January 2020 – Volume XVIII — Number 1
Compiled & edited by Deb Miller Slipek, Ann Treacy, and Jane Leonard
Also find online at: https://wp.me/pkVGJ-9n

    • FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
  • TRAINING/MEETINGS
  • OPPORTUNITIES
  • MISCELLANEOUS
  • JOB OPPORTUNITY

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

–Census Funding.  Asian American Organizing Project (AAOP) is offering grants up to $3,500 for census outreach to organizations in Minnesota that serve Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. For more information you can check out AAOP’s RFP or contact Vangxor Xiong.

–ARTSPACE is currently accepting applications for the Rafala Green Fellowship Program. With funding from the Ford Foundation, the mission of the program is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion for people from communities traditionally underrepresented in real estate development. Each fellow will receive a $50,000 annual salary during the two-year term of their fellowship, as well as a comprehensive benefits package. Deadline:  1/15/2020.  Click here to review program guidelines.

— Science Kits for Public Libraries Grant Application https://wp.me/p3if7-5EY, due Jan 19 2020.

—Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Grants to support programs that provide assistance for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking who are in need of 6-24 months of transitional housing, short-term housing assistance, and related support services. Letter of Intent (Optional): Jan 22, 2020. Application Deadline: Feb 6, 2020.

—Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program Funding for tribes and tribal organizations to create, maintain, and expand sustainable sexual assault services within Indian country and Alaska Native villages. Letter of Intent (Optional): Jan 22, 2020. Application Deadline: Feb 12, 2020.

—Sexual Assault Services Culturally Specific Grant Program Grants to establish, maintain, and expand sustainable, culturally appropriate services that address the unique needs and challenges of victims of sexual assault from culturally specific communities. Letter of Intent (Optional): Jan 28, 2020. Application Deadline: Feb 12, 2020.

–The Economic Opportunity Challenge is a public competition to award $10 million to scale a game-changing solution aimed at improving the financial health of low-income families in the United States. The Challenge will fund the most transformative evidence-based solutions to address barriers to improved economic opportunity, security, and mobility for individuals and families. The focus is on proven, data-driven solutions ready to serve as a model for implementation across the country. Deadline: the registration deadline is 1/28/2020; applications must be submitted by 2/18/2020. More information about the funding guidelines and application process is available on the Challenge’s website here.

–FUND FOR TEACHERS is inviting teachers throughout the U.S. to join a community of educators who are transforming what learning looks like, charting a new course for their students, and revolutionizing their teaching by applying for a life- and career-changing Fund for Teachers fellowship. The Fund awards individual fellowships (funding limit of $5,000) and team fellowships (funding limit of $10,000) to pre-K-12 classroom teachers to immerse themselves in their fields of study. Teachers must have a minimum of three years of experience and be full-time teachers spending at least 50% of their time in the classroom. Deadline: 1/30/2020.  Visit the Fund’s website here for detailed fellowship guidelines and application information.

—Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust Grants for organizations that work to meet the needs of ill and injured veterans and their families. Application Deadline: Jan 31, 2020.

–KRESGE Foundation is offering grants through The Arts & Culture Program.  The Foundation is accepting letter-of-intent applications that align with the Program’s focus area, Strengthen the Equitable Creative Placemaking Field. This work seeks to advance a field of Creative Placemaking leaders, practices and principles committed to equity and inclusion.  Deadline: 1/31/2020.  Click here to review application guidelines.

–KRESGE Foundation is also offering grants through the “Increase Creative Capacity to Shape Healthier Neighborhoods” program focus.  The goal with this focus area is to invest in the pre-conditions for long term change such as resident empowerment and agency, social cohesion, narrative change and equitable physical improvements. Deadline: 1/31/2020.  Click here to review guidelines for these grants.

— Empowering Communities to Reduce Falls and Falls Risk Grants to help communities reduce falls and/or falls risk among older adults and adults with disabilities through the implementation of evidence-based falls prevention programs. An emphasis is on projects that will target specific populations, such as rural communities, underserved areas, veterans, caregivers, or Tribal elders. Application Deadline: Jan 31, 2020.

