ATTENTION: 2-11 NYC Civic Corps Application Open

The 2011-2012 NYC Civic Corps Host Site Application is now open!

Apply now to be an NYC Civic Corps Host Site for the 2011-2012 Program Year.

The NYC Civic Corps, an AmeriCorps program run by NYC Service, unites a diverse group of professionals to assist organizations and City agencies in increasing their organizational capacity to engage volunteers and building sustainable volunteer initiatives. NYC Service dispatches 150 NYC Civic Corps members to serve full-time with partnering nonprofits and City agencies, who work to build and support host organization’s capacity to engage and manage volunteers. As an AmeriCorps program, NYC Service reimburses partner organizations (host sites) for the cost of providing stipends to NYC Civic Corps members for the duration of their term of service.

Organizations selected to receive a team of NYC Civic Corps members will be assigned a group of at least two corps members trained in volunteer management. Organizations will be required to manage their corps members' progress toward attaining of a minimum of 1700 service hours. Corps members will serve at their host organizations full-time for a ten month term of service, from September 2011 through June 2012.

Please note that this project is contingent on receiving federal funding administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the New York State Commission for National and Community Service.

Potential applicants who are interested in attending an upcoming informational reception should notify NYC Service at corps@cityhall.nyc.gov. Email corps@cityhall.nyc.gov or call 212.788.7550 with questions. The request for application can be found here.

NYCC FY 2011 Budget Request Information

The New York City budget cycle for Fiscal Year 2011 has begun and we want to let the public know about the process for requesting City Council member items this year.

As you undoubtedly know, the City's budget situation is not good, so unfortunately we will not be able to provide funding to all of the great programs that we would like. Please rest assure, our office will fight very hard for critical services and programs needed within our district. When applying for funding, PLEASE READ THE BELOW INFORMATION CAREFULLY.

Operating/Expense Grants
Organizations seeking operating/expense funding (usually in the $3,500 - $10,000 range, sometimes larger) must submit an application form by Wednesday, March 3rd at 5pm (NOTE: the City Council website lists a different due-date for citywide initiatives- but 3/3 is the deadline for member items from our office).

In order to apply and receive member item funding, an "Organization Qualification Form" is required by the New York City Council. The form and instructions are available at: http://council.nyc.gov/html/budget/fy2011.shtml

This form and the accompanying materials can ONLY be:
•Completed hard copy mailed to Attn: Simone Hawkins, Office of Councilmember Letitia James, 250 Broadway, New York, NY, 10007; OR
•Filled out electronically and emailed to Simone Hawkins at shawkins@council.nyc.gov

Please note: If you are seeking more than $10,000 and DID NOT RECEIVE FUNDING IN FY 2010, there is an additional form- the pre-qualification form- to fill out, which the City has not yet made available. If you fall into this category, please email Simone Hawkins at shawkins@council.nyc.gov to inquire about this form.

Capital Grants
If you are interested in seeking a capital grant (amounts above $35,000, for construction, equipment, or other items that last more than five years), DO NOT fill out the forms above. The applicant group must submit an application form by Monday, March 22nd (NOTE: the City Council website lists a different due-date for Non-City Capital requests- but 3/22 is the deadline for capital grants from our office).The capital funding application is online, at http://council.nyc.gov/html/budget/fy2010_funding_application.shtml

This form and the accompanying materials can ONLY be:
•Completed and submitted online at the NYC.gov website

In addition, if you are applying to another Council Member, please check with their office for when the forms are due.

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We look forward to receiving your application.

FUREE Seeks Lead Organizer

FUREE (Families United for Racial and Economic Equality) is looking for an experienced organizer to lead FUREE’s organizing campaigns. They seek a dedicated, passionate, experienced person who is looking to learn and grow as an organizer and leader, and who is looking for the opportunity to work in a growing organization of local and national prominence doing cutting edge racial and economic justice organizing.

FUREE's campaigns include:
-organizing against gentrification and for community-led accountable development
-building the power of young people of color to organize for change in their communities
-and a voter engagement project in low-income and working class communities of color.

FUREE is a multi-racial, women-led membership organization in Brooklyn, New York, organizing to build a strong base to ensure that all peoples’ work is valued and everyone has the right and economic means to decide and live out their own destinies.

Responsibilities include:
1). Membership Recruitment and Leadership Development: FUREE believes that members should lead the organization, and should be given training and support in order to do the best possible work. The Lead Organizer will work with staff and members to implement systems for membership recruitment and retention, identify potential and emerging leaders from membership, and create leadership development programs and plans for current and potential leaders. They will also be responsible for recruiting members and developing leaders.

2). Campaign Strategy, Research and Development: Work with staff organizers and campaign organizing committees to plan short and long term campaign goals. Develop and support organizers’ and member-leaders’ roles in conducting research, organizing direct actions, and coordinating media work.

