FREE GED ONLINE PREPARATION

FREE GED ONLINE PREPARATION NOW
PROVIDED BY
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

(Press Release from Minn. Dept. of Education, 12.04.08)

The Minnesota Department of Education announced a new online instructional program for Minnesotans who are preparing for their General Educational Development Diploma (GED). GED-i, a nationally-recognized and teacher-facilitated service, is free to innesota students.

"This is an important resource for people who are working toward their GED diploma," said Commissioner Seagren. "For many Minnesotans, transportation, child care and work obligations have kept them from going to class to prepare for the GED test. This new program will make GED preparation much more accessible."

GED-i learning is facilitated by instructors from local adult educa-tion programs. Registered students will work with a licensed teacher from their local Adult Basic Education (ABE) program in an online environment. Instructional content can be accessed on he Internet at any time.

According to the 2007 American Community Survey, ten percent (388,074) of Minnesotans over the age of 18 lack high school equivalency. Individuals who do not have their high school diploma or equivalent (GED) are at a severe disadvantage in the creasingly competitive job market.

The GED-i program is an online preparation program only; the GED test itself must be taken in person at a GED examination center. Student enrollment in person at an ABE provider site is lso required.

For location information about your closest ABE and GED-i pro-vider, visit this website http://www.themlc.org/hotline.html or call the Minnesota Adult Literacy Hotline at 1-800-222-1990. For ad-ditional information about the GED test itself, visit the GED information Website at http://mnabe.themlc.org/GED2.html

H.I.R.E Minnesota Health, Infrastructure and Renewable Energy-Town Hall Meeting

This is a first in a series of Town Hall Meetings throughout the Minneapolis & St. Paul Area.

Green Jobs For Our Communities

What: Come to learn about green collar jobs and construction opportunities with free food and musical entertainment!

Who: Summit Academy OIC (SAOIC), EJAM, MN Baptist Convention, Alliance for Metropolitan Stability, Stairstep, ISAIAH, Insight News, MN OIC State Council, Congressman Keith Ellison, elected officials, community members, and YOU

Where: Minneapolis Urban League
2100 Plymouth Avenue North,
Minneapolis, MN 55411

When: Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Why: Come to offer YOUR vision and learn about how YOU can help a campaign supporting renewable energy jobs to improve your community life.

For further information about the program, guests, and schedules, contact Alessandra Williams at 612-278-5259.

Sponsor-Summit Academy OIC, 935 Olson Memorial Hwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405

http://www.saoic.org

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is accepting applications for the NCE Commission

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is accepting applications from residents for one position on the newly created Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission.

The role of the commission will be to shape how the City engages its residents and works with neighborhood and community organizations, as well as oversee programming details and funding for neighborhood revitalization work. The resident who will be appointed by the MPRB on January 2, 2009 will be part of the 16-member commission. Of the remaining members, eight residents will be selected by neighborhood organizations and seven will be appointed by the Mayor and Council Members of Minneapolis.

The application deadline for the MPRB appointed commission position is December 19, 2008. Applicants are required to be Minneapolis residents who do not hold a current election certificate. Current MPRB employees are not eligible. Applications are available at: www.minneapolisparks.org (click on news item)·

612-230-6400
MPRB Customer Service Area,
2117 West River Road, Minneapolis, 55411
MPRB Recreation Centers

Sincerely,
Annie Young
Citywide Park Commissioner

St. Paul Public Schools - Seeks Community Input, Please attend

The School district is currently in the midst of discussions about Large System Change and is interested in engaging the community in these discussions. PLEASE ATTEND AND FORWARD THIS INFORMATION TO OTHERS IN YOUR NETWORKS. At the meetings, community members will learn more about why business as usual is not a sustainable option for achieving the SPPS mission: To provide a premier education for all. All SPPS sites and programs will be affected, whether it be through changes related to transportation, programming or professional development. Among the topics to be discussed at the community engagement meetings are academics, enrollment, school choice, budget and rightsizing or consolidation.

The meetings also will give community members the opportunity to help district staff members identify district needs as SPPS moves into the future.
Meeting dates and locations (all locations are in Saint Paul):


December 3, 2008: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
(Presentation in Hmong and English)
Phalen Lake Elementary
1089 Cypress St.

December 4, 2008: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Gloria Dei Church
700 Snelling Ave.