—STOP School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training Program Grants to train school personnel and educate students to prevent student violence, develop and operate anonymous reporting systems concerning threats of school violence, and develop and operate school threat assessment and crisis intervention teams. Application Deadline: March 3, 2020.

—Rural eConnectivity Broadband Loan and Grant Pilot Program (ReConnect) Loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations to expand broadband service to rural areas without sufficient broadband access. Application Deadline: March 16, 2020.

— USDA Rural Development is offering grants to establish and operate Agricultural Innovation Centers that will provide technical assistance to help rural businesses market value-added agricultural products. Application Deadline: 3/20/2020.  Click here to review application guidelines.

— USDA is offering grants through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).  Funding supports agricultural producers and rural small businesses to reduce energy costs and consumption by purchasing and installing renewable energy systems and making energy efficiency improvements in their operations. Deadline: 3/31/2020.  Click here to review program guidelines.

—Water and Waste Disposal Revolving Loan Funds U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA Rural Utilities Service grants to help nonprofit organizations establish revolving loan funds that will finance water and wastewater projects in rural communities. Application Deadline: Mar 31, 2020.

— Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Grant Program Grants to eligible organizations to cover all or part of the costs associated with purchasing an automated external defibrillator (AED). Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

— Honor the Earth Native Food Security Grants for Native organizations working to create food security utilizing traditional seeds, foods, and growing methods, as well as energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

–Teaching Tolerance, a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center, is offering educator grants to help teachers and schools educate children and youth to be active participants in a diverse democracy. Teaching Tolerance Educator Grants support educators who embrace and embed anti-bias principles throughout their schools. These grants range from $500 to $10,000, and support projects that promote affirming school climates and educate youth to thrive in a diverse democracy. The grants fund projects on three levels: school, classroom, and district. Educators nationwide in public or private K-12 spaces, as well as in alternative schools, therapeutic schools, and juvenile justice facilities are eligible to apply. Deadline: applications may be submitted at any time. Visit the Teaching Tolerance website by clicking here to access the funding criteria, guidelines, and Frequently Asked Questions.

—Stand Down Grants provide funding for events that offer homeless veteran populations a variety of social services designed to help them to reintegrate into their communities, such as housing, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

—Strengthening the Tribal Response to Violence Against Native Women Training, technical assistance, and resources designed to help individual tribal governments and tribal communities strengthen the response to effectively address sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

TRAINING/ MEETINGS
–Take a webinar break with Minnesota Compass in the New Year! Trends in northeastern Minnesota

Tuesday, Jan. 14, 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.  Register.

Did you miss our workshops in northeastern Minnesota? Learn about recent trends in the northeastern region.

–Minnesota Foundations 2020 January 16 – February 6 | 11 Minnesota locations
Learn more
Join MCN for this annual exploration of the trends, staffing, program shifts, and financial outlooks of dozens of the most important Minnesota foundations.Available in 11 statewide locations throughout January and early February, this event will help you learn frank, current information about significant changes taking place in Minnesota’s foundation community.

—Build Your Own Data Tool training Monday, Jan. 20, 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Register.

Looking for data for a unique geographic area? Learn how to access data customized for your community with the Build Your Own tool.

—January 22: Northwest Minnesota Foundations Join this event to learn about trends, staffing, program shifts, and financial outlooks of foundations in Northwest Minnesota. Minnesota Compass Research Scientist Ellen Wolter will facilitate a roundtable discussion about how organizations can use data in grant applications and reports. Bring a laptop to get hands-on guidance in how to use the Minnesota Compass Build Your Own data tool! Learn more and register.

—January 23: Minnesota Compass workshop Mahube-Otwa Community Action Partnership, Park Rapids. This hands-on workshop is to learn about demographic trends in northwest Minnesota and how to use Minnesota Compass data and tools. Learn more and register.

