Women's Education Coalition Scholarships Available
Women on your staff, board, or among your clients, volunteers, friends and family may benefit from scholarships by the Women's Education Coalition (WEC) fund at KZCF. The deadline is May 15.
WEC, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is an innovative program that helps area women and their families reach their full potential.
Recipients are unemployed or underemployed with a significant break in their formal education, and may enroll part or full-time in any curriculum, program or professional development that will lead to employment or improved employment.
Scholarships, ranging from $500 to $3,000, cover tuition, fees, books, child care, transportation and other educational expenses. A priority for the scholarships are working mothers and those enrolled in nonprofit educational institutions. Selection is based on financial need, and the scholarships are renewable.
Information in both English and Spanish is available online at kalfound.org/scholarships. For those without computer access, the application can be mailed or arrangements can be made to visit KZCF to use a computer. Call (269) 381-4416 for more information.
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Preparing for the 2020 Census
The Census will begin April 1, 2020.
Because the census is taken once every 10 years, it's critical that everyone is counted and represented accurately. Historically, the census has missed disproportionate numbers of racial minorities, immigrants, children and those living in poverty. The result is inequality in political influence, government funding and investment for these populations.
 As trusted voices, nonprofits play an important role in educating our communities about the 2020 census and mobilizing participation. Be Counted Michigan 2020 is a hub for educational resources such as reports and toolkits for messaging to specific audiences about the census. Click the button below to learn more!
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Fund Development Tips
We spoke with Raven Britt, who -- as KZCF's Development Officer -- supports our Designated Funds, created either by donors or the nonprofits themselves to benefit a specific nonprofit. Her view is also informed by her own involvement on area nonprofit boards. Here are some tips she has for you to grow your organization:
It's all about relationships!
- Retain your current donors with the right amount of attention. Your donors each need a different level of involvement.
- Some of your current donors have the potential to give more, and the more they know about your organization and your work, the more inclined they are to increase their giving from year-to-year.
- Don't forget the personal touch; many donors appreciate a personal thank you in the mail following a contact.
- Of course, you'll want to connect with all of your donors and also establish connections with potential donors.
Team work and collaboration
- You can't do this alone. No matter the size of your staff, it takes a village -- ideally one that includes your board and those whom you consider friends of your organization.
- Have you looked into partnering with residents or businesses located near your office?
- If your agency is collaborating with others in your service sector, include that in your communications to donors -- they appreciate knowing that nonprofits are working together.
Don't be afraid to ask
- You may already know this, but research tells us that the number one reason why people don't give is because they were never asked -- so ask!
Contact Raven Britt at rbritt@kalfound.org or 381-4416 for more information. Also, check out these related resources in previous issues of Partners in Progress: |
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IMPORTANT DATES
2019 GRANTMAKING DEADLINES
As a reminder, these deadlines are for requests of more than $25,000. KZCF reviews all other Letters of Inquiry once per month year round. Learn more here!
First Round 2019
- Letter of Inquiry Due Date March 1 by 5 p.m.
- Application Due Date April 8 by 5 p.m.
- Funding decisions will be made the week of June 10, 2019
Second Round 2019
- Letter of Inquiry Due Date August 30 by 5 p.m.
- Application Due Date October 7 by 5 p.m.
- Funding decisions will be made the week of December 9, 2019
APRIL 11
5th Annual Find Your Cause
5 to 7 pm.
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan, 601 Maple St.
RSVP
APRIL 15
Learning about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) Cultural Competency, facilitated by Brooke Lindley and Denise Miller
2 to 4:30 p.m.
Kalamazoo Public Library
REGISTER
MAY 15
Women's Education Coalition Scholarship
APPLY
MAY 15
Understanding Identity, Power and Oppression, facilitated by Mia Henry
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Foundry, 600 E. Michigan Ave.
RSVP
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TEAM SPOTLIGHT
Meet Raven Britt!
Raven is a Development Officer at KZCF and has been with us for just over two years. She is responsible for cultivating and expanding our donor base and also serves as the relationship manager for the agency funds that nonprofits house at KZCF.
 What do you love about where you live?
I love biking on the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail when the weather is nice.
What books are by your bedside?
A Course in Miracles by Helen Schucman; My journal; Trust by Iyanla Vanzant; Dancing the Dream: The Seven Sacred Paths of Human Transformation by Jamie Sams
What phobias do you have?
I experience globophobia (basically, I'm scared of balloons).
Do you have a motto or personal mantra?
"Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists." A Course in Miracles.
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