Strengthening Communities Initiative launches; nonprofits are invited to apply for first round of assistance

...4...3...2...1... The Northland Foundation’s Strengthening Communities Initiative – Building Nonprofit Capacity to Advance Economic Recovery is ready for lift-off.

In October, Northland received an $879,903 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. With $220,000 in matching funds, a total of just under $1.1 million is slated to strengthen the capacity of community and faith-based nonprofits that address economic recovery issues in the seven-county Arrowhead Region.

Goals of the Initiative
Prime candidates for participation are those nonprofits whose programming helps low-income people of all ages achieve greater economic security by gaining and retaining jobs, earning higher wages, and accessing State and Federal benefits and tax credits.

“Through this initiative, we can provide resources above and beyond what our Grant Program already delivers to enhance nonprofits’ organizational strength and reach,” explained Erik Torch, Grant Program Manager.

“By bolstering the capacity of participating nonprofits, more people in the region will have the support they need to attain financial stability,” concluded Torch.

Two Cohorts of Participants
There will be two cohorts, or rounds, of participation over the two-year project period. Each cohort will receive technical assistance and then have a chance to apply for competitive grant awards to further their capacity-building work.

“We are very excited to begin the initiative and provide this support at a critical time for many nonprofits in our region.” ~Tom Renier, President of the Northland Foundation

Only nonprofits accepted to receive technical assistance will be eligible to apply for grant funding. An independent panel will select participants from the pool of applicants as well as approve grant awards.

Applications are due by March 14, 2010 for participation in the first cohort. Notification of selection is scheduled for mid-May. Applications for the second cohort will be due in August of 2010.

The Northland Foundation will also host five nonprofit training seminars during the grant period to address the following critical areas: organizational development, program development, collaboration and community engagement, leadership development, and evaluation of effectiveness.

Information Sessions February 9-10
The Northland Foundation is holding two information sessions, one in Duluth on February 9 and one in Virginia on February 10, both from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., to describe the initiative, explain eligibility and the application process, and answer questions.

Representatives of community and faith-based nonprofits serving within the seven-county region are invited to attend either session. There is no charge, but advance registration is requested.