Pattie Johnson has written a thoughtful piece called Approaching Business: Getting Corporate Support for Your Non-Profit in the June issue of the NonProfit Times.
She outlines the various ways non-profits can partner with corporations as well as providing four key strategies on how to obtain corporate support. Her perspective is important because corporations need to be approached differently than non-profit or public entities.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
New Resource! Non-Profit Times - The Leading Business Publication for NonProfit Management
Need guidance as a non-profit executive or leader in your community? Check out the NonProfit Times - the leading business publication for nonprofit management.
The NonProfit Times offers resources such as a salary survey, free enewsletters, a resource directory, among other information to help non-profit executives more effectively manage their organizations and projects.
To sign up for their free magazine and enewsletters, click here.
The NonProfit Times offers resources such as a salary survey, free enewsletters, a resource directory, among other information to help non-profit executives more effectively manage their organizations and projects.
To sign up for their free magazine and enewsletters, click here.
Request Free Technology Donations by June 30
Tech Soup Stock: Bringing Technology Donations to Non-Profits provides a comprehensive list of corporations that provide donated technology products to non-profit organizations. Some corporations offer their donated products between July 1 through June 30. So it is not too late to make a request for this fiscal year and then submit another request for products after July 1.
To find out more about this free resource, check out their Donation Program Section.
To find out more about this free resource, check out their Donation Program Section.
Tech Soup - The Technology Place for Non-Profits
Confused about to use technology to improve the quality of your afterschool program? Look no further than Tech Soup - the Technology Place for Non-Profits.
This comprehensive website offers tools, tips and resources to help every non-profit with an array of their technology needs including free downloads and information on where you can get donated software and computer equipment. In addition to their on-line resources, they also offer two free newsletters. One provides information on technology resources and forums and the other provides information on products that are available for non-profits. To get on their mailing list, sign up here.
This comprehensive website offers tools, tips and resources to help every non-profit with an array of their technology needs including free downloads and information on where you can get donated software and computer equipment. In addition to their on-line resources, they also offer two free newsletters. One provides information on technology resources and forums and the other provides information on products that are available for non-profits. To get on their mailing list, sign up here.
The Sustainable Non-Profit: Spending Your Web Dollars Wisely
Karen Roberts, in her article, Spending Your Web Dollars Wisely, outlines five key steps to help non-profit organizations develop a quality website. She wisely points out that an unprofessional looking website may "alienate donors, volunteers, and corporate partners". There are do-it-yourself kits that can provide professional templates to help organizations develop a web presence. They can be purchased through hosting services such as Go Daddy among others. Non-profits also use volunteers to help them develop their new websites identified either through their Board or local colleges or universities.
In addition to providing a way to market your program, many websites also provide a way to raise funds for non-profit activities and programs on-line fundraising is a growing and successful method to raise money and should be considered as part of your overall sustainability strategy.
In addition to providing a way to market your program, many websites also provide a way to raise funds for non-profit activities and programs on-line fundraising is a growing and successful method to raise money and should be considered as part of your overall sustainability strategy.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Free Newsletters from the Foundation Center
The Foundation Center offers 8 different free electronic newsletters that may help you in your sustainability efforts. Among their topics are:
1) Arts Funding Watch
2) Education Funding Watch
3) Health Funding Watch
4) Marketplace Updates
5) PND News Alerts
6) PND Job Alerts
7) PND RFP Alerts
8) PubHub Alerts
In order to register to receive then, click here.
1) Arts Funding Watch
2) Education Funding Watch
3) Health Funding Watch
4) Marketplace Updates
5) PND News Alerts
6) PND Job Alerts
7) PND RFP Alerts
8) PubHub Alerts
In order to register to receive then, click here.
The Foundation Center Offers a Short Course in Proposal Writing
The Foundation Center, the nationally recognized organization dedicated to philanthropy and grantseeking, has a wealth of information about the "art and science" of grantwriting. Among their many on-line resources, they offer an on-line Proposal Writing Short Course. In addition to English, they provide the course in five other languages including Spanish.
This is one place to start to get your questions answered about grantwriting. Check it out!
This is one place to start to get your questions answered about grantwriting. Check it out!
BELL Expands to Springfield, Massachusetts
On Monday, BELL (Building Educated Leaders for Life) has announced it will expand their services to Springfield, Massachusetts. Currently, BELL serves more than 11,000 students in Boston, Baltimore, New York, and Detroit. They have decided to expand to Springfield, Massachusetts based on the need. They start their Summer Program on June 30 and will serve 800 students in grades 2,3,4, and 5 as well as 8th grade students.
