Minigrants for rural public libraries intersted in STEM

Announcing New Grant Opportunity The Califa Library Group is accepting applications for mini-grants to librarians in rural public libraries who are interested in providing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programming for adults. The project, which is funded by the National Science Foundation, will build your capacity to plan and facilitate science-based library programs. The library programs use videos and popular books to engage audiences and promote discussion.The professional development will include interactive webinars, online learning materials, peer support, and video case studies of similar adult STEM programs. Participating libraries will receive program materials, a planning guide, marketing and promotional templates, up to $3,500, and an avenue for new patrons to find your library. Communities will receive a series of engaging, thought-provoking programs and find another reason to love their local library! For more information go to: http://califa.org/rural-gateways/ Patty Hector Project Consultant The Califa Library Group 501-226-0000

 

Volunteers for Adult Literacy in Florida (VALF): VALF Volunteer Literacy Grant Opportunity

Volunteers for Adult Literacy in Florida (VALF): VALF Volunteer Literacy Grant Opportunity

VALF Volunteer Literacy Grant Opportunity

Apply for up to a $500 grant to be awarded by Volunteers for Adult Literacy in Florida. Draft application is due January 16, 2016. The final application is due March 18, 2016.

Free Conference Friday 10 am in Gainesville

Getting a High School Diploma

Libraries can apply for scholarships for the Career Online High School by October 30. Here is the application


http://dos.myflorida.com/library-archives/services-for-libraries/more-programs/cohs/

Friday Webinar Applications due Oct. 30 for Scholarships for Online Private High School Accredited Diploma

The State of Florida introduces a pilot program opportunity for selected Florida public libraries to offer residents access to Career Online High School.

 

For more information about this opportunity, please plan to attend a webinar on Friday, October 16, 2015 at 2 p.m. Eastern. To use the phone for audio dial 1.877.325.5019 and conference code 994-815-4149.

 

For additional information about the Career Online High School program, watch these short videos:

• Howard Liebman, Superintendent of Smart Horizons Career Online Education, talks about the program
• Diana, a graduate of Career Online High School, shares her experience
   

Public libraries that are interested in being considered for the pilot program must submit an application by Friday, October 30, 2015, at 6 p.m. Eastern. The application is available online.

 

The Career Online High School program is brought to you by the State of Florida and is administered by Gale, a part of Cengage Learning.

 

If you have any questions, please contact me at amy.johnson@dos.myflorida.com or 850.245.6603.

 

Amy L. Johnson

Division of Library and Information Services

R.A. Gray Building

500 South Bronough Street, MS #9

Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250

850.245.6603 voice

850.245.6735 fax

Amy.Johnson@dos.myflorida.com

Florida Certified Contract Manager (FCCM)

 

Online Giving Tip 8

Tip 8. "Remember to thank your donors. Use the momentum and Zeitgeist of the day to post instant videos or graphics acknowledging randomly selected gifts in fun and creative ways. People will be delighted to see themselves or their donations called out, and they'll have something fun to share with their friends, leading to yet more donations, and more fun."

 

From: Social Media and Online Giving published in Public Libraries: Nov/Dec 2014 p. 22-24

 

Online Giving Tip 6

Tip 6. "Let people know what you've already accomplished and how their support will help you do even more. Putting extra thought into your donation form can help contributors understand the difference they'll make with their contributions. Tooting your horn is also helpful when you want donors to share your good work with their friends."

 

From: Social Media and Online Giving published in Public Libraries: Nov/Dec 2014 p. 22-24 shared some best practices for fundraising.

Online Giving Tip 5

Tip 5." Find creativity in simple things. You don't have to be an artist or songwriter, or make your executive director walk around town in a gorilla costume to be creative. It can be as simple as showing some personality. Speak directly to your audience. Let them know how much fun you are and how much you care. Remember that the benefit of being online is that you can always edit and refresh at no additional cost beyond staff time.

From: Social Media and Online Giving published in Public Libraries: Nov/Dec 2014 p. 22-24

Online Giving Tip 4

From: Social Media and Online Giving published in Public Libraries: Nov/Dec 2014 p. 22-24 shared some best practices for fundraising.

Tip 4: "Stay fresh. It's hard to get excited about stale content. Your fundraising page is a first impression for many donors. Look your best. Look into the camera and smile! Replace your old photos with new ones periodically."

Read our blog tommorw to get another tip.

New Statistics on the Status of Babies

Want to know more about the status of babies in the U.S. go to the table just released on the 0 to 3 web site lists state by state at risk statistics.

Online Giving Tip 3

Tip 3: "Check for spelling errors, typos, and accurate links. Make sure your logo and photos display correctly. Remove those that are stretched out or don't look crisp."

From: Social Media and Online Giving published in Public Libraries: Nov/Dec 2014 p. 22-24

Online Giving Tip 2

 "Tell a great story. Go beyond the boilerplate language and liven things up. Never forget that you want people to click and donate and share. Does your story inspire them to do that? And when you're running a social media campaign, ask your donors to share their experience with their friends."

 

From: Social Media and Online Giving published in Public Libraries: Nov/Dec 2014 p. 22-24

Online Giving Tip 7

Tip 7. "Test, revise, and test again. In the virtual world you have endless opportunities to try different things. Take advantage of the tools and resources offered by GivingTuesday.org or ideas you see on GiveMN.org. And as with any experiment, not everything will be a success, but the more you try, the better your odds of getting it right."

 

From: Social Media and Online Giving published in Public Libraries: Nov/Dec 2014 p. 22-24 shared some best practices for fundraising.

• 7. Test, revise, and test again. In the virtual world you have endless opportunities to try different things. Take advantage of the tools and resources offered by GivingTuesday.org or ideas you see on GiveMN.org. And as with any experiment, not everything will be a success, but the more you try, the better your odds of getting it right.

Social Media and Online Giving Tips

The article Social Media and Online Giving Tips published in Public Libraries: Nov/Dec 2014 p. 22-24 shared some best practices for fundraising.

 

The first one is "Brand consistency across all channels is crucial. Your donors will feel more comfortable giving when they see that your fundraising page looks just like your website, your newsletter, your Facebook profile, and your print materials. Don't make them guess what you mean or who you are."

 

Read our blog tommorw to get another tip.

 

Grant Opportunity

For those of you near a WalMart:

The Walmart Foundation is accepting applications through its Community Grant Program.
Through the annual program, grants of up to $2,500 will be awarded to  local nonprofit organization serving residents within the service area of individual Walmart stores. Grants will be awarded in the areas of hunger relief and healthy eating, sustainability, women's economic empowerment, and/or career opportunities.

To be eligible, an organization must be tax exempt s under sections 501(c)(3), (4), (6) or (19) of the Internal Revenue Code;  a recognized government entity: state, county, or city agency, including law enforcement or fire departments, that are requesting funds exclusively for public purposes;  a K-12 public or private school, charter school, community/junior college, state/private college or university; or a church or other faith-based organization with a proposed project that benefits the community at large.

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, visit the Walmart Foundation website.

Link to Complete RFP