SOCIAL IMPACT BONDS: A CONVERSATION WITH SIMON JAWITZ.

Social Impact Bonds are the newest instrument for drawing private investment into entrepreneurial social programs. But with only one major example of Social Impact Bond financing, from the United Kingdom, and with efforts in Boston and the Twin Cities having only just begun, there are as yet too few results to trumpet. NPQ contributing editor Jon Pratt sat down with Simon Jawitz, board member of and senior advisor to Growth Philanthropy Network, to discuss the concept’s prospects.
Full Interview:

http://www.nonprofitquarterly.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17951:social-impact-bonds-a-conversation-with-simon-jawitz&catid=153:features&Itemid=336

NEARLY SIX IN TEN PLAN TO GIVE TO CHARITY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, SURVEY FINDS.

Nearly six in ten (57%) of Americans plan to give to charity between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, a survey by the American Red Cross finds. The 2011 Holiday Giving Poll found that 80% of respondents said their finances were worse than or the same as a year ago; 71% expected to donate more or about the same as they did last year; 26% planned to give less; and 36% did not plan to give at all, with half of those (49%) saying they did not have the money to give. Full Article:

http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.94aae335470e233f6cf911df43181aa0/?vgnextoid=ac803595ce1a3310VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD

THE JAMES IRVINE FOUNDATION has announced the launch of the EXPLORING ENGAGEMENTS FUND

The first grantmaking initiative under the foundation’s new arts program strategy focuses on three distinct engagement pathways; 1) efforts to increase engagement by low-income and/or ethnically diverse populations that have been traditionally underserved by arts nonprofits, 2) efforts to expand the ways Californians engage in the arts as active participants by making or practicing art; and 3) efforts to advance the use of diverse, non-traditional spaces for arts engagement, especially in regions with few arts-specific venues. Info and App:

http://www.irvine.org/grantmaking/our-programs/arts-program/new-arts-strategy/exploring-engagement-fund

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES (NEH) LANDMARKS OF AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE GRANT:

Deadline March 1, 2012. Support for residence-based workshops for K-12 national educators using historic sites to address themes and issues in American history, government, literature, art, and music. The goals of the workshops are to • increase knowledge and appreciation of subjects, ideas, and places • build a community of inquiry and provide models of civility • provide teachers with expertise in the use and interpretation of historical sites and of material and archival resources; and • encourage historical and cultural site professional development programs. Info and full application: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=130495

KRESGE FOUNDATION’S ARTS AND CULTURE PROGRAM FACILITY INVESTMENT AND BUILDING RESERVE GRANTS

Deadline: March 1, 2012 (Preliminary Applications). Eligible organizations may apply for both facility investment (renovation and repair) and building reserve grants (ongoing maintenance). Grant amounts will be dependent on the type of project and the size, scope, and business model of the organization. Some grants may be designed as matching or challenge grants. In general, multiyear institutional capitalization grants will not exceed $1 million and/or a period of three years from the time of the grant award. Info and app: http://www.kresge.org/programs/arts-culture

California Community Foundation “Pass It Along” Fund

The Los Angeles-based California Community Foundation has announced a grant of $500K to its Pass It Along Fund. The fund provides gifts from anonymous donors to victims of domestic violence, disabled adults, people who have lost their jobs, and others facing difficult times. In return, the recipients are asked to “pass along” two acts of kindness to neighbors or those in need. Info and app: https://www.calfund.org/pia

LUMINA FOUNDATION LAUNCHES EFFORT TO BOOST COLLEGE GRADUATION RATES FOR LATINOS.

The Indianapolis-based foundation announced the launch of an initiative designed to strengthen partnerships in metropolitan areas that show promise in improving the post-secondary attainment of Latino students. The Latino Success Project will award grants totaling $7.2M to 12 partnerships in 10 states including Long Beach City College. The initiative is part of the foundation’s Goal 2025 campaign to boost the proportion of Americans with high-quality degrees and credentials to 60% by 2025. Full Article: http://www.luminafoundation.org/newsroom/news_releases/2011-11-07.html

UNPRECEDENTED GRANTS PROGRAM FOR PROFESSIONAL VENTURA COUNTY VISUAL ARTISTS

The Gerd Koch & Carole Milton Grant for Professional Ventura County Artists. Two grants for $3K each. Applications due this Saturday, November 12th. Info and app: www.venturacountyartscouncil.org or call (805) 658-2213.

California Community Foundation Initiative to Improve Academic Achievement in South Los Angeles.

The CCF has launched the Preparing Achievers for Tomorrow (PAT) initiative, a five-year, $12 million effort to help improve academic achievement among and boost opportunities for youth in South Los Angeles. PAT will support additional grantmaking rounds in March 2012 and June 2012. All nonprofit partners are selected by invitation only.

Pat Initiative: https://www.calfund.org/pat

Full article: http://mobile.reuters.com/article/companyNewsAndPR/idUS267681+01-Nov-2011+PRN20111101?feedType=RSS&feedName=companyNewsAndPR

GO TO the A to Z Grantwriting website to download this month’s free newsletter with several upcoming grant opportunities in a variety of topics.

CHECK IT OUT! Civic Ventures Announced the 2011 Purpose Prize Winners

Prize recognizes social entrepreneurs age 60 and older who are combining their passion and experience to help address tough social challenges in their communities and around the world. This year’s winners, each of whom received $100,000 to help advance their social innovations are listed on their website.

http://www.encore.org/five-100000-purpose