For more information, read their press release.
For more information, read their press release.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
New Resource! Great Science for Girls
Great Science for Girls: Extension Services for Gender Equity in Science through After School Programs (GSG) works with Intermediaries to build the capacity of after-school centers to deliver evidence-based programming that will broaden and sustain girls' interest and persistence in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
Check out their website for more information about evidence-based programs and websites for girls only science-based programming.
Check out their website for more information about evidence-based programs and websites for girls only science-based programming.
New Resource! The Preteen Alliance
While based in California, the Preteen Alliance may offer some intriguing insights into the lives and minds of preteens. For those of you who primarily serve this population through your afterschool or summer program, you may want to look at their website where they have research and other resources of interest.
In particular, you might want to check out one of their new publications called Putting It All Together: Guiding Principles for Quality Afterschool Programs Serving Preteens .
In particular, you might want to check out one of their new publications called Putting It All Together: Guiding Principles for Quality Afterschool Programs Serving Preteens .
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Afterschool Alliance Promotes Three Key Resources
Free Promotional Game Exclusive to First 350 Respondents - Apply Before July 3
For a limited time, Sports Camp Federation is offering a free trial package of the new family game coming out this fall called Guess What I Am. It is a modern twist on the classic guessing game, targeted to children age five through 12. The game includes 30 different character picture frames with four different playing games. Each free trial package will include the Guess What I Am retail game for the program, a program/game guidelines letter, and 50 picture frame magnets for children to take home. There will also be five Rubik's cubes included for older children to use during program time. Programs with children age five to seven and eight to 12 should apply before July 3. To apply for the promotion, contact Katie Logan at klogan@scfsports.com or 847/418-2015.
Program to Combat Child Obesity
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, whose mission is to stop the increase of childhood obesity by 2010, recently introduced The Healthy Schools Program (HSP). The program's goal is to improve nutrition, physical activity, and staff wellness in America's schools. The program offers tools and resources to help schools improve access to healthier foods, increase opportunities for physical activity, and establish staff wellness programs. The HSP would like to see this initiative taken beyond regular school hours and into afterschool programs' meal plans. For more information on The Healthy Schools Program, call 1-888-KID-HLTH.
Literacy Program to Prevent Summer Learning Loss
Reader's Theater is offering a free resource to afterschool providers to help boost literacy skills through "edu-tainment" in the form of play-acting. The "Take Center Stage" playbooks provide an interactive environment for youth to read and learn. "Mini, the Super Watermelon," is available free for download and includes game instructions, playing cards, and playing tips. To access the materials, visit their website.
Text courtesy of the Afterschool Alliance.
For a limited time, Sports Camp Federation is offering a free trial package of the new family game coming out this fall called Guess What I Am. It is a modern twist on the classic guessing game, targeted to children age five through 12. The game includes 30 different character picture frames with four different playing games. Each free trial package will include the Guess What I Am retail game for the program, a program/game guidelines letter, and 50 picture frame magnets for children to take home. There will also be five Rubik's cubes included for older children to use during program time. Programs with children age five to seven and eight to 12 should apply before July 3. To apply for the promotion, contact Katie Logan at klogan@scfsports.com or 847/418-2015.
Program to Combat Child Obesity
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, whose mission is to stop the increase of childhood obesity by 2010, recently introduced The Healthy Schools Program (HSP). The program's goal is to improve nutrition, physical activity, and staff wellness in America's schools. The program offers tools and resources to help schools improve access to healthier foods, increase opportunities for physical activity, and establish staff wellness programs. The HSP would like to see this initiative taken beyond regular school hours and into afterschool programs' meal plans. For more information on The Healthy Schools Program, call 1-888-KID-HLTH.
Literacy Program to Prevent Summer Learning Loss
Reader's Theater is offering a free resource to afterschool providers to help boost literacy skills through "edu-tainment" in the form of play-acting. The "Take Center Stage" playbooks provide an interactive environment for youth to read and learn. "Mini, the Super Watermelon," is available free for download and includes game instructions, playing cards, and playing tips. To access the materials, visit their website.
Text courtesy of the Afterschool Alliance.
Afterschool Part of National Task Force on Education Policy Reform
In the latest issue of the Afterschool Alliance's newsletter, it featured some exciting information about a national task force that is calling for "A Broad, BOLDER Approach to Education Policy". The task force is convened by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) and afterschool is one of the "pillars of education" they believe is central to improving the educational lives of low-income children.
