DRAMATIC CUTS TO EARLYCHILDHOOD FUNDING

House Appropriations Committee’s Proposals Threaten $50 Million in Federal Funding

The Illinois House appropriations committee voted this week to make dramatic cuts to early childhood funding.

Email your legislators now—tell them to protect critical services for young children!

Charged with developing budgets under conservative revenue estimates, the House Human Services Appropriations Committee voted yesterday to cut 10% from home visiting funding for the state. Under this proposal, the Healthy Families and Parents Too Soon budget lines were reduced by a combined $1.6 million. Such a dramatic cut to this funding would not only jeopardize current service delivery in Illinois, but also puts at risk the state’s eligibility to apply for as much as $50 million in federal funding for evidence-based home visiting programs.

In addition, the House Elementary and Secondary Education Appropriations Committee passed a budget proposal that makes a 5% reduction to the Early Childhood Block Grant. Programs and school districts across the state, distressed by cuts in FY10 and delayed payments, have already been forced to close classrooms and eliminate preschool services for 5,000 young children. We must tell our legislators that any further cuts to early learning programs are unacceptable.

Contact your legislators today and ask them to talk to their party and appropriations committee leadership to prevent these devastating cuts.

$161K Grant Opportunity Through Safety Net Works

Dear Community Partners,

Chicago Youth Centers ABC Polk Bros. has been identified as the Lead Agency for the North Lawndale Safety Net Works. After meeting with Illinois Violence Prevention Authority this week we are moving forward in establishing a Safety Net Works Coalition and creating partnerships to implement and enhance services and programs to youth and families in the North Lawndale Community.

First, we are requesting representation from your organization/agency/school/

church to participate on the Safety Net Works Coalition. Second, there is about $161, 000 for Safety Net Works programming for the 2012 fiscal year. We are hosting a bidder’s conference on Wednesday May 18 from 11 to 12 noon if your organization is interested in partnering with Safety Net Works please plan to be at the Bidder’s Conference next Wednesday. The turn around for submitting applications is short; they are due May 31. The Safety Net Works Coalition will be responsible for identifying and funding programs that will impact the community.

Light refreshments will be provided. . Please RSVP to Jason Bremer at 773.762.5655 or jason.bremer@chicagoyouthcenters.orgjason.bremer@chicagoyouthcenters.org>.

Thank you and hope to see you.




Roberta Douglas

Center Director

Chicago Youth Centers

ABC Polk Bros.

773.762.5655

NEW Grants

Grant opportunities

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State Farm Youth Advisory Board Grants (Deadline: May 2)
The State Farm Youth Advisory Board is providing $5 million in service-learning grants to youth across the United States and Canada in an effort to create projects that bring about sustainable, positive change in local communities. Youth in public schools, or youth associated with a 501(c)3 organization have the opportunity to apply for grants ranging from $25,000-$100,000 to help their implementation of a school-based service-learning program that ties into an existing K-12 curriculum, and relates to one of the following focus areas: Driver Safety, Environmental Responsibility, Financial Literacy, Access to Higher Education, and Natural or Societal Disaster Preparedness. http://bit.ly/ekgICe

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Pepsi Refresh Project Grants (Deadline: 5th of each month)
Pepsi is excited to officially kick-start the second year of its Refresh Project. Each month, Pepsi will award over $1.2 million for the innovative ideas with the most votes. This year, ideas will be accepted for only five days – ending midnight ET, April 9 - and then 1,500 ideas will be randomly selected. Starting in May, applications will be accepted from the first of the month at 12:00:01 pm ET through 11:59:59 pm ET on the 5th of the month. http://pep.si/gp69LY

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2011 100 Best Communities for Young People Competition (Deadline: May 27)
America's Promise Alliance and the ING Foundation have announced the call for submissions for this year's 100 Best Communities for Young People presented by ING competition. The 100 Best program recognizes communities that are doing exceptional and innovative work to help reduce high school dropout rates and provide their youth with an outstanding place to live, learn and grow. Community representatives are encouraged to download the application now to gather the information needed, which includes essays by local students. Submit your application by May 4 to be eligible for additional prizes. http://bit.ly/hQZoJ2

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KaBOOM! Playful City USA Grants (Deadline: June 1)
A total of 103 grants worth $2.1 million are available to Playful City USA recognized cities and towns between 2011-13. Grants range in values of $30,000, $20,000 and $15,000 and will be awarded to existing Playful City USA communities as well as communities receiving Playful City USA recognition for the first time. Communities wishing to receive grants and apply for Playful City USA status must meet five core commitments of the program: Create a local play commission task force; Design an annual action plan for play; Conduct a playspace audit of all publicly accessible play areas; Identify current spending on capital projects and maintenance of playspaces; and Proclaim and celebrate an annual "KaBOOM! Play Day". Cities and towns can apply to become a Playful City USA community by completing the online application http://bit.ly/eM5MCz