3). Staff Development & Supervision: Supervise organizers on strategic campaigns and organizational activities and build their capacity and skills as organizers. Additionally, the Lead Organizer will work to build FUREE’s capacity to sustain long-term growth in members and leaders.

4). Strategic Ally Work: Strengthen current and introduce new collaborations with ally organizations and individuals to increase ability to build power for members and to build a broader racial and economic justice movement.

5). Political Education: Work with FUREE staff and leaders to build and integrate a deeper political vision into on-the-ground organizing and to educate members about the political context of FUREE’s campaigns.

6). Organizational Sustainability: Work with the Executive Director and development staff to strengthen current and introduce new individual and institutional funding partners to support FUREE’s work.

Desired Qualifications:
· 4 or more years of strong community or labor organizing experience, preferably with low-income communities, with demonstrated capacity to effectively carry out the above responsibilities
· 3 or more years of strong experience supervising and training community or labor organizers
· A well developed personal framework to social justice and a strong commitment racial and economic justice as well as to FUREE's mission
· Ability to communicate, motivate and listen
· Experience with fundraising including grant writing, reporting and grassroots fundraising
· Strong writing skills
· Ability to work evenings/weekends as necessary
· Computer literate particularly Microsoft Office and data basing applications
· Bilingual English/Spanish speaking (written and verbal skills)
· Women of color, immigrants, differently-abled, and people of color from low-income New York neighborhoods are strongly encouraged to apply

. FUREE is a positive and inclusive women-led, supportive work environment
. Competitive salary DOE & full benefits.
Great opportunities for growth, development and leadership.
To respond: Send resume, cover letter and 1 personal and 3 professional references to info@furee.org, or mail to 81 Willoughby Street #701, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Please type “Lead Organizer Search” in the subject heading. In your cover letter, specify why you are interested in this particular job with FUREE.

ATTENTION: Family Development Training Program Info & Scholarship for Family Development Workers

Family Development Training and Credentialing Program (FDC) is coming to Kingsborough Community College (CUNY), Learn more at an upcoming information session on--

Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010 10:00AM- 12:00PM
Gym- G-201 Kingsborough Community College
2001 Oriental Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY 11235

The FDC Program is the result of a major NYS initiative to change the way health, education, and human services are delivered to families. The scholarships that are available are for FAMILY WORKERS CURRENTLY EMPLOYED by community-based and non-profit organizations located within the Neighborhood Development Areas (NDAs). FDC-trained workers help families capitalize on their strengths to set and achieve healthy family goals.

Developed by Cornell University, FDC training is attended by employees of organizations that want to invest in their workers and help them grow professionally, have a greater impact in their work, and experience greater job satisfaction. FDC training will help workers understand and reconnect with the mission of their organization. The training has an impact on all levels of an organization; it empowers and strengthens staff, gives staff new skills with which to better serve their constituents, excites and encourages supervisors, and increases manager's confidence and pride in their family workers.

The 90-hour training includes interactive classes, the development of a portfolio and skills application assignments, and a NYS FDC-credential examination. Participants who successfully complete the program can earn a Family Development Credential, PONSI college credits, and Continuing Education Units.

Classes will be held on Fridays, beginning March 5 through June 18 from 10am-5pm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: contact Meryl M. Jones, Director of Professional Development, NYC Department of Youth and Community Development at mjones@dycd.nyc.gov or 212-341-9568.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2010
See Scholarhip Info here.
TO RESERVE A SEAT AT FEB 3 INFORMATION SESSION: Call Esther Leon at 212-341-9566.

ATTENTION: Crown Heights Mediation Center Hosts Leadership, Entrepreneurship Programs

The Crown Heights Mediation Center is hosting free programming for community members, youth, parents and professionals.

Leadership Training Institute:
-Learn networking, fundraising, community organizing, event planning, working with the media and coalition building.

-Build relationships with a team of committed, caring, and concerned individuals who want to make Crown Heights a better place.

-Plan a community project.

-Meets twice a month at Crown Heights Mediation Center, 4:00-7:00pm.

-Excellent for teachers and staff, PTA members, and community members.

-Deadline: January 20th

Youth Entrepreneurship Program
-Free program for young women ages 17-21.

-Learn photography, graphic design, and entrepreneurial skills while forming friendships with other young women from the different races, religions, and cultures in Crown Heights.

-Create and implement a business plan. Make money and receive a cash award upon completion of the program.

-Deadline: January 18th

[The CH Mediation Center is also offering a great professional development program for a small fee.]

Train-the-Trainer Conflict Resolution

-March 19, 2010

-Learn to train young people to respond to conflict in a thoughtful, non-violent way.

