Friedman Associates is offering capacity building grants, thanks to the SBA PRIME Program. Capacity building is often defined as "actions that improve nonprofit effectiveness," and nonprofits that help low- income individuals start and expand small businesses can apply for assistance to increase capacity and impact.
Note: these grants do not include a monetary award but instead offer pro bono consulting worth $15,000. Selected organizations must provide an in-kind match of staff time devoted to the project plus up to $1,000 to defray the cost of travel expenses for the consultant's site visit.
There are three specific RFP areas:
1. Consortium for Leaders in Women's Microenterprise Development
Women's Initiative is one of the largest organizations in the country helping low-income women build successful businesses. Four organizations that serve primarily low-income women entrepreneurs are eligible to receive capacity building assistance. This includes:
strategic planning; fund development training; board development training; volunteer program management; messaging and external communications strategies; and program assessment and design, among other services.
2. Academy for Green Microenterprise Development
ACE is an award-winning CDFI and microlender that has developed a statewide platform for green small business lending. Seeking to develop a green microenterprise development training or lending program? On a competitive basis, two Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) that serve low-income individuals will be selected to learn how to teach the "the
triple bottom line" to their clients. ACE will work with you to develop a strategic plan for your green program. We will also connect you to resources and program materials to help you create your initiative.
3. MicroBuilders Capacity Building Program
Little Dixie CAA is an award winning organization providing a broad range of economic and community development programs. Four organizations that serve primarily low-income entrepreneurs are eligible to receive capacity building assistance. This includes:
strategic planning; fund development training; board development training; volunteer program management; messaging and external communications strategies; and program assessment and design, among other services.
For questions, or to receive RFP's and application information contact Jason Friedman, Friedman Associates, at 319-341-3556 or jasonj@friedmanassociates.net. More information available at: http://friedmanassociates.net/SBAPRIME.aspx