–2020 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference Each year, tourism professionals from throughout Minnesota assemble in one of the state’s dynamic regions, excited to network and learn about what is new in tourism. The 2020 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference is the state’s premier industry event and provides relevant breakout sessions, inspiring speakers and many networking opportunities. Gather with tourism colleagues to learn about the latest insights, research and trends in the industry. For additional conference questions, contact Lori Peterson at 651-757-1876 or lori.a.peterson@state.mn.us. Details: Feb. 24-26, 2020 at the Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center

–The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) is pleased to announce its second Rural Energy Conference, on February 25, 2020 in Chicago IL. The conference will offer opportunities to delve into clean energy solutions for rural communities that will spur economic growth and energy affordability.

Discussion topics will include energy efficiency program design and financing, renewable and distributed energy resources, economic development, electrification of buildings and transportation, resilience and disaster recovery, energy affordability for low-income households, 2018 Farm Bill and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs, and broadband access. More information and registration can be found here

–Greater Minnesota Nonprofit Summit coming to Marshall in March! On March 10, MCN is pleased to bring the Greater Minnesota Nonprofit Summit to Marshall for the first time! This day-long summit is designed to bring together staff, board members, and volunteers from across southwest Minnesota to tackle some of the most important perennial themes for nonprofits in Greater Minnesota, including leadership, fundraising, communications, and engaging diverse communities. Throughout each discussion, we’ll look at the ways that these issues play out in our Greater Minnesota communities and we’ll highlight opportunities for building a revitalized landscape for all.

—Save the Date for Minnesota Festival and Events Association Annual Conference MNFEA is excited to announce the 2020 Annual MNFEA Conference will be held March 11-13 in Duluth.

— AURI, with partners Compeer Financial and Georgetown University’s Rural Opportunity Initiative, is convening the fourth annual New Uses Forum on April 8th & 9th 2020. The event brings together knowledgeable experts on topics related to innovation, development and investment. Their presentations will share indispensable information and experiences, foster meaningful discussion and ultimately produce actionable impact. The event features keynote speakers, panels, and networking opportunities, which will explore innovative solutions benefiting the agricultural industry. The New Uses Forum will take place at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.  Visit the event website: https://www.eventsquid.com/event.cfm?event_id=6870

–Collective Impact Forum coming to Minneapolis in 2020! The Collective Impact Forum, an initiative of FSG and the Aspen Institute Forum for Community Solutions, is bringing its annual collective impact convening to Minneapolis on May 6-8, 2020. The 2020 Collective Impact Convening builds on the success of the 2019 convening in Chicago that sold out in advance and attracted more than 800 funders, backbone leaders, and other collective impact community partners. MCN members interested in attending this year’s forum can receive $50 off regular “practitioner” rates by entering promo code MCN50 at the end of the registration process.

–Minnesota High Tech Association Annual Spring Conference will be May 7! Hold the date!  We are pleased to announce the 2020 Annual Spring Conference will take place at the RiverCentre in St. Paul on Thursday, May 7. Stay tuned for more details including a new conference name!

Hold the Date! 2020 Minnesota Rural Health Conference. June 15-16, 2020
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) in Duluth. Conference Website

OPPORTUNITIES

—Rural Leadership Pathways Learning Initiative An opportunity for rural programs from across the U.S. to convene at two Rural Ideas Summits to exchange ideas and educate philanthropists about innovative programs. Application Deadline: Jan 21, 2020.

–You’re Invited: Housing Resources Engagement Sessions – Minnesota Housing, Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, and USDA Rural Development are excited to announce upcoming sessions in Greater Minnesota that will offer opportunities for local communities to engage with us to determine how we can help advance local community housing needs. *Includes Engagement on 2022 Qualified Allocation Plan and 2021 Consolidated Requests for Proposals Funding Priorities.

Sessions will include project examples and an overview of available housing resources to serve multifamily rental, single family, and rural housing needs. There will also be breakout discussions in these topic areas to provide feedback, ask questions, and weigh in on funding processes and priorities. A limited number of 30-minute technical assistance sessions will be offered in the afternoon for questions on project ideas in the areas of Multifamily rental development, Rural Rental development, and Single Family Homeownership projects.

