Grant Opportunity: American Honda Foundation

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The American Honda Foundation was established in 1984 by the American Honda Motor Company to celebrate it’s 25^th anniversary of operation. Since it’s inception, the American Honda Foundation has given over $32 million to organizations across the United States. Eligible organizations must help to meet the needs of Americans in the areas of scientific and youth education.

The American Honda Foundation places a strong emphasis on youth education, and organizations wishing to apply should have a focus in at least one of the following seven fields of youth education:

1. Science
2. Technology
3. Engineering
4. Mathematics
5. Environment
6. Job Training
7. Literacy

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public school districts and elementary schools are eligible to apply for American Honda Foundation grants. However, any organization must have at least two years of audited financial statements available. Interested applicants can apply online by first completing an eligibility quiz. Grants are accepted throughout the year in different quarters, for a schedule of due dates and reviews, visit the website.

Grants range from $20,000 to $75,000 over a one-year period, and can only be applied for one time within a twelve-month period. Any applicants that request less than $20,000 will not be considered for funding. Over the past five years, the American Honda Foundation has distributed approximately 27 grants per year.

Transform Consulting Group has helped organizations across the state of Indiana apply for local and nationwide grants. For help with your latest grant-writing project, contact us today for a free consultation!

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Transformational Organization Spotlight: TechSoup

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This blog is part of our series highlighting organizations that are making a significant difference in their respective industry. 

TechSoup is transforming organizations and having a ripple effect in the non-profit world.  TechSoup is dedicated to connecting nonprofits, charities, foundations, and public libraries with technology products, services, and free learning resources needed to make informed technology decisions and investments.  TechSoup partners with key technology players such as Adobe, Cisco, and Microsoft to provide donated and discounted software and refurbished hardware for eligible non-profit organizations.

Through its website, TechSoup provides two types of memberships: 1) for the eligible entities identified above, and 2) for non-eligible entities.  Eligible organizations are able to access free and discounted resources.  Non-eligible organizations are able to access resources through TechSoup’s articles, blogs and webinars posted online.  The average nonprofit saves $12,000 on technology products over the course of its TechSoup membership!

Technology is an integral part of any organization, especially in today’s Information Age.  Staying current with technology allows an organization to sustain quality service and efficiency levels, while saving money.  However, choosing new technologies can be overwhelming and sometimes an outside expert is needed.  TechSoup has partnered with several technology consulting services to provide consultation for non-profits to assist them in making such decisions.  This is yet another benefit of TechSoup!  

Transform Consulting Group applauds TechSoup for its leadership in connecting non-profits with great technology resources, services and information.  Transform Consulting Group is dedicated to helping organizations stay current with the latest research and best practices.  Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or contact Transform today to learn more!

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Federal Program Spotlight: AmeriCorps

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This post is part of Transform Consulting Group’s blog series highlighting federal programs that provide education opportunities and/or youth development services in communities.

AmeriCorps is an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) that leverages community service to tackle critical community issues such as poverty, education, public safety, health, and the environment. AmeriCorps programs are located in nonprofits, schools, public agencies, community centers, and faith-based groups across the country.

AmeriCorps was created under President Bill Clinton through the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, incorporating Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) and the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC). AmeriCorps just celebrated its 20^th Anniversary, with over 900,000 Americans contributing to over 1 billion service hours. AmeriCorps VISTA also celebrated a recent anniversary, highlighting 50 years of volunteers serving to fight poverty across America.

AmeriCorps VISTA aims to combat poverty in local communities through capacity building. VISTA members commit to serving an agency for one year, working full-time on a specific project aimed at improving their organizational, financial, or administrative reach. Some examples include grant management, volunteer coordination, and food program design.

AmeriCorps VISTA differs from AmeriCorps State and NCCC service programs because VISTA members do not provide direct service. NCCC programs are available to citizens between the ages of 18 and 24, whereas AmeriCorps and VISTA only have a minimum age of 18 to serve.

AmeriCorps programs benefit nonprofits by providing service members that design, implement, and evaluate an organization’s programs to expand its impact. In addition, AmeriCorps programs provide citizens an opportunity to learn valuable work skills, earn money for education, and develop a greater appreciation for service. It is clear that AmeriCorps programs benefit organizations and service members alike.

Organizations may apply for a grant directly from the Corporation for National and Community Service if they are:

• A national nonprofit organization that operates in two or more states
• An Indian tribe
• A consortia formed across two or more states, consisting of institutions of higher education or other nonprofits, including labor, faith-based, and other community organizations
• A state or territory without a State Service Commission

Organizations may apply for a grant through the State Service Commission (i.e. Serve Indiana) if program activities take place in a single state and the organization is a:

• State and local nonprofit organization
• Community and faith-based organization
• State, local, and higher education institution
• State and local government
• U.S. territory

Transform Consulting Group can help you plan and strategize how to use AmeriCorps resources to meet your organization's goals, as well as help you write your next AmeriCorps grant application. Transform Consulting Group has successfully helped other organizations like the United Way of Central Indiana and Early Learning Indiana receive AmeriCorps funding. Contact us today for a free consultation!

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New Federal Grant: American Apprenticeship Grant Program

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The U.S. Department of Labor has recently announced the winners of a new grant program that awarded $175 million to 46 public-private business partnerships in September of 2015. The American Apprenticeship Grant Program was created with the intent of increasing the development of apprenticeship programs across the United States.

Grant-winners have pledged to hire over 34,000 apprentices in leading-edge industries such as healthcare, IT, and advanced manufacturing. The 34,000 apprentices must be hired and trained within five years. To make this happen, the American Apprenticeship Grant Program aims to achieve the following goals:

• Launch apprenticeship models in new, high-growth fields to equip workers with advanced skills like data analysis, mechatronics, and behavioral health assessment.

• Align apprenticeships to pathways for further learning and career advancement such as embedding industry-recognized skill certifications or rewarding workplace learning with college credit.

• Scale apprenticeship models that work to create more access to apprenticeships in more areas of the country, to more diverse populations.

The American Apprenticeship Grant Program will create more opportunities for hard-working Americans to acquire the skills they need to succeed in good jobs that are available now.  Click here for a list of programs underway in cities and states across the country.

Transform Consulting Group applauds this initiative to strengthen the American workforce through on-the-job learning. Transform Consulting Group has experience helping organizations submit successful college and career-readiness program grant applications. Let Transform Consulting Group help your organization fund with federal dollars today!

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New Progress Report on America’s College Promise Initiative

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This year, President Obama has unveiled a program to help combat the rising college costs for students across the nation, the America’s College Promise Initiative. America’s College Promise Initiative would allow responsible students to go to a community college for two-years, free of charge.

It is estimated that by 2020, approximately 35 percent of job openings will require at least a bachelor’s degree. The 1,100 community colleges across the nation give an affordable education at convenient locations for students, making it easier to go to college.

America’s College Promise will create federal-state partnerships to give students access to a college education. Federal funding will cover three-quarters of the cost of tuition, while state funds are expected to pay the remaining one-quarter cost. If every state participates, approximately 9 million students would benefit from this plan.

To participate in the initiative, students will have to complete the following requirements:

• Attend community college at least half-time
• Maintain a 2.5 GPA, while making progress towards completing a degree

Participating community colleges must offer credits that can be transferred to a four-year university or college, giving students the ability to complete a four-year degree; or offer occupational training programs with high graduation rates. The occupational training programs must lead to high demand degrees and certificates.

Transform Consulting Group applauds programs that give students a chance to further their education. Transform Consulting Group works with education programs across the state of Indiana, contact us for a consultation today!

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