announcements
Peace be with you all. May is such a full month, and this year for so many of you it is a month of moving. I thank you for the resurrecting, life giving witness you are offering to your congregations and communities. Hang in there! And be kind to yourselves. A colleague expressed gratitude for a spouse the other day: reflecting how the spouse had granted him spaciousness and acceptance when he had 'lost it completely' and been angry, frustrated, tired and - well, fussy - all in the same 5 minute span. Gifts of grace are all around us. I look forward to gathering with you this Sunday at our mini-reunion and then when the larger family convenes in Corpus Christi. Ever since we moved conference there, I have appreciated those words made flesh as our particular incarnation of the Body fills the place. Peace be with you all. Breathe.
NEW THIS WEEK
Cares and Concerns
Our prayers for Reverend Barbara Aziz (Kyle UMC) on the death of her mother, Martha Kutac, who passed away on May 6. Services were held last weekend in El Campo, Texas.
Our continued prayers for Doug Kevilus, husband of Reverend Liz Kevilus (Industry UMC). Doug remains in ICU in Methodist Hospital in San Antonio. Liz would appreciate your support and can be contacted at pastor@industryumc.org.
Apportionment Update
Here is the April 2010 giving report for the Austin District. Please take a look to see where we stand. The full report can be found at www.umcswtx.org.
Hyde Park UMC Celebration of Life - Saturday, May 22
Please join us Saturday, May 22nd from 11am - 2pm as we celebrate 100 years of life and ministry together at Hyde Park UMC. We especially invite all who have been involved in the life of HPUMC over the years ... as members, staff, clergy, interns, clergy candidates, musicians and their families. We'll visit, share stories and share a meal; and there will be special activities for the children. We look forward to seeing you then.
Opportunities/Help wanted
Trinity UMC seeks Director to start new secular preschool program that will start this fall. Looking for a creative, passionate, energetic person with relevant experience. Prefer experience with child care licensing, and those who meet/exceed qualifications as set forth by DFPS (Click here to see the PDF for details.)
First UMC, Johnson City, wants at least 75 old, but useable Cokesbury Hymnals. If you have any you are no longer using and are willing to donate, please contact Rev. Sid Spiller, Church: 830-868-7414; Cell: 361-701-1090 or Email: pastor@fumcjctx.org
REMINDERS
Austin District Board of Missions
Austin District Conference & Annual Conference Briefing
Sunday, May 16, Wesley UMC, 1160 San Bernard
Board of Missions (3:00 pm) – Voting members are the Senior Pastor and the elected Mission Board Representative from each church.
District Conference & Annual Conference Briefing (4:00 pm) - Voting members are the clergy and lay delegates to Annual Conference and chairs of Austin District Committees and the Board of Missions. The Pre-Conference Report can be found at www.umcswtx.org
We will also honor Dr. Charles Akins, retiring district lay leader, with a reception immediately following. Please plan to stay and express your thanks to Dr. Akins for his many years of service to the district.
Pastors, please remind your mission board rep and lay delegates of this meeting. Information including agenda, budget and nominations will be emailed later this week.
BOBBI KAYE’S QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
"New every morning is your love, great God of Light. And all day long you are working for good in this world." (from the Service of Morning Prayer and Praise)
Grant Opportunities
Healthcare Grants - Aetna Foundation
Deadline: May 15, 2010
The Foundation seeks to award two-year research, project, or policy grants of up to $250,000 to nonprofits working to improve health and the healthcare system in three areas — reducing obesity, racial and ethnic healthcare equity, and integrated health care. Grant applications that address more than one of these areas will receive priority consideration.
For more information click here.
Health Equity Project: RFP# 529-10-0101
Deadline: May 25, 2010
The purpose of the Health Equity Project is to expand and enhance the efforts of health and human services organizations to design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive programming that seeks to reduce health disparities and promote health literacy among underserved communities in Texas. This announcement particularly seeks to support and strengthen community-based organizations and groups, with a focus on health and human service, to include: faith-based groups, community development groups, and nonprofit entities that employ community-based practices to reduce health disparities. Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
For more information click here.