These sessions will also include opportunities for dialogue targeted to the review and development of funding priorities for the 2022 QAP/2021 Consolidated RFPs. Workshops and a networking lunch run from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Technical assistance sessions run from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Click here to see a full agenda.

Register to participate in one of our three sessions.

  • Saint Peter: Thursday, January 30
    Saint Peter Community Center,
    600 South 5th Street
    Register by Monday, January 27
  • Cloquet: Wednesday, February 5
    Community Memorial Hospital,
    Maple and Oak Rooms
    512 Skyline Boulevard
    Register by Friday, January 31
  • Brainerd: Monday, February 10
    Central Lakes Community College,
    Room E208
    501 West College Drive
    Register by Wednesday, February 5

–The Rural Assembly will host the Rural Youth Assembly April 2-5 in McAllen, Texas. 50-75 rural and Native young adults from across the country will gather to discuss the issues that they see as critical to their lives and their communities. The nomination and application information along with much more information about the event is now available at the Rural Youth Assembly website and applications are due by January 31st.

–The Minnesota High Tech Association ACE Leadership Program develops Minnesota’s next generation of technology leaders. Senior leaders from technology, government and education sectors will share insights with participants, who will gain new tools to become stronger leaders for your company and our technology community, discuss innovative ideas and apply learnings in their own organizations. The application deadline is Friday, January 31st. You can read more and register here.

–Submit an Idea to Your Regional Sustainable Development Partnership. The University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP) advance the environmental, economic and social sustainability of Greater Minnesota through authentic community-University partnerships that co-create innovative solutions and fulfill the University’s land-grant mission.

The RSDP encourages you to submit your sustainability ideas. Please contact the executive director in your region with your local project idea, or the statewide food or energy staff with questions about their work to advance food systems and clean energy across the state. Please see the regional pages listed below for lists of the counties served by each RSDP region.

Submit an idea brief today.

–MACVB Seeks Proposals to Host 2020 Events. The Minnesota Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus is seeking proposals to host its Education Summit, June 2-3, and Annual Meeting, Oct. 6-7, 2020. Hosting MACVB’s annual events is a great way to showcase your destination to tourism industry leaders, speakers, sponsors and guests from around the state and beyond. All proposals that meet the minimum requirements will be considered. Please contact Dee Schutte at dee@minnesotacvbs.com to submit your proposal or for additional questions.
The deadline for submissions is Friday, Jan. 31. http://www.minnesotacvbs.com/

— Native American Congressional Internship A summer internship for Native American and Alaska Native students who wish to learn more about the federal government and issues affecting Indian country. Application Deadline: Jan 31, 2020.

—NRHA Rural Health Awards  Honors individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to rural health. Application Deadline: Feb 24, 2020.

— Udall Scholarship Scholarships for Native American and Alaska Native students pursuing careers related to tribal public policy, self-governance, native health, and the environment. Application Deadline: Mar 5, 2020.

—The American Indian College Fund Full Circle Scholarships for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Indigenous Canadian students seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees at Tribal colleges and universities and nonprofit, accredited schools in the United States. Application Deadline: May 31, 2020.

–The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is implementing a pilot program to encourage people to consider buying and driving an electric vehicle in order to help reduce carbon pollution. Part of the Pathways to Decarbonizing Transportation, this three year pilot program addresses a larger goal of trying to get more electric vehicles on the road in Minnesota by giving MnPASS toll credits to people who purchase or lease a new or used electric vehicle between November 1, 2019 and October 31, 2022. The MnPASS incentive is geared toward people who do not already own an electric vehicle, or who are perhaps on the fence about purchasing. It is intended to encourage those who are thinking about purchasing or leasing a vehicle to choose an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. More information on the program is available here.

MISCELLANEOUS

–Real ID: Pre-Apply Online With the deadline to be Real ID ready less than a year away, state officials are encouraging Minnesotans who apply for a Real ID to use the online pre-application tool before they visit their local driver’s license office to ensure they have the required documents.

