Smencils 10-pk.

"Working too hard Trying to finish that pesky problem set Here to help is a set of 10 fabulous gourmet scented pencils, or Smencils for short. Made from recycled newspaper and scented to please any palette. Comes in a set of 10 pencils of the following flavors: Bubble Gum, Cherry, Pineapple, Grape, Rootbeer, Fruit Punch, Orange, Cinnamon, Watermelon, and Peppermint. Each pencil is individually wrapped in its own Freshness Tube. Now in a convenient pack of 10. Please note: does not come with bucket."

In today's tough economic climate, many people are becoming choosier about what they do with their money. Those that bestow their money upon grant-seekers are no different and have become more involved with what is being done with the money that is donated. Here are some tips on how to approach a charitable foundation in hopes of receiving a grant:

Do your research on the company before you approach them: It is important to have a clean understanding of the foundation you are approaching and what their goals are in terms of charitable donations. For example, if you are approaching a literacy foundation and you know they focus on adult literacy and you are approaching them from the K-12 perspective, you may not be in their target donation group and your proposal may not be accepted. Instead, look to prospective groups that have goals in line with whatever you are trying to do with whatever grant money you receive. In addition, if you approach a company and clearly do not have an understanding of what they do, they are less likely to be impressed with your proposal and more likely to deny funding as a result of your lack of preparation.

Have a clear plan of action to reach your goal: A well-researched, well-written grant request or proposal should be submitted any time you approach a foundation for funding. You cannot simply send an email or letter to someone asking for money without first detailing your cause and your plans on what you will do with the money. Before you draft such a request, you should have a clear vision your goals and a layout on what you need to do to achieve them. If you do not have a goal, a foundation is less likely to invest in what you are doing, because without a specific goal in mind, they have no concept of what you plan to do with the funding they bestow upon your organization.

Submit a written proposal: The written proposal is usually what makes or breaks a grant request. It should be a well-written request, full of as much detailed information as possible. You should outline your organization's goals, give information your programs, include statistics on your target population and offer solutions to whatever void your organization seeks to fill. Many people hire a professional grant writer because the process of submitting a request is so extensive and the actual proposal is usually what makes or breaks your request.

To find a foundation that interests you, go online to search for charitable donations. By gaining insight into their past contributions, you have an idea of where your proposal may stand.

You can get more information on Charitable Donations and Foundation Funding by visiting our website at Noza Search. This will gain you an access into a database of more than one million different foundations and gives a close look at their past history of gifts as well as tax information that can assist you in your decision on approaching the organization.

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If you work in a school that relies on significant financial contributions to meet your yearly budgetary goals, it is possible that at some point there will be or has been a breakdown in confidence within the organization. As a result, donations have dropped, enrollment has likely declined, and school spirit is in serious jeopardy.In essence, the overall health of the organization is very poor and the prognosis isn't very good.

At these times, if the board of directors wishes to save the school, drastic measures must be taken to both "stop the bleeding" and set a new course to the future.

Below, I have suggested ten ways for schools to regain the trust and confidence once shown to it by parents, alumni, and donors.

1. New Leadership

The quality of leadership is vital to the overall success of any organization, especially a school. If your school is in dire straits, I would look at the person in charge of the day to day operations, whether he or she is called the principal, administrator, or superintendent. What has this leader done to either help or harm the community? What has he or she done to foster alumni development and what is the current status of donor relations? Has enrollment increased or decreased? All these factors are important when judging the leader. These questions can be summed up, however, when gaging the predominant "mood" of the school. If the teachers and students aren't energized and happy to be in the school everyday, I would submit that the leader is not doing a good job.

If this is the case, either something has to be done for the leader to improve dramatically in short order or a change must be made. Without the absolute commitment of the administrator, the school will continue its downward decent.

2. Apologize Without Excuses

Once new leadership (or at least a new leadership attitude) is in place, the repair work must begin. The incoming leader must quickly acclimate him or herself and find out who has been or who feels wronged by the organization. Then, the leader must reach out and do whatever it takes to bring these people back into the fold.

The leader must make this apology, even though he or she had nothing to do with the perceived injustice. The best way to do this is with a sympathetic ear and understanding words. Phrases like, "I can totally understand that would make you feel hurt," or "It makes sense that you felt we weren't being good stewards of the money" are honest and sincere expressions that will resonate with the people, without damaging the personal standing of the new leader.

Make sure not to get bogged down in excuses or details from the past. Accept that the person feels wronged and your job is to make him feel better. That's it.

Once you've got a few people back on board, word will spread, and your job of mending fences will become a little easier with momentum.

3. Make Easy Physical Changes within the Organization

I feel that easy physical changes should always precede difficult policy shifts. If your school is going to go through serious transformations in staff, procedures, and expectations, that will be difficult for some people to accept.

I have always found that if I undertake some simple physical projects, like painting, landscaping, re-arranging furniture, changing the purpose of a supply closet or classroom, or anything else that does not affect people's sense of security, but actually improves the physical appearance of the school, you will start to win them over before the tough stuff comes.

4. Honor History in New Ways

If the leader is new to the school, he or she can earn much respect and loyalty by finding a way to honor the school's past, but doing it in a way that has never been done before. This way, the leader will be both showing a respect for what came before, but also demonstrating that he or she has an eye on the future.