Boston's former School Superintendent, Tom Payzant is one of the Co-Chairs of this effort.
To learn more, check out their website by clicking here.
Boston's former School Superintendent, Tom Payzant is one of the Co-Chairs of this effort.
To learn more, check out their website by clicking here.
Governor Patrick Releases Project Readiness Report
After nearly a year of work, Governor Patrick's Project Readiness Task Force released its report today to the first joint meeting of all the state's education boards. The report called Ready for 21st Century Success: The New Promise for Public Education calls for a number of recommendations in four key goal areas.
Over 200 people participated in the Governor's Project Readiness Task Force in different sub-committees including a one that looked closely at the issue of extended learning opportunities. In this group, several members of the state's afterschool community participated.
To review the 44-page report that contains recommendations and information about the Project Readiness Task Force and its members, click here.
For more information from the Governor's Office that talks about his Education Action Agenda, click here.
Over 200 people participated in the Governor's Project Readiness Task Force in different sub-committees including a one that looked closely at the issue of extended learning opportunities. In this group, several members of the state's afterschool community participated.
To review the 44-page report that contains recommendations and information about the Project Readiness Task Force and its members, click here.
For more information from the Governor's Office that talks about his Education Action Agenda, click here.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Gloucester in the News - Teenage Pregnancy Pact Made?
Gloucester, Massachusetts made huge headlines in the last few days when news spread that a group of teenage girls made a "pact" to become pregnant and raise their children together. According to Time in partnership with CNN, some of the girls had requested pregnancy tests as early as in 6th grade and had little supervision or support at home.
This news raises a lot of questions for the work we do in afterschool. While no program can be a substitute for a parent, it is a sobering reminder of what can happen when young people do not have the relationships they need with caring adults to understand the ramifications of their actions. For me, this situation dramatically underscores the importance of your good work.
To learn more about this story, click here.
This news raises a lot of questions for the work we do in afterschool. While no program can be a substitute for a parent, it is a sobering reminder of what can happen when young people do not have the relationships they need with caring adults to understand the ramifications of their actions. For me, this situation dramatically underscores the importance of your good work.
To learn more about this story, click here.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Curious about Afterschool Workforce Development Issues?
Maintaining a quality workforce in the afterschool field is a challenging task. Not only is this an issue in Massachusetts, but other states across the country are wrestling with this concern as well.
In an effort to help keep track of what is happening across the nation, NIOST has created a clearinghouse on workforce development initiatives. Searchable both by state and by category, this on-line database may be of interest to all of us who are trying to continually keep abreast of new efforts to maintain and improve the ASOST workforce.
In an effort to help keep track of what is happening across the nation, NIOST has created a clearinghouse on workforce development initiatives. Searchable both by state and by category, this on-line database may be of interest to all of us who are trying to continually keep abreast of new efforts to maintain and improve the ASOST workforce.
Registration for NIOST Summer Seminars Closes July 1st!
Just a reminder that registration for NIOST's Summer Seminars closes in 9 days! Occurring on July 14-17 at the John Hancock Conference Center in Boston, take advantage of these excellent opportunities to deepen your expertise in four key areas:
A. Advancing School, Afterschool and Community Partnerships
B. Quality Advisor Training
C. Seminar for System Builders
D. Afterschool Program Assessment System (APAS)
For more information on how to register, click here.
A. Advancing School, Afterschool and Community Partnerships
B. Quality Advisor Training
C. Seminar for System Builders
D. Afterschool Program Assessment System (APAS)
For more information on how to register, click here.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
New Links and Resources Added to the Blog!
The World Wide Web continues to be a treasure trove of information for all of us who are passionate about our work in the afterschool field. In addition to the wide array of organizations devoted to the issue of afterschool, there are a number of other associations and networks that are promoting afterschool to their members that I found interesting and helpful. There are other entities and blogs that represent the latest trends and information about the best ways to serve youth and to secure funding for the work we do. As a result, I have posted new links and resources to the blog that may be of interest to you.