Every air traveler 18 years of age or older will need a Real ID, enhanced driver’s license or ID, passport or passport card or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States or enter federal facilities beginning Oct. 1, 2020. A standard Minnesota driver’s license will not be accepted for federal use as of that date, but it will still be a valid form of identification and valid for lawful driving privileges. Find Minnesota Real ID information and resources ago to realid.dps.mn.gov.

—Have jobs been growing in greater Minnesota? Yes. More than you think. Nationwide, recent job growth occurred largely in metropolitan counties and urban areas, but Minnesota’s story of job growth is a little more complicated. Job growth this past year was concentrated in the Twin Cities metro area, but jobs in greater Minnesota grew too. Read the article.

—Number of Minnesota women in workforce continues to grow Since 2009, the number of women age 16-64 working in Minnesota has risen steadily, adding 96,155 more women to the workforce. Learn more in Featured Trend.

–The CUNY Mapping Service at the Center for Urban Research has created for the U.S. Census Bureau a nationwide map that can zoom in to the street level to determine the percentage of households in that tract that mailed back their 2010 census responses. The map is searchable by census tract, address, ZIP code, landmark, county, state, or legislative districts. Red and orange coloring allows users to immediately see where rates of response were 73 percent or less, providing visual clues to where advocates should go to educate communities about the importance of participating in the census, alert respondents about the upcoming questionnaires, and share census-activity resources

—Diffusion to Clear Up Confusion What’s a diffusion index? If you don’t know, you’re not alone, but you’ll want to learn about this tool used for measuring employment and other economic changes and what employment diffusion indexes say about Minnesota’s economy in the  DEED Developments Blog.

—The Changing Geography of the Opioid Crisis  Discusses the opioid epidemic in the U.S. and analyzes how death from opioid overdoses has changed geographically over the past few decades. Includes data on opioid overdose mortality rates by county and rurality, describes the differences in type of substances in rural areas versus urban areas.

—Farm Groups Partner to Help Farmers Manage Stress Farm Bureau, the American Farm Bureau Federation, and the National Farmers Union partnered on a program which will offer trainings to those who interact with farmers in order to identify signs of stress and other mental health concerns. Farmers experience higher levels of psychological distress and this program aims to bring mental health resources directly to those who may need them.

—Together With Veterans Rural Suicide Prevention Program A program called Together With Veterans helps rural communities address and prevent suicides among veterans. The community-centered initiative is veteran-led, collaborative, and uses evidence-based models.

–USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Program offers a resource guide highlighting opportunities to support the modernization of transportation infrastructure elements in rural communities–the bedrock of growth for rural towns and communities.  Get the publication by clicking here.

—Demand for Broadband in Rural Areas: Implications for Universal Access Reports on the characteristics of demand for fixed broadband among households and small businesses in rural areas and how they affect private sector infrastructure investments. Discusses the role of schools and libraries as providers of broadband service and training to rural residents, and how broadband enabled services, such as telemedicine, may encourage rural households and small businesses to adopt the technology. Highlights federal programs and policies that may increase or impede broadband demand, and offers options for the U.S. Congress to consider as it addresses rural broadband demand.

—Informal Caregiving and Technology in Rural America As people are living longer and trying to find solutions to delay the expense of long-term care or nursing facilities, family members, including adult children, are increasingly becoming informal, unpaid caregivers. Learn how technology may be a solution to help rural caregivers, what some of the challenges and opportunities are, and read about a current model that has the potential to change the landscape.

— Interactive Maps from U.S. Census Bureau, December 2019

— New Rural Opportunity Map now available! The Center on Rural Innovation just released the Rural Opportunity Map, a suite of data tools to help local leaders, national policymakers, investors & donors see the potential in rural America. Check out the tools and find data to inform your work. Go to: https://ruralopportunitymap.us/

JOB OPPORTUNITY

–U.S. Census Bureau is hiring: Look here to see what positions are available. Competitive wages, weekly paychecks, flexible hours, and paid training are all included in all positions.

 

EDITORS’ NOTE: As always — please send us items to post, comments, ideas, etc. You can send them to Jane Leonard at minntwin@comcast.net. And thanks for getting to the end of this month’s issue!