-Skills taught include active listening, interpersonal development, bias awareness, decision-making, problem solving, and presentation skills.

-Excellent for teachers, guidance counselors, and other staff members.

-Call the Mediation Center at 718-773-6886 for more information including cost per person.

You can learn more about the Crown Heights Mediation Center through the website and blog: http://www.crownheightsmediationcenter.blogspot.com/. The applications for these programs are available in electronic copy on their blog, and in hard copy at their office. There are a few applications available for pick-up at the district office of CM James.

ATTENTION: BK Food Coalition Meetings Begin; United Way Grants

Want to improve access to good, healthy food in our community? Want to work with neighbors to improve our health and environment?

You are invited to a Fort Greene/Clinton Hill Community Meeting of the Brooklyn Food Coalition

Thursday, November 5, 2009
6:30pm
Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project
472 Myrtle Avenue, 2nd Fl. (Press the buzzer labeled "MARP")
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11205


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The United Way of New York City is offering grants of $5K- $20K to community-based organizations with budgets under $5 million for assistance with fundraising, fiscal management, and strategic planning. Further details may be obtained at this link.

Charities: The Role of the AG in Regulation Non-Profits; 6/24; BK College; 9AM

Charities: The Role of the Attorney General in Regulating Not-for-Profits
This presentation will inform you about the Attorney General's role in regulating charities and cover a wide array of issues such as filing requirements, legal responsibilities, areas of jurisdiction, recent law enforcement actions and a review of the registry of charities and fundraising professionals maintained by the Attorney General's Office.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Brooklyn College Conference/Student Center
East 27th Sreet and Campus Road
The State Room, 5th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11210

Breakfast and Registration at 8:30AM
Training from 9:00AM to 11:00AM
There is a $10 fee that can be paid at the event.

RSVP: Contact Karen Lander at 212-983-4800 x121 or waabrsvp@gmail.com, or register online at www.communityuplink.net/fiscaltraining6.htm.

United Way Offers Working Seminar To Provide Non-Profits With Fiscal/Management Advice

Hands-On Tools for Managing through Tough Times
Two free high-impact, interactive learning events for staff and volunteer leaders of community based human service organizations in New York City.

The United Way of New York City is pleased to present two free learning events designed to provide non-profit leaders with hands-on practical fiscal and management tools they can quickly implement in navigating the economic storm. Each day will provide participants with an opportunity to learn from experts in the fields of non profit financial management and organizational planning. Participants will also benefit from facilitated small group discussions where they can share and generate ideas that can be taken back to their organizations and implemented immediately.

Who else will attend?
Professionals working with community based human services providers in New York City in the capacity of:
*Executive Directors
*Chief Financial Officers
*Board Members

Why attend?
*These are working meetings- not passive workshops. You will actively engage with other nonprofit leaders who have faced similar challenges.
*The tools you will acquire are proven effective.
*Content and discussions will be structured so they are relevant to organizations of all sizes.
*You will learn about additional resources available to you and your organization
*You will return to your organization with concrete strategies you can use immediately
*There is no charge to attend

* Leadership & Decision Making
May 21, 2009
8.30am-4.30pm

* Fiscal Management
May 28, 2009
9.00am-4.00pm

Where:
The William and Anita Newman Vertical Campus Conference Center
Baruch College
55 Lexington Avenue (at 24th Street)
14th Floor
New York, NY 10010
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About each day:

Leadership & Decision Making - May 21
Facilitated by Community Resource Exchange

* Learn, share and generate effective strategies, ideas and resources for limiting the impact of the recession on your organization and the people it serves
* Learn about contingency planning, partnerships and collaborations, strategies for preserving talent and how to work with your board
* Return to your organization with at least one actionable strategy for meeting recession related challenges

Fiscal Management - May 28
Facilitated by Fiscal Management Associated and Nonprofit Finance Funds

* Get familiar with nonprofit financial management concepts essential for successful scenario planning
* Learn specific tools that can help your organization navigate severe economic turbulence
* Return to your organization with an initial plan of key areas to success, as well as the key stakeholders to include in the process

You may visit one or both events.
Both days are free but you must register in advance.

Visit unitedwaynyc.org/toughtimes for more information.

ATTENTION: NYC-DOT Launches 2nd NYC Plaza Program [PlaNYC 2030]

On Wednesday, April 14, 2009, The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) launched the second round of the NYC Plaza Program. A key part of Mayor Bloomberg’s PlaNYC 2030, the NYC Plaza Program is a community-based planning program that will create new plazas every year so that all New Yorkers will have greater access to quality open space.

Through this program, eligible non-for-profit organizations propose sites within the public right of way (street and sidewalks) to be built as plazas. Selected sites are fully designed and constructed as permanent plazas. Nonprofit applicants are involved in the design of the plazas and become partners with the city to maintain, program, and manage the sites. We urge interested nonprofits to discuss concepts with their Community Boards to get their input and to include them in the decision-making process. Early collaboration and partnerships will lead to successful projects.