December 12, 2008: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
(Somali Parent Advisory Council)
Highwood Hills Elementary 2188 Londin Lane

A light dinner and refreshments will be provided. These meetings are taking place with the help of several SPPS partners, including CLUES, Hmong American Partnership, Hmong Cultural Center, Neighborhood House, Saint Paul Area Council Of Churches, Saint Paul NEAT, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, Saint Paul Public Schools Foundation, Saint Paul YWCA and Support Our Schools.

The following is a link to a flyer on the community meetings: http://www.spps.org/sites/209472fd-849d-4015-bcbe-8839b20be25b/uploads/LSSC_Flier1008pr.pdf

Please encourage people within your organization and people that you serve to attend.

We have also included a link to the School District's Annual Report. The Report provides a great overview of the accomplishments and challenges facing Saint Paul Schools: http://www.spps.org/sites/209472fd-849d-4015-bcbe-8839b20be25b/uploads/LSSC_Flier1008pr.pdf

Mike Anderson
St. Paul Public Schools Foundation
55 Fifth Street East, Suite 600
St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone: 651.325.4224
Fax:651.224.8123
www.sppsfoundation.org

Jewish Community Action Call for NCRC Foreclosure Freeze Volunteers

From: David Snyder <david@jewishcommunityaction.org>
Date: Tue, Nov 25, 2008 at 4:01 PM

Northside Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) presents:

HOME FOR THE WINTER INITIATIVE

FREEZING FORECLOSURES BEFORE THEY FREEZE US!

NCRC volunteers have identified over 500 North Minneapolis residents who received adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) in 2007 or are currently delinquent on their mortgage payments. On Monday December 1^st- Thursday December 4^th from 5pm-7pm we will be going out in groups of 2 to visit these residents to make sure they know they may be able to get a loan modification by working with a foreclosure prevention counselor at one of several local agencies. The counseling is free of charge.

We need volunteers to visit these neighbors and protect our community's wealth from predatory lenders and foreclosure! There will be a brief training, as well as t-shirts and free food afterwards for all volunteers. Simply RSVP to Lance Knuckles at 612-239-2960 or morphcommunity@yahoo.com and then show up at 5pm at the Minneapolis Urban League on any of the four nights: Monday December 1^st- Thursday December 4^th.

NCRC Members:

ACORN

Hawthorne Neighborhood Council

Harrison Neighborhood Association

Jordan Area Community Council

Lao Assistance Center of Minnesota

Minneapolis Urban League

Minnesota State Baptist Convention

Northside Residents Redevelopment Council

NCRC Allies & Partners:

Jewish Community Action

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

Community Action Partnership of Suburban Hennepin county

ACORN Housing

Hennepin County

Legal Aid

Project NEON

NorthWay Community Trust

David Snyder

Jewish Community Action

2375 University Avenue West, Suite 150

St. Paul, MN 55114

651-632-2184 (phone) 651-632-2188 (fax)

david@jewishcommunityaction.org

3rd Annual Candidate Karaoke Party

Host:	Urban Embassy
Location:	Arnellia's 1183 University Ave W, Saint Paul, MN 55104 US
When:	Thursday, October 30, 6:00PM
Phone:	651-379-0758
Meet & mingle with political candidates and officials who want to represent you. Hear them sing; hear their stance on issues that impact our community! We invite elected officials who represent us - and candidates who'd like to - but there's a catch: if they want to speak, they have to sing first! PAST PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE: US Rep. Betty McCollum, Senate Candidate Al Franken, State Auditor Rebecca Otto, State Senators Ellen Anderson, Linda Higgins, Mee Moua and Sandy Pappas; State Rep. Willie Dominguez; Police Chief William Finney (fmr); School Board Member John Broderick; County Commissioner Toni Carter! ***Urban Embassy is an emerging non-profit, non-partisan organization committed to maximizing civic engagement and empowerment of the African American community.

Event: “ We Are Victims NO MORE” - Domestic Violence Awareness Month

" We Are Victims NO MORE"

OASIS of Love features the dramatic stories of healing and restoration of former victims and abusers of

domestic violence.

National Domestic Violence Awareness Event:

DATE: Saturday, October 25, 2008

11:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m.

