave. Many people fret about the words they intend to use when asking. They even rehearse them beforehand. Is phrasing really that important? When I coach solicitors, I give them language I know is successful. I've learned this over the years. But I'm quick to point out they should use their own words—sing their own song. I want them to feel totally comfortable and as relaxed as possible. I also coach our solicitors to say out loud the amount they're going to ask for. Go ahead! Say it out loud—fifty thousand dollars. Say it! The more it's repeated, the easier it gets. You say that printed materials and computer presentations aren't that important. Really? Even in this age of smartphones and tablet computers? I put campaign brochures very low on the list of what motivates a donor. Every study I've done supports this. Those fancy line-embossed, die-cut, four-color brochures just aren't read, though the photos will be glanced at. Worse still, publications are often a turnoff, due to the perceived cost of producing them. And as far as a computer presentation is concerned—ugh! In my experience, there's nothing that takes the place of a one-on-one presentation, the solicitor probing and asking questions—and listening most of the time. I do bring a few pieces to leave behind. One is usually a three-ring binder. That's because no one has ever thrown away a three-ring binder! Another is a simple question and answer folder—one that can fit in a breast pocket or purse. Think of seven or eight questions that are likely to be asked, or questions that simply must be answered. This Q & A piece will be one of the most-read pieces in your arsenal. Reveal the secret once and for all: What makes a great fundraiser? In every study I've done, the most important quality is integrity. If it isn't there, your donors feel it, and they're turned off. Closely behind is the skill of listening. Prospective donors want to be heard. I call it, "listening loudly." Listen carefully enough and you'll learn everything you need to know about the donor, what they're most interested in, and how much they're willing to give. And when I ask donors what qualities they like to see in the solicitor, they mention the three Es. It starts with energy. They want someone who is a spring ready to be sprung. They want someone who is enthusiastic about the organization; head over heels committed. And finally, donors talk about the caller being empathetic. And you gain that by listening and caring. Jerold Panas is the executive director of one of the premier firms in America and co-founder of the Institute for Charitable Giving. His popular books include Asking (newly revised), The Fundraising Habits of Supremely Successful Boards, and Mega Gifts.

12

_______________________________________________________________

The Power of a Memorable “Thank You” Letter By Janet Gadeski, June 25, 2013

Recently a reader tweeted that she was just sitting down to sign 210 personal thank-you letters for gifts ranging from $5 to $1,000. A personal note for five dollars? Fundraising researcher Penelope Burk

would heartily endorse that. (And as it turned out, it was one of her seminars that set that reader on a career-long commitment to personal notes, no matter what the gift value.) Because It Makes Money

Why send personal thank-you notes for so-called “small” gifts? “Because it makes money,” Burk emphasizes. Through Cygnus Research, she’s followed donor reactions and behaviour for years. Personalized, powerful thank-you notes, she’s discovered, are always high on the list of factors that lead donors to do the three things we most want them to do: give again, give sooner and give more. That, of course, leads to donor retention and higher lifetime donor value – the least expensive way to raise money over the long term. Why Don’t We Do It Well?

Why, then, are so many gift acknowledgement letters still late, poorly written, and even based on a boilerplate that hasn’t changed for months? “Charities don’t understand how important it [a personalized thank you] is to profitability,” Burk explains. “If you see it as just a task without impact, you won’t put in enough time to do it well.” Even when the fundraiser knows better, she can be held back by the lack of good information to pass on to donors, especially in the area of undesignated gifts. Burk also believes that the art of compelling communication isn’t taught to fundraisers. Except for appeal copy – a very specific writing assignment – being a persuasive writer isn’t named as an essential skill for fundraising positions. Constraints on time and information, though, don’t change the fact that, as Burk says, “Exceptional letters make donors take notice and remember the organization.” A vibrant, personal communication of gratitude makes the donors feel noticed and glad they’ve given. It builds trust, and that feeling lasts for a long time. How To Get It Right

Since thank-you letters are so important, here is Burk’s list of the 20 Things That Make a Thank-You Letter Exceptional taken from her book, Donor-Centered Fundraising. For more information, go to http://www.cygresearch.com/burksblog/?p=542.

20 Things That Make a Thank-You Letter Exceptional

1. The letter is a real letter, not a pre-printed card. 2. It is personally addressed. 3. It has a personal salutation (no “dear donor” or “dear friend”). 4. It is personally signed.

13

Resources

Family-Run Executive Director Leadership

Assocation (FREDLA)

5. It is personally signed by someone from the highest ranks of the organization

6. It makes specific reference to the intended use of funds. 7. It indicates approximately when the donor will receive an update on the

program being funded. 8. It includes the name and phone number of a staff person whom the donor

can contact at any time or an invitation to contact the writer directly. 9. It does not ask for another gift. 10. It does not ask the donor to do anything (like complete an enclosed survey,

for example.) 11. It acknowledges the donor’s past giving, where applicable. 12. It contains no spelling or grammatical errors. 13. It has an overall can-do, positive tone as opposed to a hand-wringing one. 14. It communicates the excitement, gratitude and inner warmth of the writer. 15. It grabs the reader’s attention in the opening sentence. 16. It speaks directly to the donor. 17. It does not continue to sell. 18. It is concise – no more than two short paragraphs. 19. It is received by the donor promptly. 20. Plus, in some circumstances, the letter is handwritten. With these guidelines in hand, start taking the time to do a better job on every thank-you letter that you send. “It’s worth it,” Burk encourages. “It’s worth all the time, the practice, the self-doubt. The payoff is huge.”