To learn more about the NYC Plaza Program and to get current updates, please visit www.nyc.gov/plazas. On the website you can download the program Guidelines and the Application. Proposals may be submitted by email. The deadline is Tuesday, June 30, 2009. The first information session has been scheduled; please feel free to attend to get an overview of the program and to have your questions answered.

Information Session #1:
Monday, May 4th from 3:00-4:00pm
NYC DOT
220 Church, Rm. 814
New York, NY 10013

The dates/times for following information sessions will be posted on the website: www.nyc.gov/plazas.

To RSVP for an info session, please email plazas@dot.nyc.gov or call Vaidila Kungys at (212) 442-7154.

To see which sites were awarded in the first round of the Program, visit the website (www.nyc.gov/plazas) and click on the "Round I Plazas" link.

ATTENTION: Funding Process for Organizations/Programs (UPDATE)

We are following up on this post concerning the NYCC budget process. Please note that the deadline for expense funding from Council Member Letitia James was March, 31, 2009. Please do not send us your applications at this time. You may still apply for capital funding, as that deadline is April 24, 2009 (we may move this date up 3-4 days prior to April 24th to ensure that all paperwork is completed in time for financial analysis; in such case, we will update this blog with most current information).

The forms that would be necessary to fill-out for capital funding are available on the City Council's website:

http://council.nyc.gov/html/budget/fy2010_funding_application.shtml

Full instructions are also available at that website. Please get the applications to our City Hall office (Attention: Kate Suisman) as soon as you can, so that we can let you know if anything is missing or needs to be clarified. Please remember that submitting an application for funds does not guarantee that you will receive funding. After the City budget is passed in late June, our office will send letters to groups that receive funding.

Thank you for the work you do in our communities.

Office of Council Member Letitia James

If you have any further questions, please call (212) 788-7081. If our Budget Assistant is not available, our British intern will be able to assist you.

ATTENTION: Funding Process for Department of Cultural Affairs

Council Member James has worked to ensure fair funding to cultural organizations in the past. In this upcoming fiscal year, we want ensure that all cultural organizations have timely and accurate information concerning applying for funds. Please read below to learn about this year's funding process.

DCA Funding FY 10

Funding and Eligibility

•Applications for Fiscal Year 10 funding through DCA will now be conducted online.
•Organizations with annual operating budgets over $250, 000 can receive funding up to $300,000 and those with operating budgets under $250,00 can receive up to $60,000.
•DCA will only fund up to 5 projects for each group. Funding for projects exceeding this number will not be considered.
•The DCA covers funding for non-profit organizations only. Capital projects and materials for arts are not covered by DCA funding.

Application Process

•Every group must apply.
•If a group has a 2-year funding contract approved last fiscal year, they do not need to apply again.
•When the application process begins, announcements will be made to groups who have received funding in the past but new groups will have to be told.
•In order to log on to begin the application, groups will need their organization I.D.- Groups who have received funding within the past three years will already have this and will need to contact DCA for a password. New groups will have to register online and will be issued with an organization I.D and password.
•All groups are strongly encouraged to read the five information links on the website before proceeding to the online application.

1)Commissioner’s letter
2)Guidelines
3)Instructions
4)Helpful hints
5)Application Checklist

It is strongly recommended that all groups– especially the new groups– go to the DCA application seminars for help. There will be 15 to choose from which will be held in all 5 boroughs.
-Details and locations of seminars will be released on the website

•Blank fields should not be left on the applications. Groups should either enter ‘N/A’ or ‘0’ for questions that are not applicable to them.

Deadline is March 23rd.

ATTENTION: Funding Process for Organizations/Programs

Most groups who have received funding from our office in the past have already received this valuable information. However, if you are looking to apply for funding, and have not been made aware of the process, please read on.

Attention:

We'd like to tell you about this year's funding request process. The application period is shorter than it has been in years past. The deadlines for applying for Council funds are as follows:

Expense funding request deadline: March, 31, 2009

Capital funding request deadline: April 24, 2009

The forms are available on the City Council's website:

http://council.nyc.gov/html/budget/fy2010_funding_application.shtml

Full instructions are also available at that website. Please get the applications to our City Hall office as soon as you can, so that we can let you know if anything is missing or needs to be clarified. Please remember that submitting an application for funds does not guarantee that you will receive funding. After the City budget is passed in late June, our office will send letters to groups that receive funding.

Thank you for the work you do in our communities.

Office of Council Member Letitia James

If you have any further questions, please call (212) 788-7081. If our Budget Assistant is not available, our intern (the person with a British accent) will be able to assist you.

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