In this time of tight money, nonprofits and municipalities are always looking for ways to work smarter and to save money.  We suggest that you consider updating an existing proposal rather than starting from scratch.  You may only need to update the local data, introduce a new program or put a new twist on an existing one.  Sometimes, it’s just a matter of having someone outside of your organization read what you have to see if it really fits what you're going for.

The difference between editing a proposal and starting from scratch could save you thousands of dollars.  Recycling is a good thing and we're here to help when you need it.  Email us for more information.

Assets for Independence (AFI) provide five-year grants to organizations and agencies that enable low-income individuals and families to achieve economic self-sufficiency by accumulating economic assets. Grantees provide financial literacy training to participants and help them save earned income in special matched bank accounts called Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). IDAs enable low-income and low-wealth families to accumulate savings for long-term assets such as a home, a business, or higher education and training. Eligible grantees include community-based nonprofits and State, local and Tribal government agencies and others, such as community development financial institutions and credit unions. A total of $18 million is available to fund 50 – 60 awards. Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. EST on March 15, June 15, and November 1 annually.

The Reformulated Gasoline Settlement Fund is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations for grants that fund projects designed to achieve fuel or air emissions benefits for consumers in California. The grants will be made as part of the settlement of class-action lawsuits against Union Oil Company of California and Unocal Corporation.

The goal of the grants program is to fund projects that will deliver benefits related to reductions in vehicle emissions and/or fuel use through a broad range of strategies. Since the Settlement Fund was created as a result of legal action related to motor vehicle fuels, most, if not all, of the projects funded via the grants program will involve reducing vehicle-related emissions or fuel use. The program seeks to fund exceptional projects yielding real-world results.

Applicants must be nonprofit organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, organizations must be registered (if required by law) and in good standing with the California Attorney General's Charitable Trust Registry.

Grant funds totaling approximately $7 million are available. Grants are expected to range in size from $500,000 to $1 million each, for projects of up to thirty-six months.

The RFP and application instructions are available at the cypresfunds.net Web site.

Too many gangs in your neighborhood? The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) Gang Prevention Coordination Assistance Program provides funding for localities.

This funding is to enhance coordination of Federal, state, and local resources in support of community partnerships implementing the following anti-gang strategies: primary prevention, secondary prevention, gang intervention, and targeted gang enforcement. Applications are due March 4, 2009. Applicants are limited to public agencies (including state agencies, units of local government, public universities and colleges, and tribal governments) and private organizations (including faith-based and community organizations). OJJDP will make 12 awards of up to $200,000 each to support this 24-month project. Go to http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/solicitations.htm for application information.