In the Sustainability Resources section, check out:
1) Center on NonProfits and Philanthropy - Urban Institute - useful briefs and information on both topics
2) Child Trends DataBank - statistics on afterschool participation nationally
3) Communities in Schools - a toolkit on afterschool programs
4) National Center on Charitable Statistics - a helpful grant writing resource
5) The Federal Register - the Bible of all federal funding sources
6) The Grantmanship Center - the title says it all
In the Promising Practices section, check out:
1) Afterschool Community and Learning Network - features the work of Dr. Terry Peterson
2) American Association of School Administrators - showcases their own toolkit on afterschool
3) Americans for the Arts - Youth Arts - comprehensive section on how to develop youth arts programs
4) ERIC Digests - a searchable database of scholarly articles on a range of education topics
5) Fight Crime: Invest in Kids - afterschool materials developed from a criminal justice point of view
6) International Bullying Prevention Association - resources on best ways to prevent bullying
7) National Endowment for the Arts - a wealth of information on arts and arts education opportunities
8) National School Boards Association - features strategies on how to engage school boards about afterschool
9) National Service Resources - tips and resources for volunteers and community service
10) National Youth Development Information Center - provides information for youth development workers
11) Institute for Youth Development - offers a range of resources emphasizing the importance of youth development
12) Tool Find - a searchable directory of youth measurement outcome tools organized by the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley
Last but not least, I have posted links to some other blogs that you might find helpful as well. They are:
1) 79 Grant Writing Resources You Can't Live Without - grant writing tools and tips
2) ARTS Blog - a blog maintained by Americans for the Arts
3) Donor Power Blog - thoughtful insights about charitable giving
4) Prevention Works - a blog maintained by the National Crime Prevention Council
5) Simply Grant Writing - grant writing tools and tips
6) Technology in the Arts - title says it all
7) The Artful Manager - addresses issues of arts management
8) The Grantwriting Coach - grant writing tips
Happy Solstice and summer reading!
In the Sustainability Resources section, check out:
1) Center on NonProfits and Philanthropy - Urban Institute - useful briefs and information on both topics
2) Child Trends DataBank - statistics on afterschool participation nationally
3) Communities in Schools - a toolkit on afterschool programs
4) National Center on Charitable Statistics - a helpful grant writing resource
5) The Federal Register - the Bible of all federal funding sources
6) The Grantmanship Center - the title says it all
In the Promising Practices section, check out:
1) Afterschool Community and Learning Network - features the work of Dr. Terry Peterson
2) American Association of School Administrators - showcases their own toolkit on afterschool
3) Americans for the Arts - Youth Arts - comprehensive section on how to develop youth arts programs
4) ERIC Digests - a searchable database of scholarly articles on a range of education topics
5) Fight Crime: Invest in Kids - afterschool materials developed from a criminal justice point of view
6) International Bullying Prevention Association - resources on best ways to prevent bullying
7) National Endowment for the Arts - a wealth of information on arts and arts education opportunities
8) National School Boards Association - features strategies on how to engage school boards about afterschool
9) National Service Resources - tips and resources for volunteers and community service
10) National Youth Development Information Center - provides information for youth development workers
11) Institute for Youth Development - offers a range of resources emphasizing the importance of youth development
12) Tool Find - a searchable directory of youth measurement outcome tools organized by the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley
Last but not least, I have posted links to some other blogs that you might find helpful as well. They are:
1) 79 Grant Writing Resources You Can't Live Without - grant writing tools and tips
2) ARTS Blog - a blog maintained by Americans for the Arts
3) Donor Power Blog - thoughtful insights about charitable giving
4) Prevention Works - a blog maintained by the National Crime Prevention Council
5) Simply Grant Writing - grant writing tools and tips
6) Technology in the Arts - title says it all
7) The Artful Manager - addresses issues of arts management
8) The Grantwriting Coach - grant writing tips
Happy Solstice and summer reading!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Fresh Idea! Working with Utility Companies to Increase Outreach about Summer Food Programs
The Food Research Action Center (FRAC), on their blog last month, announced strategies to increase outreach for summer feeding programs by working with local utility companies. While many of you may work with other state entities or provide food for young people in your summer programs yourselves, you may want to reach out to your local utility company as soon as possible. They can send information about available food resources in their monthly bills to customers and also could include an article in their newsletter.
With increased prices of household goods, food, utilities and gasoline, many families that you work with during the year may not be able to adequately provide enough food for their households. I know that not all of you provide summer programs, but for those who do, you may want to consider this strategy.
To learn more about summer food outreach strategies, click here.
With increased prices of household goods, food, utilities and gasoline, many families that you work with during the year may not be able to adequately provide enough food for their households. I know that not all of you provide summer programs, but for those who do, you may want to consider this strategy.
To learn more about summer food outreach strategies, click here.
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