Grant Opportunities
Grants Enhance Youth Organizations
The Kerr Foundation primarily provides support to nonprofit organizations in Oklahoma; however, the Foundation also considers requests from organizations in several surrounding states including Texas. The Foundation offers grants to 501(c)3 organizations that provide new or enhanced opportunities, particularly for youth, which address the following areas of interest: education, health, arts and culture, and human services. Grants generally range from $1,000 to $50,000. Proposals should be received by Friday, January 13, 2012.
Please visit the Foundation’s website to review the application guidelines and download our application form.
Wells Fargo Charitable Contributions Program
Wells Fargo is committed to improving the bank's local communities across the country through grants and volunteer activities. The funding priorities of the Wells Fargo Charitable Contributions Program vary from state to state; however, the bank generally supports the following areas of interest: community development, including housing, job training, economic development, and programs for small businesses and farms; education, including K-12 education with an emphasis on math/science and financial literacy programs; human services, including healthcare and basic needs; and arts, culture, and civic projects. Visit the website or review the Texas local funding guidelines and application procedures.
Efforts to Improve Food Systems in Rural Areas Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
The Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program provides support for community food, planning, and training and capacity building projects that help meet the food needs of low-income individuals; increase the self-reliance of communities in providing for their food needs; promote comprehensive responses to local food, farm, and nutrition issues; and meet specific state, local, or neighborhood food and agricultural needs, including needs relating to infrastructure improvement and development, planning for long-term solutions, or the creation of innovative marketing activities that mutually benefit agricultural producers and low-income consumers. Participation in the pre-application submission webinar on October 27, 2011 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Central Time is strongly encouraged. The application deadline is November 17, 2011.
Request for Application: Word or PDF.
Second Round of Funding for National Neighbors Silver
The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC), with support from The Atlantic Philanthropies, is pleased to announce its second round of funding for National Neighbors Silver, an initiative to support and empower older adults nationwide.
As the United States suffers from historically high rates of foreclosure and unemployment, older adults across the nation are particularly susceptible to financial insecurity and instability. NCRC's recent report about the financial stability of older Americans noted that over 13 million older Americans are economically insecure, living on only $22,000 or less each year.
National Neighbors Silver brings community, public, and private sector partners together utilizing structured, neighborhood-focused outreach, education, and advocacy led by older adults. National Neighbors Silver funds organizing and education networks, facilitated by local organizers. NCRC will select five organizations for this funding cycle, which will last three years.
Unless otherwise specified, all documents should be formatted and submitted as PDF files by 5 pm EST on Friday, November 4th, 2011. Applications should be sent electronically via email to nns@ncrc.org. For questions about the proposal submission process, please send your inquires in writing to nns@ncrc.org.
The full Request for Proposals (RFP) is available for download: NNS Request for Proposal (RFP) (PDF).
Bank of America Charitable Foundation Announces $50 Million Three-Year Pledge to Education as a Path to Workforce Success
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation announced a goal to invest $50 million over the next three years toward education initiatives leading to economic self-sufficiency through employment. The funds will support programs that bridge the achievement gap to post-secondary education completion and connect the underserved and unemployed, as well as returning veterans and individuals with disabilities to workforce success in high-growth sectors. View the press release.
Technical Skills Training Grants Competition Opens
On Monday, the Department of Labor announced a $240 million grant solicitation for the H-1B Technical Skills Training Grant Program. The grants are supported by user fees paid by employers seeking high skilled foreign workers under the H-1B visa program. The goal of the training grants is to prepare Americans for these same high skill jobs, reducing the dependence on foreign labor. Eligible grantees include partnerships of private and public sector entities including business-related nonprofit organizations/associations, community colleges and other community-based education and training providers, state and local Workforce Investment Act boards and economic development agencies. To view the grant solicitation visit: http://www.doleta.gov/grants/pdf/SGA-DFA-PY-10-13_Final_H-1BSGA.pdf (PDF).
DOL Announces Availability of Grants to Support Homeless Veterans
The Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service has announced the availability of $600,000 in "Stand Down" grants that will provide an estimated 10,000 homeless veterans with opportunities to reintegrate into society. The grants are being awarded under the department's Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program.
Eligible organizations include State and local Workforce Boards, Veteran Service Organizations, local public agencies, and non-profit organizations including community and faith-based organizations. The full announcement and application instructions are available at the United States Department of Labor.
Grant Resources
U.S. Department of Labor Announces Online Tool for Grant Applicants
The U.S. Department of Labor launched an online suite of resources for grant applicants. Created by the department's Employment and Training Administration, the new site introduces potential grantees to ETA grants and provides examples to guide applicants through the process of applying. Included on the site are an Annotated Sample Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA); an interactive, self-paced tutorial on the ETA grant-making process; and a compilation of resources to help prospective applicants develop competitive grant applications. To view the tool, visit: http://www.workforce3one.org/page/grants_toolkit.
