Older Workers in the Workplace

 

     This subject is near and dear to me because I fall in this category. However, before you judge me so harshly, let me describe my passion for children. As well as, how I ended up in the Early Childhood Education industry, I saw a child struggling in reading and I thought that if this child could be taught in his earlier years and have fun learning, I could learn how to reach and make a difference in this child’s life. This is how I want to make a difference with my work and one person can make a difference and contribute back to the community. With that being said, hiring an older employee to your business will add value to your organization because the older employee will deliver a superior customer service and register a much lower turnover. According to SHRM Magazine, reasons to hire an older worker they are able to transfer their knowledge to others, they are advisers and historians. They are loyal and bring the highest retention rate of all the age groups. Therefore, employers do not be hesitant to hire older employees.

     Contrary, older workforces have a tendency to be in good health than unemployed individuals in their age group. Because people in general need to feel that they are making a difference and contributing to society as a whole. The question should be asked could this individual do the job. According to Robert Grossman, writer for SHRM magazine, “Older personnel are crucial to our employment mix.” Many people in this age group are eager to learn new and different ways, for example, the hottest social media, is Pintrest, absolutely love it, there are so many ways to use this media for example, in business and pleasure. Not to mention, this is most employees like to arrive early and leave late if there is deadlines and work needs to be accomplished.

Reference

Grossman, R. J. (2013, August 11). Invest in Older Workers. HR Magazine, Volume 58, 20-25.

Finding Local Funding For your Business

Looking for major foundations may seem easy enough. With this day in age full of information all a person has to do is look the topic up online. This seems easy enough, doesn’t well yes and no, I say that because yes you type in grants for women and you get about 89,900,000 results, unless you are more specific, for example;  grants for women entrepreneurs, How to Apply For Small Business Grants For Women or Women-Owned Business Grant Program. So where do you go if you are looking for locally-based projects and organizations? There are grant directories that provide names of donors and executors, as well as statistics on monies and grants paid. You could look at your local foundations which the directories are made for your region for example; Regional Associations of grant makers (RAGs) each state should have one. There are other sources that might help your search for example www.grantsmart.com is an online resource that offers a searchable tax information database for private foundations. 

How do you find the right Foundation? This is a very important question because of our economical circumstance foundations are thinking more like a business so when applying for a grant it would be wise to see if your organization matches up with the foundations guidelines. For instance, the foundation might list they support women businesses; however, you learn that their purpose is to strengthen training program grants in their region. Therefore, your program for getting new computers or expanding your business is not in their interest and not a good fit. So look at each individual foundation’s profile and read the purpose statement to make sure they share the same interest as your project. Do not forget to read the qualifications and criteria carefully, follow all directions to the T in order to obtain your grant.

On that note I would like to say, if you have been in a classroom setting or had to turn in a report of any kind and follow the teacher’s request, no matter if you agreed or disagreed with the specifications this is what you had to do in order to pass the paper and the class, or they would deduct points from the paper.  Writing a grant proposal has the same concept, follow the directions according to what they require put it in their order and then you will reap the rewards, on the other hand, do the proposal as you see fit and they may just reject your proposal.

Women's Business Center Program Initial Grant

Attention any woman that has a business, I would love to share this information with you.
 The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued Program Announcement!!!!

Description of Modification
This Program Announcement is amended to: 1. Include the state of Oregon; 2. Include the state of Florida and the U.S. territories of The Virgin Islands and Guam (anticipates one per state or territory); 3. Extend the closing date to July 31, 2013; and 4. An award made to any organization that previously operated a women’s business center within the past five years of the application, and previously operated a women’s business center within 50 miles of the proposed territory of the application, would be issued as a Renewal Phase WBC Project rather than an Initial Phase Project at the funding level not to exceed the level shown in Section I.

Document Type:	Modification to Previous  Grants Notice
Funding Opportunity Number:	OWBO-2013-01
Opportunity Category:	Discretionary
Posted Date:	May 24, 2013
Creation Date:	Jun 24, 2013
Original Closing Date for Applications:	Jul 08, 2013    The closing date is July 8, 2013 at 11:59pm EST.
Current Closing Date for Applications:	Jul 31, 2013    The closing date has been extended to July 31, 2013 at 11:59pm EST.
Archive Date:	Aug 30, 2013
Funding Instrument Type:	Cooperative Agreement
Category of Funding Activity:	Business and Commerce
Category Explanation:
Expected Number of Awards:	4
Estimated Total Program Funding:	$546,056
Award Ceiling:	$136,514
Award Floor:	$136,514
CFDA Number(s):	59.043  --  Women's Business Ownership Assistance
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement:	Yes