Assistance to Firefighters: DHS-10-GPD-044-000-01
Deadline: May 28, 2010
Does the fire department in your town need financial help? Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) provides financial assistance directly to fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations to enhance their capabilities with respect to fire and fire-related hazards. Our primary goal is to help fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations meet their firefighting and emergency response needs. AFG seeks to support organizations that lack the tools and resources necessary to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public and their emergency response personnel with respect to fire and all other hazards. $390 million is available for 4,000 awards nationally. Projects or initiatives that are eligible for funding under this announcement are:
- Firefighter operations and safety (including personal protective equipment, firefighting equipment, training, wellness/fitness, and modifications to fire facilities).
- Firefighter vehicle acquisition
- EMS operations and safety (including personal protective equipment, firefighting equipment, training, wellness/fitness, and modifications to EMS facilities).
- EMS vehicle acquisition.
- Regional projects to achieve interoperability.
SOURCE: Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). CFDA: 97.044
For more information click here.
School Health Grants
Deadline: May 28, 2010
The Texas DSHS (Department of State Health Services) School Health Program is opening a Competitive Request for Proposals for School Based Health Centers. The funds will go towards starting a school-based health center that delivers primary and preventive health services and related social services to a school-age population on a school campus, or to expand to a new school campus within the school district; or to expand services to existing school-based health centers.
Click here for more information.
Medically Underserved Rural Areas – Matching Reimbursement Program
Deadline: May 31, 2010
The Texas Department of Rural Affairs' (TDRA) - State Office of Rural Health Division Medically Underserved Community-State Matching Incentive Program announces the availability of FY 2010 funding to enhance the abilities of underserved communities in attracting and retaining primary care physicians by providing matching funds to cover costs of establishing a physician's practice site. This program is a reimbursement program, whereby costs are incurred and then billed.
Click here for more information.
Autism Grants
Deadline: June 10, 2010 (Letter of Inquiry)
Autism Speaks invites grant applications that serve to build the field of services for individuals with autism and expand the capacity to effectively serve this growing community. Organizations interested in submitting an application must address one of the four areas of need: education, recreation and community activities, equipment and supportive technology, and young adult/adult services.
Click here for more information.
Local Initiative Funding Partnerships – Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Deadline: June 30, 2010 (Letter of Inquiry)
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Local Funding Partnerships program seeks to create relationships between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and local grant makers to fund promising, original projects that can significantly improve the health of vulnerable populations.
Click here for more information.
Grants for Financial Education Programs
Deadline: April 30, 2010
The mission of the Foundation for Financial Planning is to help people take control of their financial lives by connecting the financial planning community with people in need. The Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations nationwide for community outreach and pro bono activities in the financial planning field. Support is provided to organizations that deliver programs to specific target audiences who are underserved by the market, in need of financial guidance, or in a financial crisis. Priority is also given to organizations that provide financial education, through financial planning professionals, to those of diverse social-economic levels. Concept papers must be submitted by April 30, 2010.
Application guidelines and forms are available on the Foundation’s website.
Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio Mini Grants
Deadline: June 4, 2010
Beginning April 1, Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio is accepting Mini Grant applications from non-profit organizations that are helping meet the community’s health needs. This year the Mini Grants Committee, which grants up to $7,500 to recipients, increased its awards total to $153,000. Organizations having 501(c)(3) designation by the Internal Revenue Service may submit Mini Grant applications on line or through the mail or fax for their request that addresses a community healthcare need. Funds awarded for the project or program should serve residents in the Foundation’s eight-county geographic area—Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina and Wilson. The Foundation is only able to consider one request per organization per year, and organizations must have at least one full year of operating history.
Click here for more information.