Directory of Foundation Workforce and Economic Development Grants
Organizations that focus on workforce development and job training are a significant asset to their communities. Many corporate and private foundations see the value in these community organizations reaching their neighbors and want to help. This new resource can help bridge the gap between funding and services for many community organizations.
The Directory of Foundation Workforce Development Grant Opportunities booklet is a resource for these organizations looking for funding opportunities for their workforce development or economic development programs. This directory provides a detailed list of private and corporate foundations that provide grant opportunities to Faith- and Community-based Organizations in order to give these organizations a clear and concise tool to pursue grants. The directory provides a detailed explanation of each grant and contact information to more easily determine eligibility.
Directory of Foundation Workforce Grant Opportunities (PDF)
Reports and Publications
The White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships has developed a comprehensive partnership guide, Partnerships for the Common Good (PDF). The guide provides faith-based and community organizations with information about opportunities to form partnerships across government, on issues from housing to job creation, summer feeding programs, responsible fatherhood and disaster response. From providing information to community groups on health care access, or helping congregations interested in "greening" their facilities, or key information for nonprofit groups on providing job training for veterans, the White House Office and Centers for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships are executing the vision set forth by President Obama to lead our nation forward, for the common good.
OneStar Foundation Issues Aggregate Report
The OneStar Foundation is pleased to announce the posting of an aggregate report developed from submitted state agency reports. This report is a result of the passage of House Bill 492, passed during the 81st Texas Legislative Session and provides details on the progress made by appointed state agency faith based and community liaisons during 2009-2010 and projected future activities during 2011.
Also included in this report is an aggregate of findings from an internal barrier assessment examining internal processes of state agencies related to partnerships with faith and community based organizations.
The aggregate report may be accessed from the OneStar Foundation website.
HHSC Task Force Report Available
The Report and Legislative recommendations to the 81st Texas Legislature of the Task Force on Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity was issued November 1, 2010 and transmitted to the Legislature.
Obama Clarifies Rules on Religious Charities
President Obama signed an executive order on November 17, 2010 to clarify how the constitutional separation of church and state affects religious charities that get federal money to provide social services. It states, for example, that such groups must separate their religious activities from the programs that get government dollars and refer people who are uncomfortable with the organization's religious nature to other providers.
The order endorses recommendations made last spring by a White House advisory council, made up mostly of religious leaders. It indicates that federal agencies must post online all policies and regulations that touch on the issues covered by the order, as well as a list of groups that receive federal money to provide social services. However, charities do not need to remove religious art or symbols in rooms where they provide social services, and they may use religious terms in their names, select board members on a religious basis, and include religious references in mission statements of governing documents. The White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships will be working with Administration officials to assess the recommendations, and you may review the entire Council report (PDF).
A New Era of Partnerships: Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships Presents Final Report of Recommendations
The President's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships presented its final report of recommendations to senior Administration officials. This White House advisory group made up of diverse religious and community non-profit leaders was appointed by President Obama last spring to develop recommendations on how the government can better partner with faith and neighborhood based organizations. The White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships will be working with Administration officials to assess the recommendations, and you may review the entire Council report (PDF).
"The Bush Faith-Based Initiative and What Lies Ahead"
The Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy, a project funded by the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government has released a report entitled, "Taking Stock: The Bush Faith-Based Initiative and What Lies Ahead." The report provides an overview of the "faith-based initiative" under George W. Bush and provides insight into President Obama’s White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. The views expressed in the report do not necessarily reflect those of the Texas Workforce Commission.
Taking Stock: The Bush Faith-Based Initiative and What Lies Ahead (PDF)
Release of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Final Report
On January 12, 2009, the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI) released Innovations in Compassion - The Faith-Based and Community Initiative: A Final Report to the Armies of Compassion. The report details the accomplishments of former President George W. Bush's FBCI and highlights the various initiatives in numerous federal agencies, including the Department of Labor.
For a copy of the report, go to:
The Faith-Based and Community Initiative: A Final Report to the Armies of Compassion (PDF)
Reentry Partnerships: A Guide for States & Faith-Based and Community Organizations
The U.S. Department of Labor, Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and the Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice, in conjunction with the Council of State Governments Justice Center, announce the release of Reentry Partnerships: A Guide for States & Faith-Based and Community Organizations.