Eligible Applicants

Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
 

Additional Information on Eligibility:

See Synopsis

Agency Name

Small Business Administration

Description

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued Program Announcement No. OWBO-2013-01 to invite private, 501(c)- certified non-profit organizations that are located within and will provide services to the population of Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, and Washington as outlined in Program Announcement No. OWBO-2013-01 to apply for a five year Women's Business Center (WBC) grant. The SBA Women's Business Center is a program or project funded, in part, by a grant from the SBA to provide technical assistance to women entrepreneurs, both nascent and established in the areas of finance, management, and marketing, and other areas as defined in Program Announcement OWBO-2013-01. A representative number of clients served by a WBC must be socially and economically disadvantaged. The WBC may exist within the framework of a larger economic development organization and may make use of the resources provided by that organization but must be a clearly identifiable separate program or project of that entity. Four successful applicants will receive an award in the form of a cooperative agreement for the base year. Four additional option years may be exercised, subject to the availability of funding and the WBC's performance during the previous year. Program authority is detailed in the Small Business Act, Sections 2(h) and 29 (15 U.S.C. Sections 631(h) and 656), as amended. Award recipients must provide non-federal matching funds as follows: one non-federal dollar for each two federal dollars for years one and two, and one non-federal dollar for each one federal dollars for years three through five. At least 50% of the non-federal matching funds must be in the form of cash to include program income (e.g., fees generated from services). The remaining 50% may be made up of in-kind contributions.

Link to Additional Information

http://www.sba.gov/content/womens-business-center-grant-opportunities

If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact:

U.S. Small Business Administration
Office of Women's Business Ownership
Phone 202-205-6673
OWBO@sba.gov

Early Childhood Education Funding: Federal, State, and Private Resources

With the increased focus in recent years on Pre-Kindergarten learning, you may be asking where you can find funding for early childhood education.  Your school may be looking to establish or expand a pre-school program, or you may need funds for an independent pre-school program.  Public funding for Pre-Kindergarten education mainly comes from three sources: state funding, federal Special Education (IDEA) funds for Pre-K, and federal Head Start funding.
Federal Funding
One way in which the federal DOE has shown its commitment to early learning is by increasing the funding to both IDEA for Pre-K and federal Head Start over the last two years.  In addition, there are other federal funding sources for Pre-K: social services programs, like the federal Child Care and Development fund, and federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families.  And there are provisions in Title I that allow schools to use some Title I funds for Pre-Kindergarten programs, such as the stipulation allowing school wide Title I programs to “establish or enhance prekindergarten programs for children below the age of 6.”  According to the federal non-regulatory guidance, Serving Preschool Children Through Title I, “The use of Title I funds for a preschool program is a local decision.”
Some new federal sources of Pre-K funding have also been created: Promise Neighborhoods (which has an early learning component) and the Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge grants are likely to continue in some form as signature programs of the Obama administration. During the next four years, the federal DOE will focus more intently on the full Pre-K – Grade 3 continuum, especially working with Congress to embed Pre-K-3 strategies in a new ESEA.
But some Pre-K programs have also been cut from the federal budget, such as Even Start and Early Reading First.  The purpose of the latter – “to enhance the early language, literacy, and pre-reading development of preschool age children” – has been absorbed into the newer Striving Readings Comprehensive Literacy grant, which provides a continuum of reading from birth through twelfth grade, though the future of SRCL is somewhat in question.
State Funding
In 2011, 39 states provided Pre-K funding (the other 11 states were: Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming).  In fact, more children are enrolled in state funded Pre-Kindergarten programs than in any other publicly funding Pre-K program, though the per-student amount varies dramatically in states from $2,000 to $11,000.  State Pre-K funding goes to both community based organizations and school districts.
Want to Research Further?