Resources Family-Run Executive Director Leadership

Association (FREDLA) Executive directors of successful family-run organizations announce they have formed a new national organization focused on children’s mental health. FREDLA, Family-Run Executive Director Leadership Association, is organized by seasoned and experienced Executive Directors with many years of expertise in running family organizations in cities and states across America. Collectively, they have built new organizations, increased business opportunities at local and state levels, and achieved a national presence for policy, program and funding to the benefit of families and youth in their state, as well as informing key program and practice levels of others. Less than a year ago, leaders from more than a dozen family-run organizations began discussing the framework for a new organization. They recognized the need for a strong national organization to create a network for collaboration and impact policy. “Powerful national leadership for children’s mental health, which both represents and benefits the state organizations is essential,” says Hugh Davis, a member of FREDLA’s executive committee. Children’s mental health systems at the national, state and local levels have increasingly supported the notion of family and youth support as an integral part of our child serving systems. For over 20 years, family-run organizations have had enormous impact with the formation of non-profit, free standing organizations that are focused on serving the needs of families and youth experiencing significant mental health challenges through support, education and systems transformation.

14

Free Webinar/ Free Classes

Tricks of the Trade: Fundraising Tips and

Strategies for Nonprofits

The Foundation Center Free Classes in Their

Learning Center

With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, shifts in state and federal funding and a new national awareness of the importance of children’s mental health, FREDLA is ready to assist its member organizations. “How we deliver health care in America is changing rapidly and children’s mental health is no different,” says Lisa Lambert, FREDLA Vice-President. “FREDLA is poised to ensure that the best practices of family-run organizations in each state are highlighted and given needed support and recognition.” Members of FREDLA are family-run organizations and currently include representation from Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Wisconsin. For more information, contact Tom Dillingham, FREDLA Board President by phone 720-855-3493 or by email at tdillingham@coloradofederation.org. Many of the important changes in health care are taking place at the state level. We need strong family run organizations to partner and be sure that the perspective of families and youth is front and center. FREDLA supports those family-run organizations, not just families.

Free Webinar/Free Classes National Committee for Responsive Philanthrophy

Sponsors Free Webinar

Tricks of the Trade: Fundraising Tips and Strategies for Nonprofits Presented by: Stephanie Roth, Principal, Klein & Roth Consulting and Sean Dobson, Field Director, NCRP Date: Wednesday, August 21, 2013 Time: 2 pm – 3 pm Interested in learning how nonprofits can raise more money? Tune in to NCRP’s next “Pulse” webinar. Note: Registration is required and space is limited. Internationally recognized Klein & Roth Consulting will team up with NCRP to give an overview of recent trends in fundraising and outline the most successful fundraising strategies. Presenters will address why diversified funding that includes foundations and individual donors is critical to the financial stability of a nonprofit organization. Find out how to:

Identify the best prospects – both foundation and individuals – for your organization and cause

Initiate contact with and cultivate potential funders and donors

Develop and/or increase invididual donor support To register, go to: https://ncrp.webex.com/mw0307l/mywebex/default.do?siteurl=ncrp

15

Community

Events

Shepherd’s Staff Back-to-School Program

Dads Works – Green Turtle Sports Bar & Grille

Charity

Roaring Run Lions Club 5th Annual Vera

Bradley/Longaberger Basket Bingo

_______________________________________________________________

The Foundation Center Free Classes in their Learning Center

Space is limited. Register online with the form below, in person, or by calling 202-331-1400. Registrants requiring disability-related services are asked to contact the Foundation Center at least two weeks in advance. Please arrive on time or your seat may be given away to others who are waiting to attend. If you need further information, please call 202-331-1400.

All classes are held at:

The Foundation Center-Washington DC 1627 K Street NW, Third Floor Washington, DC 20006-1708 Class Schedule: How to Approach a Foundation August 7, 10:30-11:45 am

Introduction to Finding Funders August 7, 12:00-1:00 pm

Your Board and Fundraising: An Introductory Class August 9, 12:00-1:30 pm

Before You Seek a Grant: A Checklist for New Nonprofits August 12, 11:00 am-12:30 pm

Grantseeking Basics August 12, 12:45-2:15 pm

Understanding Collaboration August 13, 12:00-1:00 pm

Introduction to Fundraising Planning August 14, 11:00 am-12:15 pm To register, go to: http://www.grantspace.org/Classroom/Training-Calendar/Washington-DC

Community Events Shepherd’s Staff Back-to-School Program When: now through August 19, 2013 Shepherd’s Staff is seeking donations of school essentials for the upcoming school year for Carroll County students in need. A donation box will be set up in the lobby of the County Office Building through August 19, 2013. For more information, visit http://www.shepstaff.org/index.asp.

16

Dads Works When: Tuesday, August 6, 2013 Time: 11:00 AM - midnight Dads Works is the selected charity at the Greene Turle Sports Bar & Grille on Tuesday, August 6, 2013, 11:00 AM – midnight. Dads Works will receive a 10% donation from each purchase made at the restaurant. For more information, call David Berry at 443-605-6358 or visit www.dadsworks.org.

Roaring Run Lions Club 5th Annual Vera Bradley/Longaberger Basket Bingo When: Saturday, September 7, 2013 Please bring a can of food for Carroll County Food Sunday and receive a card for a free game. For more information contact Linda Auerback at 410-876-3378 or Laura Ganske at 410-848-2371. Sponsored by the Roaring Run Lions Club and Reese & Community Volunteer Fire Company. Proceeds to benefit community projects and activities.