Reentry Partnerships is written for state government officials and representatives of faith-based and community organizations who want to create and sustain collaborative efforts to reduce recidivism and to help people returning to the community from prisons or jails lead productive and law-abiding lives. Project staff is in the process of developing a concise companion tool as a checklist for guide implementation and to facilitate discussions between government agencies and community-based providers to overcome barriers to coordinated reentry efforts. The toolkit will also be posted once it becomes available.
New Publication: Intermediaries and Faith Based and Community Organizations Working Together
This new publication discusses how intermediaries can help faith-based and community organizations (FBCOs) more effectively provide services to communities. Workforce intermediaries play an important role in connecting businesses to jobseekers and incumbent workers. Intermediaries are also able to help FBCOs develop deeper connections with area businesses. The report highlights the key characteristics and effective features of intermediary organizations, as well as strategies intermediaries use to connect FBCOs with businesses. The publication gives a broad overview on different types of intermediaries and how they can help, as well as specific examples of successful partnerships with FBCOs and can be accessed via the following link: http://www.dol.gov/cfbci/intermediaries.pdf
Collaborating with Faith- and Community-Based Organizations: Lessons Learned from 12 Workforce Investment Boards
The Department of Labor (DOL) has posted online Mathematica's final report Collaborating with Faith- and Community-Based Organizations: Lessons Learned from 12 Workforce Investment Boards, by D. Paulsell, et al. (May 15, 2007) ETAOP 2007-16.
Lessons learned include:
- FBCOs can leverage other community resources to meet clients' needs.
- One-stop centers and FBCOs have different organizational cultures, which must be bridged before partnerships begin.
- Partnering with intermediary organizations - which have experience with both One-stop centers and FBCOs - will facilitate successful relationships.
- Designing a liaison for client referrals at the One-stop center or co-locating FBCO staff at the One-stop helped build strong relationships between the two.
News and Events
Department of Labor's new Job Clubs Initiative
The Department of Labor's Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships is promoting its new Job Clubs Initiative which provides technical assistance and connections to DOL resources. The Jobs Clubs new webpage is designed for individuals who coordinate, facilitate, or participate in local job clubs at a religious institution, community center, or even online. Job clubs play an important function in helping unemployed community members find a new job and manage the challenges associated with unemployment. In this topic area, learn how to start or sustain your job club, connect to the local public workforce system, network with other job club coordinators, and share your own experiences and best practices.
To learn more about the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships Job Clubs initiative please visit https://partnerships.workforce3one.org/page/job_clubs.
USDOL's Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships Issues Guidance on Job Clubs
On May 20, 2011, the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA) issued TEN 42-10 (PDF) to announce a project of the USDOL's Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships focused on:
- supporting the work of community- and faith-based Job Clubs;
- encouraging workforce leaders to develop collaborations with such Job Clubs; and
- improving the quality and quantity of employment and training services offered and provided to job seekers and the unemployed.
The TEN describes Job Club programs based at churches and other religious and community organizations and on-line through social media such as Facebook, which provide opportunities for the unemployed to share job search techniques, professional networking, learn about careers, programs and provide peer support.
Join Dell's Make a Difference Community
Dell recently launched a global employee involvement initiative called Make a Difference that makes it easier than ever for nonprofit organizations to connect with Dell's nearly 100,000-strong global workforce.
A key component of the new program is a social media tool, much like Facebook, that allows Dell employees and nonprofit organizations to create profiles, share information and engage directly with one another.
If you have volunteer needs and would like to connect with Dell's global team, please complete and submit the form located at http://yourcause2010.wufoo.com/forms/nonprofit-request-form.
Dell will follow up with detailed instructions about how to leverage your charity profile and begin directly connecting with Dell employees worldwide. For more information or questions, please call or email Ashley Blake at 512.965.5806 or ashley_blake@dell.com.
New Nonprofit Incubator in Round Rock, Texas
The Greater Round Rock Community Foundation has created a Nonprofit Incubator and is seeking potential participants for the program. The goal of the incubator is to enhance the region's nonprofit landscape by helping new nonprofits or nonprofits new to the area to grow and maximize their impact. Incubation is a support process that accelerates the successful integration of organizations by providing an array of targeted resources and services. Interested applicants should apply online at: Incubator Application. If you need more information... please contact Kami Barron, Executive Director, 512-514-0046 or kami@rrcommunityfoundation.org
White House Office of Faith-based & Neighborhood Partnerships
President Obama has signed Executive Order 13498 establishing the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships and the President's Advisory Council for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. The Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships will focus on four key priorities, to be carried out by working closely with the President's Cabinet Secretaries and each of the eleven agency offices for faith-based and neighborhood partnerships:
- The Office's top priority will be making community groups an integral part of our economic recovery and poverty a burden fewer have to bear when recovery is complete.