PLACE: 2323 North 26th Avenue

(Community Room)

Brunch Sponsor tickets and reservations

Available:

$10 (individual)

$100-$500 (Table Sponsors)

GUEST PRESENTERS—

Dr. Ruby L. Johnson

Nancy D. Sorrell

Warren Edwards

(other invited guests)

Moderator: Dr. Diane Thibodeaux

Author of the book, "ABUSE: The Hidden Cry"

Hear about the transforming power of God's grace in the lives those among us who have

survived domestic violence. Learn more about supporting the work of OASIS

in ending relationship violence.

For more information, contact OASIS of Love, Inc.

612/529-6055

EMAIL: oasisofloveinc@comcast.net

Informational on Mpls November Ballot Referendums

Host:	State Rep Jim Davnie and Cara Letofsky
Location:	Brackett Park Building 2728 39th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406 US
When:	Monday, October 27, 7:00PM
Phone:	612-724-5163

This November, Minneapolis voters have the opportunity to support two referenda that will strengthen the Minneapolis Public Schools.

First is the ABC School Board Districting referendum. "ABC" Stands for Accountable, geographically Balanced, and Connected to the community. It calls for a change the Minneapolis School Board from seven members, all elected at-large, to nine members three elected at-large and six representing separate geographic areas. This change allows for fairer representation by giving you the chance to elect leaders who know the unique needs of your local schools and community.

Second is the Strong Schools Strong City referendum. Also known as the Vote Yes For Kids referendum, it will provide $60 million a year to the Minneapolis Public Schools for eight years. The referendum will fund essential education basics: early age reading, math and science, and up-to-date textbooks and technology. Half of the referendum dollars will go to continue the district's commitment to managing class size.

Please join us on Monday, October 27th to learn more about these two issues that will be on the ballot on November 4th. Whether you have kids in the Minneapolis Public Schools or not, the future of our kids and our city depend on every child getting the education they need. The strength of our community depends on the strength of our schools; the strength of our schools depends on the strength of our community.

Hope you can make it!

Jim and Cara

Rally/networking event for the Young (and young at heart) Professionals on 10/24

SUMTHIN-SPECIAL PRESENTS

"Fired Up! Ready to Go!"

A Young Professionals Happy Hour and Rally

With The Honorable Keith Ellison of Minnesota

and

The Honorable John Conyers of Michigan

plus music, spoken word artists, giveaways and a cash bar!

Date: Friday, October 24th, 6:00 — 9:00pm

Place: Epic Event Center 110 North 5th Street, Minneapolis

RSVP with Brett Buckner at 612.229.1508 or brettdbuckner@yahoo.com

The 1969 Morrill Hall U of MN Takeover: Reflections on Black Bodies in Resistance

Event: The 1969 Morrill Hall Takeover": Reflections on Black Bodies in Resistance- Roundtable Discussion

Date: November 12th, 2008

Time: 4:00 pm

Place: 125 Nolte Library, 315 Pillsbury Drive SE, U of MN East Bank Campus

Map: http://onestop.umn.edu/Maps/NCCE/NCCE-map.html

In January 1969 a group of students, members of the African American Action Committee
(now known as the BSU), actively took a stand against racism and stood up for equal
education and the celebration of African American history, philosophy, sociology, et. al.
What these students demanded from the University of Minnesota administration was
simple; more scholarships for blacks to open up opportunities to higher education, a call
for more black faculty, and a black studies department. By December of 1969 a African
and African-American studies department was born at the Univeristy.

For the whole of 2009 the Afro-Studies department will be presenting a variety of round
table discussions, conferences and events centered around the necessity and longevity of
the department. Attached is a flyer for an up coming round table discussion on the topic
of 'The 1969 Morrill Hall Takeover'. Hopefully this will prove to be an exciting discussion
with Afro-Studies professors Rose Brewer, Keith Mayes, Yuichiro Onishi, and John Wright
(a participant in the event), as well as myself- we hope to reveal some of the silences
concerning black bodies in resistance and bring to light some of the nuances of the
takeover itself.

Please join us as we begin our celebration of 40 years of African and African American
Studies at the University of Minnesota.

Cuba's Contribution to Africa's Liberation: A film and lecture 10/25

Date: Saturday, October 25

Place: University of Minnesota, West Bank, Blegen Hall 10

Film Time: 1:30

Prof. Gleijeses's presentation Time: 7pm.