1. State Pre-K Funding: http://nieer.org/yearbook.
2. Federal, State, and Private Pre-K Funding: http://febp.newamerica.net/background-analysis/pre-k-funding.
3. Special Education/Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
   • Office of Special Education Programs: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html.
   • Special Education – Grants to States Home Page: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/osepgts/index.html.
   • Special Education, Parts B and C State Allocation Tables: http://www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/osep/2012apps.html.
   • Special Education State Contacts: http://www2.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/idea/monitor/state-contact-list.html.
   • IDEA, Title I, Part B, Section 619: Preschool Grants: http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cstatute%2CI%2CB%2C619%2C.
   • IDEA, Title I, Part C, Sections 631-644: Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities: http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cstatute%2CI%2CC%2C.
   • State and Local Funding Formulas: http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cdynamic%2CTopicalArea%2C9%2C.
4. Title I
   • Title I Home Page: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/titleiparta/index.html.
   • Title I State and District Award Amounts: http://www2.ed.gov/about/overview/budget/titlei/fy11/index.html.
   • Non-Regulatory Guidance, “Serving Preschool Children Through Title I”: http://www2.ed.gov/policy/elsec/guid/preschoolguidance2012.pdf.
   • Title I Law: http://www2.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/esea02/pg2.html#sec1112, in particular, Sections 1112(b)(1)(E)(i), 1112(b)(1)(K), 1114(b)(1)(B)(iii)(I)(bb), 1114(b)(1)(G), 1114 (c), 1115(b)(1)(B), 1115(b)(2)(B), and 1115(c)(1)(D).
5. Head Start
   • Office of Head Start: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ohs
   •  Head Start Funding Opportunities: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ohs/funding.
   • Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge
     1. Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge Home Page: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop-earlylearningchallenge/index.html.
     2. Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge Applicant Info: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop-earlylearningchallenge/applicant.html.
     3. Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge Awards: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop-earlylearningchallenge/awards.html.
   • Promise Neighborhoods
     1. Promise Neighborhoods Home Page: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/promiseneighborhoods/index.html.
     2. Promise Neighborhoods Applicant Info: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/promiseneighborhoods/applicant.html.
     3. Promise Neighborhoods Awards: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/promiseneighborhoods/awards.html.
   • Child Care and Development Fund: http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/acf/childcare.html.
   Though Pre-Kindergarten education has in the past sometimes languished as the stepchild of K-12 education, its importance is now being realized, resulting in resources increasing for early learning and programs growing.

February 5, 2013 by Joseph Noble, Ph.D

Increase in College Attainment Rates Not Enough to Meet Goal 2025

Report Finds the Lumina Foundation report found that while 38.7 percent of Americans ages 25 to 64 had a two- or four-year college degree, the rate of improvement in attainment rates was insufficient to meet the foundation?s goal of 60 percent by 2025.... More»

 

Northeast Ohio Regional Economic Development Fund Announces Nearly $2 Million in Grants

The Cleveland-based Fund for Our Economic Future has announced nearly $2 million in grants to advance regional strategies and initiatives aimed at strengthening Northeast Ohio's economy.
Awarded under Phase 4 of the fund's strategic plan, which runs through 2015, the grants will support efforts to enhance the region's economic competitiveness, promote good jobs and vibrant communities, and provide equitable access to opportunity for the people of Northeast Ohio.
Grants announced by the fund include an award of $640,000 to WorkAdvance, an effort involving several organizations to demonstrate the long-term value of an innovative approach to helping lower-skilled workers advance along career paths in health care and manufacturing; $550,000 to NorTech to coordinate the expansion of promising technology-based industries such as advanced energy, flexible electronic materials, and water technologies; $400,000 to the Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET) to continue expanding its Partnership for Regional Innovation Services program, a nationally recognized collaboration of universities and research institutions working to help small to mid-sized manufacturers innovate new products; and $300,000 to Team NEO to continue coordinating, with a variety of stakeholders, the region's business attraction strategy.
"The fund's grants are aligned with efforts by private sector funders to support these strategies and build a more competitive region," said Fund for Our Economic Future president Brad Whitehead. "Over the next three years, we look forward to working even more closely with our private sector partners to support existing and new strategies that will result in good jobs, higher incomes, and increased opportunity for the people of Northeast Ohio."
“Fund for Our Economic Future Awards Nearly $2 Million in Grants to Support Five Regional Strategies.” Fund for Our Economic Future Press Release 6/11/13. Primary Subject: Community Improvement/Development
Location(s): Cleveland, Northeast Ohio, Ohio FC019367

News Posted on June 17, 2013

2013 Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences Announced

The Pew Charitable Trusts have announced the 2013 Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences.
Hailing from ten states, the twenty-two early-career scientists will receive $240,000 each over two years to study problems such as diabetes, autism, Parkinson's disease, and cancer without direction or restriction. To be eligible, young scholars must have demonstrated excellence and creativity in their research.
Since the program launched in 1985, Pew has awarded more than $120 million to advance the work of more than five hundred scientists. The 2013 scholars were selected from a pool of one hundred and thirty-four applicants who were nominated by their respective institutions.
"The Pew scholars program gives innovative scientists both the freedom to take calculated risks and the resources to pursue the most promising, but untried, avenues for scientific breakthroughs," said Pew Charitable Trusts president and CEO Rebecca W. Rimel. "Pew funding provides an 'insurance policy,' allowing our scientists to be adventurous with their research. Though their scientific fields are diverse, their commitment is uniform: harnessing scientific discovery to improve human health."
For a complete list of the 2013 Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences, visit the Pew Charitable Trusts Web site.
“From Autism to Diabetes to Parkinson's Disease: Pew Funds 22 Early-Career Scientists to Take Calculated Risks.” Pew Charitable Trusts Press Release 6/13/13. Primary Subject: Medical Research
Secondary Subject(s): Health, Science/Technology
Location(s): National FC019368