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Be Big In Your Community Contest (Deadline: June 17)
Scholastic's Be Big Fund will help bring the winning BIG Idea that helps make your community a better place to life with help from Clifford, HandsOn Network and American Family Insurance. Awards include 1 $25,000 Grand Prize honoree, 10 $2,500 first place honorees and 19 $1.315 second place honorees will be selected. Be Big Fund prizes must be used to implement the winning proposals. http://bit.ly/eSU7Om

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Net Literacy Financial Connects Contest (Deadline: Rolling through June 30, 2011)
Net Literacy is a student-founded nonprofit where students comprise 50% of the board of directors. Thanks to support from State Farm, students from across the country to submit short videos that teach a lesson about the importance of financial literacy. Video entries win $100 to $500 and web-based games win $500 to $1000. We hope to give away $100,000 in prizes as students provide the content to build a national financial literacy using their words to explain the importance of being financially literate. Eligibility: all full-time or part-time students - videos and games can be developed by a student, a group of students, or a classroom project. http://bit.ly/eDkDlX

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Captain Planet Environment Grants (Deadline: June 30)
These grant opportunities support hands-on environmental projects that empower children and youth around the world to solve environmental problems in their communities. There are multiple awards ranging from $250 to $2,500. http://bit.ly/e9bXNd

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Home Depot Community Impact Grants Program (Deadline: October 31)
The Home Depot Community Impact Grants Program provides support to nonprofit organizations, public schools, and public service agencies in the U.S. that are using the power of volunteers to improve the physical health of their communities. Proposals for the following community improvement activities will be considered: repairs, refurbishments, and modifications to low-income and/or transitional housing or community facilities (schools, community centers, senior centers, etc.); weatherizing or increasing energy efficiency of low-income and/or transitional housing or community facilities; planting trees or community gardens and/or landscaping community facilities; and development of community parks or green spaces. Grants of up to $5,000 are made in the form of The Home Depot gift cards for the purchase

NEW Grants

Grant opportunities

Learn and Serve American Youth Engagement Zone (YEZ)
YEZ is designed to improve student engagement, including student attendance and behavior, and student achievement, graduation rates and college-going rates by promoting youth engagement to demostrate the value of academics, civic engagement, diversity and improved service delivery. All partnerships must include, at a minimum, at least one LEA, one community college, and one community-based entity. There is approximately $5.4 million available for 4 to 12 grants of $300,000 to $450,000 for this program. The application submission date is June 15, 2011.

Humana Foundation
The Humana Foundation promotes healthy lives and communities by supporting organizations that meet their funding priorities and are classified as 501(c)(3) tax-exempt by the Internal Revenue Service. Proposals are considered from and for: nonprofit organizations classified 501(c)(3); organizations located in eligible locations; and one-year projects or annual support. The appliction submission date is June 15, 2011.

Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Grant
Two outstanding nonprofit/charitable organizations in 45 markets benefit from the Neighborhood Builders Program. Since its inception in 2004, Neighborhood Builders has helped nearly 500 nonprofits across our franchise with operating support and rigorous leadership training. Neighborhood Builders recipients are focused on local neighborhood priorities and receive $200,000 in general operating support (or local market currency equivalent) - $100,000 annually for 2 years. Click grant name above for submission information.

Seasonal Jobs at Delta Airlines

Summer Jobs at Delta Airlines

ACS hiring summer only seasonal full-time positions across U.S.
Airport Customer Service is hiring for full-time seasonal positions in many airports across the U.S. including all domestic hubs. ACS is looking for candidates committed to providing exceptional customer service in customer check-in and baggage handling capacities. Successful candidates will work 40 hours a week from June 1 through Aug. 31.
We know great employees have great family and friends. This is a wonderful opportunity for employees looking to help friends and family out with a summer employment lead, said Carol Zupancic, V.P.-ACS, Stations. Spread the word to your great friends and family today to apply.
Anyone interested should apply at:
delta.com/careers
Select Airport Customer Service Ticket/Gate or Baggage Handler/Ramp Operations.
These seasonal employees will earn $10.82 per hour and have Delta worldwide travel privileges.
All referred candidates must:
- be at least 18, able to lift 70 lbs
- be authorized to work in the U.S.
- have a high school diploma/GED
- have a valid drivers license.
A background check and drug test will also be part of the hiring process. These summer positions are not eligible for the employee referral program.

