Monday, December 31, 2012

Free1/9 webinar: Grantseeking Basics


The Foundation Center offers crackerjack free online webinars.

Free Webinar: Grantseeking Basics. Wednesday, January 09, 2013 2PM – 3PM ET 

Register here. 

Gain an introduction to the world of foundation fundraising.
  • Are you a representative of a nonprofit organization?
  • Are you new to fundraising?
  • Do you want to learn how the funding research process works, and what tools and resources are available?
  • Learn how to become a better grantseeker! In this class we will cover: what you need to have in place before you seek a grant; the world of grantmakers; the grantseeking process; and available tools and resources.
 If you've never taken a Foundation Center webinar before, this will show you how they work. 

Friday, December 28, 2012

Broadband basics: A free webinar 1/15


Broadband basics: A free webinar



Do you wish you knew more about the basics of broadband, but you don't know who to ask? Join us for a beginner level webinar, which will introduce participants to terms, tools, and concepts that will help increase basic understanding. 

The free webinar will be offered on Tuesday, January 15 at 2PM Eastern. Brenda Hough and special guest, library consultant Kieran Hixon will talk about a variety of broadband topics, including:


  • What is the difference between the various types of broadband connections?    
  • What do Mbps and Kbps really mean?    
  • How much speed does your library need?    
  • What's the difference between download and upload speeds? Why does it matter?    
  • How can I learn more about broadband?    
  • How can I communicate to others the need for broadband at the library?    
  • Plus, lots of time for questions from participants 
The webinar is free, but please register to receive connection information. This webinar is part of a series of webinars exploring the Edge Initiative Benchmarks. Benchmark 12 states: Libraries have sufficient devices and bandwidth to accommodate user demand. 

Thursday, December 27, 2012

BJ’s Charitable Foundation

Yes, BJ's Charitable Foundation gives funding for hunger prevention, self-sufficiency, and healthcare.

But did you know it also provides funds for education to those who are underserved? Support will be given to nonprofits that provide academic and vocational opportunities for the disadvantaged. These programs include the purchase of supplies for literacy skills, mentoring, tutoring and career development.

Applications accepted on an ongoing basis. If you are in or near these 2011 awardee towns, pick up the phone:

Bloomfield: Covenant to Care for Children
Bridgeport: Bethel Recovery Center
Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, Inc.
Mercy Learning Center of Bridgeport, Inc.
East Haven: Connecticut Food Bank
Hartford: Mercy Housing and Shelter Corp.
New Haven: Community Soup Kitchen
Norwich: Thames River Community Service, Inc.
Stratford: Volunteers of America - Greater New York, Inc.
Waterbury: Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury, Inc.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

StoryCorps @ your library (SCL)



StoryCorps @ your library (SCL), is a two-year program created by the American Library Association (ALA) in partnership with StoryCorps, funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, designed to encourage multi-format public programming on broad themes of oral narrative, and local and family history that may be tailored to specific locales, holidays, or heritage months. This project will serve public libraries as they seek to expand their influence and capital in their communities by connecting them with the powerful resources and branding available through a StoryCorps partnership.

Details are on the SCL website. Applications will be accepted December 8, 2012, through January 18, 2013 from public libraries, public library systems, and consortia.

ALA and StoryCorps will select ten pilot sites, determined by their level of interest and ability to successfully carry out the project, with an eye toward geographical and demographic diversity.

Libraries chosen to participate will receive a $2,500 stipend, promotional support materials, professional recording equipment, in-person training for library staff and volunteers, and tools to offer their patrons a fully facilitated StoryCorps interview experience as well as access to significant StoryCorps edited content.

As part of the StoryCorps approach, each interview participant receives a copy of their recording. With participant permission and based upon a written agreement with StoryCorps, local libraries will retain copies of fully released interviews. Copies of fully released interviews will also be deposited with the Library of Congress.