- It will be one voice among several in the administration that will look at how we support women and children, address teenage pregnancy, and reduce the need for abortion.
- The Office will strive to support fathers who stand by their families, which involves working to get young men off the streets and into well-paying jobs, and encouraging responsible fatherhood.
- Finally, beyond American shores, this Office will work with the National Security Council to foster interfaith dialogue with leaders and scholars around the world.
Links:
- Federal Register posting: February 9 (PDF)
- White House Press Release: February 5
- Amendments to Executive Order 13199 and establishment of President Obama's Advisory Council for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships
Texas Legal Services Center Provides Assistance
The Texas Legal Services Center is a non-profit organization providing assistance to all Texans, especially those of modest means. One of their current projects is to inform Texans about the Earned Income Tax Credit and I Can E-file, a tax-filing website that can be accessed from any computer and is free to all. Additionally, the Texas Legal Services Center sponsors several programs that would directly benefit clients of charitable, faith-based, and community based organizations, such as the Legal Hotline for Older Texans; the Victims Initiative for Counseling, Advocacy and the Restoration of the Southwest (VICARS), which provides direct legal assistance to victims of identity theft and financial fraud in Texas; Texas Health Law, which provides assistance with healthcare access and payments; and the Texas Law Help, which provides free online resources and low-cost civil legal assistance.
Please contact the Texas Legal Services Center at 512-477-6000 with any questions.
Sharing Best Practices
If you have ideas about how to enhance collaboration or want to share best practices, please e-mail the Texas Workforce Commission Office of Charitable Choice Initiatives at: charitable.choice@twc.state.tx.us
Tool Kit No. 6: Engaging and Partnering with Faith-Based Organizations in Initiatives for Children, Youth, and Families
This toolkit provides checklists, suggestions, case studies, and resources for how to recruit and support partners from the faith-based community in efforts to strengthen, improve, or redesign systems of care for children, youth, and families. The information is intended to help demonstration sites connect to faith-based organizations and networks that share the common purpose of helping children and their families in need of support, yet operate within a framework different from that of government and public systems.
Demystifying the Rehabilitation Act: What Faith-Based and Community Organizations Need to Know About Using Federal Financial Assistance to Serve People with Disabilities
http://www.dol.gov/odep/documents/d5a98495_a6f7_4e3f_a1db_6475c990eb20.pdf
Getting Involved
OneStar Foundation launches a Volunteer Portal
At the request of the Governor's Office, the OneStar Foundation has launched www.VolunteerTX.org for unaffiliated volunteers to sign up and learn about specific needs and service opportunities.
Please sign up at www.VolunteerTX.org to get involved and help with the recovery!
The Texas Workforce Commission has established a Bulletin Board to enhance communication networking among local workforce development boards, faith-based and non-profit community-based organizations, service providers and the public who are interested in workforce development and support services.
These services may include: job-search, job-readiness, job-skills training programs; Literacy, General Educational Development (GED) and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs; food, shelter, and clothing; social services and referral; child care and transportation; and counseling services among others.
Faith-based and non-profit community-based organizations may enter their name, address, telephone number, and services available to be posted on a Bulletin Board. This information will be available to the public, boards and workforce service providers searching for organizations offering workforce and support services in their areas.
Charitable Choice Bulletin Board
- For support questions related to the Charitable Choice Bulletin Board, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions.
- To obtain additional Charitable Choice information or services, please contact your local workforce development board.
Charitable Choice Basics and History
"What is Charitable Choice?" at the US Department of Health & Human Services
Personal Responsibility Act
Charitable Choice originated with the introduction of Sec. 104 in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, H.R. 3734. The purpose of Sec. 104 is to allow states to contract with charitable, religious or private organizations, when they (the state) enter into purchase of service agreements or voucher arrangements with non-governmental organizations under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Charitable Choice also applies to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and to the food stamp and Medicaid programs to the extent that the state uses contracts or vouchers with non-governmental providers.
Faith In Action Report (PDF)
Former Governor Bush created a Faith-Based Task Force in May 1996 to (1) survey Texas' legal and regulatory landscape to identify obstacles to faith-based groups, and (2) recommend ways Texas can create an environment in which these groups can thrive, free of regulations that dilute the "faith factor." The former Governor's Faith-Based Task Force was comprised of 16 clergy and volunteer leaders from across Texas. This diverse body – diverse theologically, denominationally, ethnically and geographically – met throughout 1996 and presented a written report, Faith in Action and recommendations to Governor Bush on December 17, 1996.