From 1961 until 1989 Cuba was directly involved in Africa's liberation struggles by providing military and humanitarian assistance. The story of Cuba's role is the focus of a day long public forum that features Professor Piero Gleijeses of the School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University and author of the award-winning, Conflicting Missions: Havana, Washington and Africa, 1959-1976. He will present his most recent research on Cuba's role in the defeat of South African troops in Angola, the critical event that paved the way for the freeing of political prisoners like Nelson Mandela and the transition to the new South Africa. Prior to the lecture, Jihan El Tahri's 2007 prize-winning three hour documentary, Cuba: An African Odyssey, will be shown, it's Upper-Midwest premier.

The program takes place on Saturday, October 25, at the University of Minnesota, West Bank, Blegen Hall 10. The film will be shown at 1:30 and Prof. Gleijeses's presentation will begin at 7pm.

In between the film and lecture Cuban foods/snacks will be provided by Victor Valens.

The program is sponsored by the Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Global Change, the Institute of Global Studies, the Departments of Political Science and History, the Black Student Union, the African Student Association and the Minnesota Cuba Committee.

For more information, contact animtz@umn.edu or 612-624-1512.

--
Alisha J. Volante
BGAPSA Secretary 2008/09

University Women of Color Fall Welcome

Embracing the full spectrum of the University community

November 5, 2008

9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

Mississippi Room, 321 Coffman Memorial Union

Please join us at our annual welcome for Staff, Faculty and Student women of color. It is a great way to meet and greet other members of our community, to find out what we have planned for this year, and to get involved with UWOC.

This year's theme is "Taking Back Our Health: Issues Which Affect Communities of Color" The panelists are:

Alta Bruce, Community Program Specialist, Native Nurses Career Opportunities Program

Neisha Reynolds, M.P.A. Sr. Health Promotion Specialist, Hennepin County Human Service and Public Health Department (HSPHD).

Liliana M. Tobon Gomez, M.D. M.P.H. Sr. Health Promotion Specialist, Hennepin County

–

The Program

9:00 - 9:30 A.M. Breakfast & Reception

9:30 - 11:00 A.M. Panel Discussion

Presentation of the UWOC Tapestry Award

The UWOC Tapestry Award is awarded to those that help create a thriving campus community where diversity in the widest sense is welcomed and supported. This year's UWOC Tapestry recipient will be presented with the award at the Fall Welcome!

–

Registration is required. To RSVP and/or request disability accommodations, register online at: http://www.umn.edu/uwoc, register via email at: uwoc@umn.edu

by October 30, 2008.

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

This program is funded by the Office of the Vice President & Vice Provost for Equity and Diversity.

Applications for 7 new members for the Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission

The City of Minneapolis is now accepting applications from residents for seven positions on the newly created Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission.

The role of the commission will be to shape how the City engages its residents and works with neighborhood and community organizations, as well as oversee programming details and funding for neighborhood revitalization work.

The application deadline for these seven positions is Nov. 19, 2008.

Applicants are required to be Minneapolis residents who do not hold a current election certificate. Current City employees are not eligible. For more information and to apply, visit www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/communications/communityengagement.asp to download an application form.

Applications are also available at the Minneapolis City Clerk’s Office, room 304 of City Hall at 350 S. Fifth St. T

he seven committee members that will be appointed by the Mayor and City Council will be part of the 16-member committee. Of the remaining members, eight residents will be selected by neighborhood organizations and one will be appointed by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

Please note this application process only applies to the seven residents who will be appointed by the Mayor and City Council.

The Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission was created by the Mayor and City Council in late September. It is designed as one measure to strengthen the relationship between the City and its neighborhoods and carry on the work of the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) beyond 2009. Because the state legislation that funded NRP sunsets in 2009, City leaders have been working since 2006 to improve the City’s community engagement system and to find ways to make sure neighborhoods remain a valued part of the City’s culture, serving as a link between City government, residents and businesses. That work has centered around creating a community engagement system that allows City government and neighborhoods to work more closely together, while being more accountable and transparent to taxpayers.