First Chance Scholarship Program

UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX FIRST CHANCE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Through a partnership between the University of Phoenix and the National Foster Parent Association NFPA is providing 15 full tuition scholarships redeemable at any University of Phoenix campus for youth in foster care, former foster youth and foster parents.

Any foster parent applying for a First Chance Scholarship must be a member of NFPA or become a member at the time of application.

The First Chance Scholarship is offered on a competitive basis and membership in NFPA is not a guarantee of receiving the scholarship.

Recipients may choose any campus they want to attend, including the online campus. The program will be administered by the NFPA under the First Chance Scholarship umbrella. The scholarship application is available online at:

http://www.phoenix.edu/tuition_and_financial_options/scholarships/nfpa-scholarship.html.

The deadline for submitting applications is July 1, 2011.

Calling All Young Artists...Win a trip to D.C.

Calling all afterschool artists! Design the 2011 Lights On Afterschool Poster!

Now is the time to start getting ready for our annual Lights On Afterschool in October, where more than one million people from across the country gather to celebrate afterschool at 7,500+ events and rallies. Get kids excited by participating in our poster designing contest!

The winning poster design will be printed on 70,000 posters sent to afterschool programs from coast to coast and featured on our website. But that’s not it! Thanks to a generous donation from Destination DC, the winner also receives free trip to Washington, D.C. in honor of our Lights On Afterschool kick-off at the 2011 DC Capital Criterium! The CapCrit is a racing event for professional cycling superstars that attracts huge crowds of spectators each year.

For even more inspiration, check out submissions from previous years at our online gallery of poster art. Also take a look at last year's winning design. Here are the guidelines for submissions. The deadline for submissions is June 30.

As you gather tips and ideas for Lights On Afterschool poster designs, tell us more about it and join the afterschool conversation today on our Facebook and Twitter pages!

Mayor Announces More Than 14K Jobs for Youth

Mayor Daley Announces More Than 14,000 Jobs For Young People This Summer

The Mayor Announces More Than 14,000 Jobs For Young People This Summer

Lara Chereso 312.746.7450

The Mayor announced today that the City and its public and private sector partners will provide more than 14,000 summer jobs for young people 14-21 years old this year, and he also urged companies in the city to hire young people this summer or sponsor a youth employment opportunity through the City’s “Youth Ready Chicago” program.

To view the full Press Release with Video Link click on the link below:
The Mayor's Youth Jobs Announcement
To access Youth Ready Chicago application link click on the icon below


Mayor Richard M. Daley said today the City and its public and private sector partners will provide more than 14,000 summer jobs for young people 14-21 years old this year, and he also urged companies in the city to hire young people this summer or sponsor a youth employment opportunity through the City’s “Youth Ready Chicago” program.

“Young people are looking for ways to grow and be productive during the summer months, and a job provides an alternative to spending time in the streets. Jobs teach responsibility and keep our children out of harm’s way,” Daley said in a news conference held at the Gads Hill Center, 2653 W. Ogden.

“Not only do summer jobs provide the work experience that may lead to a career, but in some cases these jobs will be needed to help families make ends meet during these very tough economic times,” he said.

Daley said the opportunities provided through “Youth Ready Chicago” include internships, apprenticeships and jobs in both the public and private sector. Public sector partners include After School Matters, the Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Housing Authority.

Daley said there are several new programs this summer, which are partly funded by $1.6 million in parking meter infrastructure funds, including:

• New Museum Internship Program: Approximately 35 young people will secure internships at some of Chicago’s world-class museums and gain exposure to arts, science, history and more.

• Community-Based Employment Opportunities: The City of Chicago will issue an RFP encouraging community-based small businesses, not-for-profits and other to outline work opportunities that will provide employment to more than 700 youth. The RFP will be available beginning April 15 through the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services.
  
• Summer Mini-Grants: The City’s Summer Mini-Grant program will provide young people with the chance to work on neighborhood-based projects, such as starting a community dance troupe or designing a website for a community organization.

Last year, “Youth Ready Chicago” was able to provide more than 18,000 summer opportunities.

Thousands of those opportunities were supported by $8.6 million in federal stimulus money which is no longer available.

Daley said government can’t do this alone.

“We have many partners in the private sector who are strongly committed to the Youth Ready Chicago program. But we all know that most jobs are in the private sector. So today I want to challenge our business leaders to strengthen their efforts to provide jobs for young people,” he said.

Daley said businesses can do this by supporting the City’s program or by hiring young people themselves.

“The bottom line is that we need everyone’s help to keep our kids occupied in a positive way this summer,” he said.

Young people can apply for a summer job by filling out the application at www. youthreadychicago.org. Businesses can also visit the web site to sponsor or learn about employing a young person for the summer.