Governor's Executive Order - GWB 96-10
In December 1996, the Governor issued an Executive Order directing state agencies to begin aggressive implementation of the landmark "charitable choice" provision of the federal welfare law, which invites private and religious charities to deliver welfare services – while at the same time guarding the religious integrity of participating groups and religious freedom of beneficiaries. The Texas Workforce Commission, along with the local workforce development boards has actively executed the provisions set forth by the Governor in Executive Order (GWB 96-10) through partnerships with faith-based and community-based organizations.
Charitable Choice 101 - An Introduction
Center for Public Justice: A Guide to Charitable Choice
Other Resources
State of Texas
Federal Government
The White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships
The White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships within the Domestic Policy Council works to form partnerships between the Federal Government and faith-based and neighborhood organizations to more effectively serve Americans in need. Link: http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ofbnp
Joshua DuBois, Executive DirectorPhone: (202) 456-3394
Email: whpartnerships@who.eop.gov
The Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Labor implements Secretary Hilda L. Solis' vision of Good Jobs for Everyone by building partnerships with faith-based groups, community organizations, and neighborhood leaders. The Center works in collaboration with DOL agencies to improve the lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged workers and job seekers. Link: http://www.dol.gov/cfbnp/
Other Federal Centers for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships
Center at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Phone: (202) 358-3595
Email: partnerships@hhs.gov
Website: http://www.hhs.gov/partnerships
Center at the U.S. Department of Commerce
Phone: (202) 482-2770
Email: FBNP@doc.gov
Website: http://www.commerce.gov/office-secretary/center-faith-based-and-neighborhood-partnerships
Center at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Phone: (202) 708-2404
Email: Talk_to_us@hud.gov
Website: http://www.hud.gov/offices/fbci
Center at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Phone: (202) 461-7689
Email: vafbnp@va.gov
Website: http://www1.va.gov/cfbnpartnerships/
Center at the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Phone: (202) 720-3631
Email: collaborate@usda.gov
Website: http://www.usda.gov/partnerships
Center at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Phone: (202) 646-3487
Email: infofbci@dhs.gov
Website: http://www.dhs.gov/fbci
Center at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Phone: (202) 712-4080
Email: fbci@usaid.gov
Website: http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/global_partnerships/fbci/
Center at the U.S. Department of Education
Phone: (202) 205-9655
Email: edparters@ed.gov
Website: http://www.ed.gov/edpartners
Center at the Small Business Administration
Phone: (202) 205-6452
Email: partnerships@sba.gov
Website: http://www.sba.gov/fbci
Center at the U.S. Department of Labor
Phone: (202) 693-6017
Email: CFBNP@dol.gov
Website: http://www.dol.gov/cfbnp
Point of Contact at the Corporation for National and Community Service
Phone: (202) 606-6743
Email: JKelly@cns.gov
Website: http://www.nationalservice.gov/for_organizations/faith/index.asp
Information will be available soon for the Center at the U.S. Department of Justice.
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Texas Legislation
House Bill 492 which passed during the 81st Texas Legislative session, establishes several new initiatives to strengthen the capacity of faith and community-based organizations to serve their communities, including a task force charged with reporting to lawmakers on barriers to nonprofit effectiveness and potential reforms. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is the state agency with primary responsibility for implementing HB 492. HHSC is implementing the bill through a partnership with the OneStar Foundation, Texas' State Commission on National and Community Service and the home of the Governor's Office of Faith and Community-Based Initiatives.
Interagency Coordinating Group (ICG): the bill establishes community liaisons in 14 state agencies tasked with improving coordination and removing barriers to public/nonprofit partnership. The liaisons form the Interagency Coordinating Group, which works across agencies and programs. Significantly, the participating agencies are not only the state's traditional social service agencies but include the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and the Texas Workforce Commission, among others.
Renewing Our Communities Account (ROCA): the bill authorizes a pool of state funds to be granted to small and medium-sized nonprofits and local governments for nonprofit capacity building activities. OneStar has just completed the first funding cycle for ROCA.
Task Force on Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity: the bill requires HHSC to establish a task force of experts from nonprofit-related fields to take public testimony and make legislative recommendations for strengthening nonprofit capacity in Texas. The task force is currently holding public hearings and is also conducting a survey to gather input from the nonprofit community.
Federal Legislation and Regulations
Federal Legislation
Enter keywords "Charitable Choice" to search for legislation on this topic.
The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, H.R. 3734, 104th Congress, 2d Session, P.L. 104-193
Establishes the use of Charitable Choice.
Equal Treatment Standards Regulations
Equal Treatment Standards
The federal regulations regarding equal treatment standards for faith and community-based organizations published in the Federal Register: July 12, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 132)