PND RFP Alert

 June 15, 2013

The following requests for proposals have been posted to Philanthropy News Digest:

Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation Accepting Applications for Early Career Fellowship Awards
Three-year fellowships of up to $180,000 will be awarded to early-career scientists conducting cancer research at a university, hospital, or research institution in the U.S.....
Deadline: August 15, 2013
Posted: June 15, 2013

RFP ALERT

June 7, 2013

The following requests for proposals have been posted to Philanthropy News Digest:


American Acne and Rosacea Society Accepting Applications for Clinical Research Projects
Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to early-career investigators working to advance research on acne and rosacea....
Deadline: December 31, 2013
Posted: June 7, 2013

National Resource Center for First-Year Experience and Students and Transition Invites Applications for Research Projects
A $5,000 grant will be awarded for a research project with the potential to improve the experiences of students transitioning into and through higher education....
Deadline: July 1, 2013
Posted: June 7, 2013

Grant Writing Tip of the Day

 A grant is a simple request for funds that entails a description of a specific need and the proposed program that will fill that need. It is the candidate’s responsibility and goal to present a strong enough case to convince a possible funder that they are worthy of receiving a grant. A basic format can be followed and used as an outline when putting a grant together. Many funding establishments and foundations require different sets of procedures that need to be followed. It is vital that an individual research the foundation’s area of interests, grant guidelines and mission. You may want to ask your organization a few questions to see if the request lines up with the funder. For example;

1)      Does my organization or I have current documents to support the need for the project or at least a strong description of the problem to be addressed?

2)      Does my organization have an experience leader or executive director of the organization?

3)      Do we have a history of monetary accountability or a plan of monetary accountability?

4)      Do we have a clear plan that identifies the need or a resolution to the stated issue?

5)      Do we have members of the community that will get involved and acknowledge there is an issue and a resolution.

6)      What are your positive outcomes and what plans after the grant runs out how will your organizations continue with the program.

According to Smith and Tremore who wrote "The Everything Grant Writing Book," Planning for sustainability could be very complex and difficult, however, it is necessary prior to seeking a grant.

Reynolds Foundation Announces $10 Million in Grants to Support Geriatrics Training

The grants, which bring to nearly $100 million the amount awarded by the foundation in support of geriatrics training, will support comprehensive efforts to train medical students, residents, and faculty in the care of the elderly.


 

http://foundationcenter.org

The grants, which represent the second and final round of awards made through the Next Steps in Physicians' Training in Geriatrics initiative, will support programs focused on one of two areas: geriatrics training for physicians who are surgical and medical specialists or hospitalize; and improving the ability of physicians to work with other health disciplines in teams to provide better care for older patients. The Next Steps initiative supported a select group of medical schools that had already completed foundation-funded projects designed to prepare physicians to care for the elderly.  




The following requests for proposals have been posted to Philanthropy News Digest:


Ruddie Memorial Youth Foundation Seeks Applications for Innovative Youth Programs
Grants of $25,000 will be awarded to programs designed to help underprivileged youth reach their full potential....
Deadline: July 17, 2013
Posted: June 2, 2013

Business Loans, Grants and Financing Results for Daycare Centers

Grants (7 Results)

Department of Housing and Urban Development
Single-Room Occupancy (SRO) Program
The Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Program provides rental assistance for applicable properties that will?when the renovations are complete contain upgraded single occupancy units for individuals who are homeless.

Supportive Housing Program
It is designed to promote, grants under the Supportive Housing Program are awarded through a national competition held annually, as part of a local Continuum of Care strategy, the development of supportive housing and supportive services to assist homeless persons in the transition from homelessness and to enable them to live as independently as possible.

Department of Justice
Disability Grant Program
Disability Grant Program recipients will provide training, consultation, and information on domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault against individuals with disabilities and enhance direct services to such individuals. By statute, eligible applicants include states; units of local government; Indian tribal governments or tribal organizations; and non profit and non-governmental victim services organizations, such as a state domestic violence or sexual assault coalitions or nonprofit, nongovernmental organization serving disabled individuals.