Candidate Forum - US Rep, MN Rep and Mpls School Board

MN 2008 Candidate Forums: U.S. Senate

Scheduled Forums

Al Franken, Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Candidate, U.S. Senate Wednesday, October 22 1:00 - 2:15pm
Humphrey Forum
Hubert H. Humphrey Center
301 19th Ave S., Minneapolis

Senator Norm Coleman, Republican Party Candidate, U.S. Senate
Thursday, October 23 Noon - 1:15pm
Cowles Auditorium
Hubert H. Humphrey Center
301 19th Ave S., Minneapolis

The Center for the Study of Politics and Governance and the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly are cosponsoring a series of public forums with the major party candidates for Minnesota’s U.S. Senate seat to foster informed and substantive discussion of important matters of public policy. The forums create an opportunity for the candidates to rise above the talking points and fractious back-and-forth of the campaign to address the important policy challenges facing Minnesota and the country. It also creates a forum for students and citizens to listen and raise questions with the candidates. U.S. Senate candidate Dean Barkley spoke at the Humphrey Institute on Oct. 8. The events are free and open to the public.

Refreshments will be served after the forums.

The Center for the Study of Politics and Governance develops practical, independent, and non-partisan solutions to pressing political and policy challenges. Founded in 2005, CSPG fosters effective and efficient governance, increases the transparency of government processes, and rebuilds the public trust in order to counteract negative influences that threaten our democracy.

To request disability accommodations, please call 612-625-2530 or email cspg@umn.edu The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

An evening with Paul Rusesabagina who inspired the movie Hotel Rwanda

An evening with Paul Rusesabagina

When: November 3, 20087:30 p.m.
Where: Northrop Auditorium
Admission: Free and open to the public

A reception will follow the event.For more information, contact Serena Wright, wrigh103@umn.edu, 612-624-0430Directions and parking information


Join College of Education and Human Development students, parents, faculty, and fellow alumni for a rare evening with author Paul Rusesabagina.

Can one person make a difference?
Paul Rusesabagina's inspiring transformation from hotelier to protector of neighbors and strangers caught in the middle of the Rwandan conflict provides a powerful answer. That question also forms the basis of the college's new First Year Inquiry course, in which all CEHD first-year students will read his autobiography, An Ordinary Man. As part of the curriculum, developed by faculty in the Department of Postsecondary Teaching and Learning, the students will also have the rare opportunity to bring their inquiries to Rusesabagina, in person on Nov. 3.

He will present a public event at Northrop Auditorium later that day.Book gathering and online discussion for An Ordinary Man.

As a prelude to Paul Rusesabagina's visit to the University of Minnesota, the College of Education and Human Development and the Department of Postsecondary Teaching and Learning are hosting two opportunities for friends of the University to discuss his book, An Ordinary Man. Both are free and open to the public.

Book gathering:
When: Tuesday, October 28
Light refreshments, 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Book-club style discussion, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Walter Library Conference Center, room 101[map and directions]

Join readers from the community and the University to discuss the themes and issues presented in the book An Ordinary Man.

Online book blog
Join an online discussion http://blog.lib.umn.edu/pstlitf/pstlbook/about the An Ordinary Man during the month of October. You are invited to participate in conversations on topics connected to the book and to the question: Can one person make a difference? Also available is a storehouse of links and resources related to genocide in Rwanda.http://cehd.umn.edu/PSTL/Anordinaryman/resources.asp

New NAACP Leader Kicks-Off Tenure Registering Every Last Voter

September 16,2008

BALTIMORE, MD ––While most kids were home playing Nintendo, 14-year old Benjamin Todd Jealous and his friends were out commanding card tables and conducting voter registration drives. After registering thousands of new voters, Jealous realized the power of community organizing. Now, twenty–one years later, he is combining his organizing skills -- honed as a youth by the NAACP -- with emerging technologies to transform the organization that he now leads. As the youngest President in the NAACP’s nearly 100-year history, and a fifth-generation NAACP member, Jealous starts his tenure doing what he does best. Getting people involved. “As an organization, our goal is to make the promise of this country real for all families,” said Jealous, “and this starts with making all Americans regular voters.

While unprecedented numbers of African Americans and young people are expected to register in this year’s election, Jealous’ aspirations are higher. “The NAACP has had a history of transforming this country and in that tradition, we will transform the electoral process. We can do it by registering every last voter, verifying every last voter, mobilizing every last voter, protecting every last voter and ensuring that every last vote is counted,” said Jealous.