Causality Brand Grant
Deadline: June 1, 2010
It is essential for non-profits to have a strong brand that supports their mission, connects with their audience and enhances fundraising. Causality offers brand grants to allow non-profits to develop their brands through strategy, brand development, graphic design, marketing and interactive services. Causality grants are designed to fulfill a specified need or needs within the range of marketing, branding, creative and interactive services provided by Causality. Causality will award one full grant and a minimum of three matching grants per granting period. Organizations may apply for one or both types of grants in the same application. Grants will be announced July 1, 2010, and grant projects must be completed by December 15, 2010. Grant types:
- Full grants. A full grant provides creative/marketing services at no cost to the organization for the entire scope of services requested.
- Matching grants. A matching grant provides half of the value of creative/marketing services for the entire scope of services requested at no cost to the organization. These are grants awarded to an organization that is able to contribute or raise a sum equal to the value provided by Causality for the total of the entire scope of services requested.
Click here to receive a grant application package.
Alzheimer’s Grants: National Group Respite Program
Deadline: July 1, 2010
The Brookdale Foundation works to advance the fields of geriatrics and gerontology and to improve the lives of senior citizens. The Brookdale National Group Respite Program assists community-based efforts throughout the country in the development of social model Group Respite and Early Memory Loss (EML) programs for elders with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia, and their families. This initiative awards seed grants to service providers to develop and implement new, dementia-specific Group Respite or specialized EML programs. Up to 40 agencies will receive grants for $7,500 in the first year. Grants are renewable at $3,000 in the second year, based upon evaluation of the first year’s activities and potential for future continuity of the program. Visit the Foundation’s website to download the 2010 RFP application form and guidelines.
Impact San Antonio 2010 Grant
Deadline: July 30, 2010
Impact San Antonio Foundation, Inc. awards an annual grant to a worthy San Antonio area nonprofit organization. They usually award one grant, in the amount of about $100,000. Click here for more information about the grant and an application.
Fund for Better Health: American Medical Association
Deadline: Rolling
Through this program, the AMA Foundation provides seed grants for grassroots, public health projects that target the issue of healthy lifestyles. Over the years, the fund has provided over 200 grants totaling nearly $300,000 to projects throughout the United States. Organizations eligible to apply are those having annual operating budgets of $1 million or less, new organizations founded within the past five years and established organizations starting a new service or expanding a current service to an underserved population. Grants are up to $5,000 per recipient.
Click here for more information.
Nonprofit Tips and News
ACHI Webinar: Making Local Policy and Environmental Changes for Healthy Food and Physical Activity
June 17, 2010
Through this Webinar, listeners will learn how Advocates for Health in Action's community assets mapping project utilizes GIS technology coupled with youth involvement to facilitate health changes in Wake County, North Carolina neighborhoods. Hear the ways in which health snacking policies for youth have made a significant and lasting impact. See how successful use of social marketing has attracted a broad base of advocates for healthy eating, physical activity issues, and for general education on living a healthier lifestyle.
Sponsored by the Association for Community Health Improvement. Cost is $40 for members or $80 for nonmembers. Note: This is not an MHM event. We are just passing along the information in case you are interested.
Don't Lose Your Federal Tax-Exempt Status
No matter how small your budget, if your nonprofit organization fails to file IRS Form 990 for three consecutive years, you'll lose your tax-exempt status. The U.S. Congress established this requirement in 2006, saying tax-exempt groups that did not file returns for 2007, 2008, and 2009 would lose their exempt status and will have to reapply for it. When you lose your tax-exempt status, your donors can not longer receive tax deductions, most foundations will no longer make grants to you, and you may have to pay taxes on your organization's income. The filing deadline is May 15, 2010, for organizations with a calendar-year fiscal year. If your organization's income is over $25,000, you must file Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. If it's $25,000 or less, you may use the Form 990-N e-postcard, which has only eight questions. You can get all these forms online at www.irs.gov.
Source: "Groups Risk Loss of Charity Status," by Grant Williams, Chronicle of Philanthropy, March 7, 2010.