Transitional Housing Assistance Program
Grants made under this grant program support programs that provide assistance to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are in need of transitional housing, short-term housing assistance, and related support services, including counseling, support groups, safety planning, and advocacy services as well as practical services such as licensed child care, employment services, transportation vouchers, telephones, and referrals to other agencies.

Department of Veteran Affairs
Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program
The purpose of the Grant and Per Diem Program is to fund community agencies providing services to homeless Veterans.

U.S. Small Business Administration
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program & Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
These two programs award a specific percentage of Federal R&D funds to qualified small businesses. SBIR/STTR programs encourage small firms to undertake scientific research that helps meet Federal R&D objectives, and have high potential for commercialization if successful.

Idea CafeSmall Business Grants
This private organization provides $1,000 in grants anyone who currently owns a business or is planning to start one. Awards are primarily based on innovation and originality.


Seed & Venture Capital (4 Results)
U.S. Small Business Administration
New Markets Venture Capital
A developmental venture capital program designed to promote economic development and the creation of wealth and job opportunities in low-income geographic areas and among individuals living in such areas.

Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Financing
SBICs are privately owned and managed investment funds, licensed and regulated by SBA, that use their own capital plus funds borrowed with an SBA guarantee to make equity and debt investments in qualifying small businesses.

North Carolina Dept of Commerce
Small Business Technology Funding
Variety of funding resources for businesses that are fueling high-tech innovation in North Carolina.

vFinance, Inc.
Venture Capital Resource Library
Directory of venture capital firms, investment banks, and related business finance information.



U.S. Small Business AdministrationBasic 7(a) Loan Program
For starting, acquiring and expanding a small business, 7(a) loans are the most basic and most used type loan of SBA's business loan programs. Borrowers must apply through a participating lender institution.

CAPLines
CAPLines is the umbrella program under which the SBA helps small businesses meet their short-term and cyclical working-capital needs.

Community Adjustment and Investment Program (CAIP)
The Community Adjustment and Investment Program (CAIP) was established to assist U.S. companies doing business in areas of the country that have been negatively affected by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). CAIP loans allow for the payment of fees on eligible loans, including the 7(a) Loan Program guaranty fee and the 504 program guaranty and CDC and lender fees. Depending on the size of the loan, these fees can be sizeable. CAIP works with SBA to reduce borrower costs and increase the availability of these programs.

Community Advantage
Small business owners and entrepreneurs don't always need large loans. The Community Advantage and Small Loan Advantage programs help business owners get crucial small loans (under $250,000) with a streamlined application, minimal paperwork, and fast turnaround times, while still offering SBA's highest guarantee. These funds are available to financial institutions for the purpose of extending credit to small businesses.

Community Express
Community Express is an SBA pilot, 7(a) loan program for small businesses in low and moderate income areas. Lenders are not required to take collateral for loans up to $25,000. Lenders may use their existing collateral policy for loans over $25,000 up to $250,000. To learn more, contact your local district office.

Microloan Program
Provides very small loans to start-up, newly established, or growing small business concerns. SBA makes funds available to nonprofit community based lenders which, in turn, make loans to eligible borrowers in amounts up to a maximum of $35,000. Applications are submitted to the local intermediary and all credit decisions are made on the local level.

Military Reservists Economic Injury Loans
The Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (MREIDL) provides funds to help an eligible small business meet ordinary and necessary operating expenses that it could have met, but is unable to meet, because an essential employee was called-up to active duty in their role as a military reservist.

Mission-Focused Lenders
Small business owenrs and entrepreneurs don't always need large loans. The Advantage programs help business owners get crucial small loans (under $250,000) with a streamlined application, minimal paperwork, and fast turnaround times, while still offering SBA's highest guarantee. These funds are available to financial institutions for the purpose of extending credit to small businesses.

SBA Preferred Lender Program
Small business owenrs and entrepreneurs don't always need large loans. The Advantage programs help business owners get crucial small loans (under $250,000) with a streamlined application, minimal paperwork, and fast turnaround times, while still offering SBA's highest guarantee. These funds are available to financial institutions for the purpose of extending credit to small businesses.

Small Loan Advantage
Small business owners and entrepreneurs don?t always need large loans. The Community Advantage and Small Loan Advantage programs help business owners get crucial smaller loans (under $250,000) with a streamlined application, minimal paperwork and fast turnaround times, while still offering SBA?s highest guarantee.

ACCION USA
Small Business Loans
Offers flexible loans (up to $50,000) to small business owners who have limited or no access to traditional business credit, including women and minorities.

Self-Help
Financing for Small Businesses and Non-Profits
Loans for small companies and nonprofits whose financing needs are not met by traditional lenders.