The deadline for application is June 3

NEW Grant Announcements

Grant Announcements

Street Outreach Program
The Street Outreach Program provides services to youth living on the streets and in unstable situations by reaching out to them. These projects aim to increase young peoples safety, well-being, and self-sufficiency, and to help them build permanent connections with caring adults, with the goal of getting them off the streets. Eligible applicants are non-profit, for-profit, faith-based, private and public entities, as well as, state and tribal governments. There is $2.1 million available for up to 21 grants. The application submission date is June 24, 2011.


A National Coalition to Enhance STD/HIV Prevention through Promotion of a Holistic Approach to Health and Wellness
This RFP is to bring together a group of organizations from diverse sectors to enhance STD/HIV prevention by advancing a public health approach to improve sexual health. Eligible applicants are private and public entities, including universities, CBOs and hospitals as well as, state and tribal governments. There is over $5 millon available for 1 grant. The application submission date is May 31, 2011.
Health Places Community Intervention Grants
Community Intervention Grants are to support policy, systems, and environmental change related to healthy food and physical activity at the neighborhood level. Eligible applicants are Chicago Communities facing disproportionate incidences of obesity and obesity related illnesses. Up to 15 Grants of approximately 80,000 are available. The application submission date is June 6, 2011.

OJJDP FY 11 Mentoring for Child Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation InitiativeThis initiative supports efforts of community service organizations to develop or enhance their mentoring capacity, facilitate outreach efforts, and increase the availability of direct services for child victims (younger than age 18) of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) or domestic sex trafficking (DST), including children who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. Eligible applicants include public and private small businesses; nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; and public, state and private institutions of higher education. There is $500,000 available for one award. The application submission date is June 6, 2011.

Learn and Serve American Youth Engagement Zone (YEZ)YEZ is designed to improve student engagement, including student attendance and behavior, and student achievement, graduation rates and college-going rates by promoting youth engagement to demostrate the value of academics, civic engagement, diversity and improved service delivery. All partnerships must include, at a minimum, at least one LEA, one community college, and one community-based entity. There is approximately $5.4 million available for 4 to 12 grants of $300,000 to $450,000 for this program. The application submission date is June 15, 2011.

Humana FoundationThe Humana Foundation promotes healthy lives and communities by supporting organizations that meet their funding priorities and are classified as 501(c)(3) tax-exempt by the Internal Revenue Service. Proposals are considered from and for: nonprofit organizations classified 501(c)(3); organizations located in eligible locations; and one-year projects or annual support. The application submission date is June 15, 2011.

Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless YouthIn response to the widespread concern about the problem of runaway and homeless youth, Congress authorized the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act of 1974 (RHYA), which provided financial support for the protection of runaway, homeless, and street youth. Eligible applicants include nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; and public, state and private institutions of higher education. There is over $17 million for a possible 107 awards. The application submission date is June 24, 2011.
Family Planning Services Grants
The Family Planning Services Grants are to establish and operate voluntary family planning services projects, which shall provide family planning services to all persons desiring such services, with priority for services to persons from low-income families. Any public or private nonprofit is eligible to apply. There is one award of up to $400,000 available. The application submission date is June 29, 2011.

Drucker Institute Announces Call for Applications for Nonprofit Innovation AwardThe Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation is given each fall to three U.S.-based nonprofit organizations in recognition of existing programs that have made a difference in the lives of the people they serve. The award has been given annually since 1991 and is accompanied by a first-place prize of $100,000 and two runners-up prizes of $7,500 and $5,000. The application submission date is July 1, 2011.

American Legion Child Welfare Foundation Offers Support for Programs to Help ChildrenThe American Legion Child Welfare Foundation seeks to provide other nonprofit organizations with the means to educate the public about the special needs of children across the United States. To help achieve its mission, the organization annually provides funding to nonprofits. Grants may not be used for the normal, day-to-day operating expenses of the grantee or for special operating expenses connected with the grant. The application submission date is July 15, 2011.

Bank of America Neighborhood Builders GrantTwo outstanding nonprofit/charitable organizations in 45 markets benefit from the Neighborhood Builders Program. Since its inception in 2004, Neighborhood Builders has helped nearly 500 nonprofits across our franchise with operating support and rigorous leadership training. Neighborhood Builders recipients are focused on local neighborhood priorities and receive $200,000 in general operating support (or local market currency equivalent) - $100,000 annually for 2 years. Click grant name above for submission information.

IDES Summer Job Resource

The Illinois Department of Employment Security provides the Illinois Career Resource Network, an online tool to determine what is right for young job seekers.

On the site is a link for Summer Job Central 2011, a brochure that provides information for young people looking for seasonal employment. It includes links to resources, websites with job listings, and a parents’ guide to summer work.