Note: United Methodist Churches are covered by the national church's group exemption and do not need to file a 990.
Community Plans by County Available Online from AACOG
Need some background for program development or proposal writing? Community plans for the 12 counties in the AACOG (Alamo Area Council of Governments) service area are available online here. Topics include juvenile issues, victim services, criminal justice, mental health and substance abuse, general demographics, trend data, etc.
Exercise and Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults
NIHSeniorHealth is a health and wellness Web site designed especially for older adults from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the National Library of Medicine (NLM), both part of the National Institutes of Health. Older adults who are interested in becoming physically active, restarting a lapsed exercise regimen or getting more benefit from their current exercise program can check out the updated Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults section on NIHSeniorHealth.gov. Visitors to the site will find sample exercises from the four categories of physical activity recommended for older adults: endurance, strength, balance and flexibility. Colorful images accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions describe how to do the exercises safely and effectively. Videos of NIH institute directors performing their preferred forms of physical activity and first-person accounts from active adults serve as inspiring reminders of the positive impact that physical activity can have as people grow older. To learn more, click here.
Keep Your Staff
Do you have valued staff you would like to retain? A study by Penelope Burk of Cygnus Applied Research focused on retention of fundraisers, but her advice applies to many positions at nonprofit organizations.
- Find ways to give them more management responsibilities. Twenty-nine percent of fund raisers said they left their last job because they were offered a more senior position, while more than a third of fund raisers said they would leave their current job for that reason.
- Create succession plans. Only 22 percent of senior fund raisers who manage their organization's development efforts said they were grooming a replacement, and another 57 percent said that there was no one on their staffs who they felt was qualified to assume their roles, she said. Yet that may not necessarily be the case: More than two-thirds of the development officers in the survey said that they felt qualified to step into their boss's job.
- Offer workers more flexibility and other low-cost benefits. Even if they cannot offer higher pay or more responsibility, charities would do well to offer fund raisers other benefits, Ms. Burk said. The non-monetary benefits rated most desirable among fund raisers are working from home (52 percent), flexible hours (51 percent), more vacation time (42 percent), and an employer provided cell phone (32 percent). In fact, flexible hours, job sharing, and other such arrangements are among the top reasons cited by fund raisers who said they planned to stay in their current job indefinitely.
- Be a good manager. Fund raisers are also looking for certain qualities in the people who manage them, said Ms. Burk. Asked to describe the characteristics of the best boss they had worked with in the course of their career, fund raisers said that person allowed them to work independently (55 percent), asked for and valued their input (53 percent), encouraged them to ask questions (49 percent), and gave them credit for their ideas (48 percent).
Grant-Making Plummeted 8.4 Percent During 2009
The nation’s more than 75,000 grant-making foundations to cut their 2009 giving by an estimated 8.4 percent -- by far the largest decline ever tracked by the Foundation Center in New York City. Grant dollars fell from $46.8 billion to $42.9 billion. According to the organization’s Foundation Growth and Giving Estimates (2010 Edition), the cutback totaled less than half the 17 percent loss in foundation assets recorded in the prior year. Source: Excerpted from the Nonprofit Times. To read the full article, click here.
Say Goodbye to Your Facebook Fans
A new policy on Facebook does away with "fans" and instead offers another way for supporters of charitable causes to declare their allegiances. Instead of “Become a Fan,” users will now be invited to “Like this Page.”
Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.
Grants Unit - 4507 Medical Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229
Anne Connor, CFRE, Grants & Research Manager; (210) 949-1823; aconnor@mhm.org
Chivariak ("Variak") Khus, Grants & Research Associate; (210) 253-3212; vkhus@mhm.org
Katrin Ludwig, Grants Associate; (210) 546-0988; kludwig@mhm.org
MHM Switchboard: (210) 692-0234
Toll-Free: 800-959-6673
Call or e-mail for help seeking grants! We assist United Methodist Churches in our service area as well as selected nonprofit agencies.