This week, Jealous started his first day on the job rolling out a new online voter registration initiative, Upload to Uplift. This initiative uses Web 2.0 technology to encourage visitors to register and upload the email addresses of family and friends that are not registered. Upload to Uplift also uses a text message feature to remind registered voters to go to the polls on Election Day. “Online voter registration is a natural extension of the NAACP voter empowerment programs,” said Jealous. “While we will continue to do employ successful strategies, like door-to-door canvassing and phone banking, however, this tool adds the power of viral voter registration to our mix.” he added.

Many of the 1200 active NAACP units have tested the site anticipating its ability to expand their existing voter registration efforts. “Our branches and our Youth and College units, are excited about using this emerging technology to reach a new and very active core of activists – both online and offline, said Nelson B. Rivers III, Chief of NAACP Field Operations.

The NAACP is calling on all corporate, community partners, bloggers and individuals with web sites to download the widget onto their Web sites. “By making the tool available to partners to place on their sites, the NAACP aims to reach the millions of remaining unregistered African Americans and youth voters and to encourage greater turnout at the polls,” said Kirk Clay, Sr., NAACP Director of Civic Engagement.

According to the United States Census Bureau, only sixty-nine percent of African Americans are registered compared to seventy-five percent of non-Hispanic whites. In 2004, four-fifths of all registration happened in the last three months of registration and two-thirds of people who downloaded the online registration forms actually mail them in. “We’re encouraging all our community partners and anyone interested in uplifting the voices of the underrepresented to utilize these resources,” said Clay.

Individuals interested in registering can visit http://www.naacp.org/ to complete, print and mail the registration form before the October 4th deadline. Corporate and community partners interested in offering the online registration widget to their site can download it from http://www.naacp.org/.

For more information, contact Carla Sims, carlasims@verizon.net, ph: (202) 547-8313.

Upload to Uplift

Upload to Uplift is the NAACP Online Registration Initiative that uses Web 2.0 technology to encourage visitors to register themselves and upload the email addresses of family and friends that have not registered. Individuals can visit http://www.naacp.org/ to complete, print and mail the registration form before the October 4th deadline. Corporate, community partners and bloggers are encouraged to download the widget and place it on their site.

NAACP
The NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Founded in 1909, its mission is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.

Don't forget to vote for judges on 9/9 if you live in Hennepin or Ramsey County

Voters in Hennepin and Ramsey counties will see district court judges on their primary ballots on Tuesday.

Each county has one open judicial seat without an incumbent. These seats usually draw many contenders and this year is no exception. Six attorneys have filed for the open seat in Hennepin county and eight for the open Ramsey county seat.

Two Supreme Court seats are also on the primary ballot statewide.
To see the primary election voter guide from Minnesota Lawyer newspaper, click below.

And click on the links to the left to see other voter guides dealing with the judicial seats.

For Minnesota Lawyer's voter guide: www.minnlawyer.com/elections/2008/index.cfm

Bush Foundation suspends grantmaking; announces transition grants for some past grantees

July 22, 2008

Today the Bush Foundation posted at their Web site a letter from President Peter Hutchinson and FAQ's about the Foundation's new direction. This direction includes:

1) Bush will be making transition grants to selected organizations that will receive a phone call on July 23 informing them of their status -- described as organizations:

* Organizations that have received a substantial number of Foundation grants in the past 10 years (excluding those participating in defined multi-year programs with a specified beginning and end date).

* Organizations that have become highly reliant on the Bush Foundation for their initiatives or annual operating budget.

* If you have not been contacted, but believe you may be eligible for a transition grant based on our criteria, please contact the foundation at newdirection@bushfoundation.org. (Response to emails within 24 hours.)

2) Past program guidelines (education, human services and health, environment, public broadcasting and community foundations) are no longer in effect. Future grantmaking will be announced later, likely in 2009, based on making larger commitments to fewer organizations through foundation-initiated partnerships and RFP's.

3) Multi-year grants previously awarded will be continued as scheduled.

4) Organizations receiving arts funding through Bush's Regional Arts Development Program II (RADP II) and Large Cultural Organizations Development Fund II (LCODF II) will continue with some adjustments in the future.

5) The Bush Foundation Web site will be the primary venue for communication. A public Webcast is scheduled for Tuesday, July 29 at 2:00 p.m. CDT.

Sign-up for the Webcast: http://shows.implex.tv/Qwikcast/Root/HoffmanCommunications/1360/register.htm