Happy Juneteenth month! With the new federal holiday, we celebrate the end of US enslavement of African-Americans -- because word of the Emancipation Proclamation finally made its way to Galveston, TX on June 19, 1865 (nearly 2 1/2 years after the document was signed).
Pictured here is the official Juneteenth flag, which uses the US flag colors. The red curve symbolizes a new horizon of opportunities; the middle star stands for the Lone Star state (Texas) and all 50 states; the starbust represents a new beginning for African-Americans.
it''s a time for new beginnings in many ways. as many places in the US begin to open to a new post-COVID-19 vaccination reality. If you are looking for new resources to move you forward, see below.
Happy writing,
Dalya Massachi
(Feel free to forward this newsletter to friends and colleagues who may be interested.)
I know your nonprofit organization is probably eager to attract some grant money to help support your good work. The idea of a funder handing a large check to your nonprofit probably makes your heart flutter. Visions of popping the champagne might come to mind.
And that’s what grants are there for!
But you should know that not all grants are good for you. Before diving in, I suggest that you first get clear about the difference between a grant that can be helpful to your organization and one that actually doesn’t do you any favors...[more]
Ask Dalya Live: Twice a Month
Got 10 minutes? Join me twice a month for "Ask Dalya Live." In our brief conversation, I'll answer many of your questions about nonprofit grant writing and management.
Submit your questions ahead of time, or just listen in as we discuss issues on the minds of grant writers like you. You'll also be able to engage in real time to ask any new questions that pop up.
When: Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month -- next up: June 23 and July 14
Did you miss a session or want to watch again? We've got you covered.All"Ask Dalya Live" recordings are now available. Don't forget to leave a comment!
(By the way, you should be able to see the recorded videos even without a Facebook account.)
If you are a recent grad thinking about attracting grants in the nonprofit sector, you're in luck. My popular on-demand Grant Writing and Management course track, co-created with TechSoup, was made for you! The 5 online courses are ready whenever you are -- and there's no expiration date.
Free Webinar Recording
You can use this summer's "downtime" to get your organization ready for grant success. So what can you expect to find in the grant world and how can you prepare for it?
If your organization has not lined up the information, people, and other resources you're going to need, you will be wasting your time and money pursuing grants. You need to make sure you are ready and able to take this on. In this introductory webinarwe:
Discuss 4 things to consider about the grant world before taking the plunge
List the 8 information essentials you need to have at your fingertips
Identify the skills and resources you’ll need on your grant team
Preview the “Grant Roadmap” that you will travel along
A few participant comments:
“I feel better now that I don't have to do it all by myself. One person cannot be a grant team!”
“Love the steps and approach for getting ready for grants.”
“I learned: BE PREPARED...and be patient!!!!”
“I am just beginning to learn about grant seeking... This was a great overview to help me get perspective on what is involved.”
“I love how you made this understandable for all.”
“I love the descriptions of “players” in the grant process.”
Watch this webinar at your convenience. [Hint: there's a bonus at the end that expires June
30.]
Green Scene
"Climate Justice is Racial Justice": a refrain I keep hearing from the environmental justice folks I'm listening to. I'm more than thrilled to see a widespread recognition that these two large movements are linked.
As we see both issues become more urgent than ever, the way forward is becoming increasingly clear. We have to address both simultaneously to have a chance at surviving and thriving.
This shift is also taking place in the funding world. For example, the Donors of Color Network is now using their Climate Funders Justice Pledge to enlist funders to give at least 30% of their climate-related grant dollars to successful environmental organizations that
have BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) leaders. Signatories also commit to building power within BIPOC communities, and increasing transparency about their own climate funding.
The Climate Justice Resilience Fund is another group of funders that have banded together in the last few years to support women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples creating and sharing climate resilience solutions -- both locally and globally.
I fervently hope these initiatives fulfill their potential!