One example might be to create an annual award based on service to the school. This award could be named after a school founder or an important donor. This covers the "past" part, while the actual honor of the award, along with a new plaque that hangs in a prominent location is the "new" part. I did something very similar to this in the school I worked at and got great results.

5. Listen to Alumni and Donors

Another important task for new leadership in the school is to listen to alumni and donors. The leader should seek these people out and ask them a lot of open-ended questions. Let the alumni and the donors give you their unedited opinions about the school at large. Listen to them as long as they want to speak. Pay close attention and take good notes. Let them know that while you may not be able to make all the changes at once, you really appreciate their insight and will do your best to enact sensible change. This act of just opening yourself up will go a long way toward building trust and loyalty.

6. Study Successful Programs and Emulate Them

While every school has its own special circumstances, there are plenty of commonalities between educational institutions where you can find a success story to model. Do some research and talk to other leaders of similar schools. Share your story with them and find out what they did to pull themselves out of the tailspin they were in. While you may not use every suggestion, I would wager you will still find many pieces of useful advice in their experience.

7. Set Realistic Short Term Goals

Donors want to see verifiable proof of success. This is another reason why making physical changes is beneficial. Even though painting a few walls or cleaning something up won't make long-lasting improvements in enrollment or fund raising, they will show donors that "stuff is getting done." And that is good.

The leader must find a handful of areas that he or she can point to for easy success. Perhaps one goal is to improve communications. A regular newsletter, frequent email blasts, an improved website, and frequently updated bulletin boards are all ways to show that the leader is making quality communications more of a priority than it was in the past. Donors like this.

If the leader chooses to set and focus only on more long-term goals, like raising enrollment 10% for example, he will miss all of the building blocs in front of him. After the slow decline into the depths, donors and alumni, as well as parents of currently enrolled students are going to want to see more immediate signs of life. It's the reverse of the clich, "Can't see the forest for the trees". Just remember that without individual trees, there is no forest.

8. Repair a Key Relationship(s) in the Community at Large

When I worked for the Christian school, I encountered a situation in which the relationship between the school and the local church community was dormant or in some cases, non-existent. I was shocked that there wasn't an active and dynamic support system between these seemingly cooperative groups.

One of the first things I did was to schedule private meetings with many of the key pastors involved to introduce myself and to invite them to become involved in our mission. Not everyone accepted my invitation, but some did, and we developed some very good friends from this effort.

I would guess that there are many rather obvious "missing links" in schools and non-profits out there. A new leader has the chance to, without any history, right some wrongs. If you find a person or a group that your school should be friendly with, but you aren't, I urge you to make this happen.

If you are successful in making this important connection, it will be another example to your board and donors that you are out there, changing the culture that existed before.

9. Be Appreciative

Sadly, one of the most common mistake non-profits in general and schools in particular, make is not to be appreciative of the gifts they receive. A gesture as simple as a thank you note is often forgotten.

This omission is often the reason why many donors break off their relationship with a school. I actually heard one donor once say he felt like a horse, ridden hard and then put away.

Even if a gift is many years old, if you are new to the school's leadership, you have the opportunity to say thank you again. With the "thank you" should also come the admission that you know this was (very) late in coming and you should give them your word that such omissions will not occur again. (And make sure they don't!)

Conclusion

Taking over a school in trouble is a very difficult task. The issues that put the school in jeopardy can be very serious and almost impossible to reverse. However, there are several ways that can help set your school back on a path to success.

About the Author: James Berigan is a former school principal who enjoys guiding schools with their fund raising efforts. He writes for the Top School Fund raisers blog at http://TopSchoolFundraisers.com/news which includes a variety of fund raising options like fundraising events and school carnivals

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The development plan is a report that both organizes and keeps on track the nonprofit organization's journey on a month to month basis.

The plan determines if we have funds for all projects and programs as well as general operating expenses. The grants are listed by priority and chronological need making it a schedule as well as a budget tool.

The parts of the development plan are listed:
Funding Source - Who we plan to request funds from monthly based on our research.
Project or program - Which area in the organization that the potential funding applies. This column usually ties the potential funding to the itemized budget.
Grant Dates - These are deadlines for submitting proposals.
Requested amount - Here is the amount and type of grant we are requesting.

The development plan also includes all fundraising efforts so that they are distributed according to the budget which is generally approved by the organizations Board of Directors. The plan is a full listing of all potential contributors, both individuals and grants. Also any fundraising events or sales of products or services would also be listed.

The development plan is usually not generated or given much merit by the accountants because it is projected and therefore not cast in stone but more like blue sky type information. Because development plans are not given much merit small nonprofits fail at their fundraising efforts due in part to no planning. Were there is no structure there is chaos!

The information is generally relied on by managers and staff of the organization to help with integration and planning based on the success of the funding efforts. By studying the plan we can determine if we forgot to fund certain areas in the budgeting process. We can therefore do more research to fill the gaps in our budget leading to a smooth operation throughout the year.

The development plan is a tool that generally is developed, adjusted and relied on to help guide the whole organization through the maze of nonprofit management. The plan helps to review the funding percentage and how we might improve it or at the least were we need improvement in our fundraising activities. Lots of fundraising programs are evaluated and dealt with efficiently throughout the year based in part on this plan.

Each month a developmental report is prepared which gives the actual list of all contributors and source of funds based on the development plan. This allows everyone from the board of directors down to the staff to assess their fundraising activities and gives everyone some always much needed enthusiasm.

All nonprofit organizations will benefit from a dynamic development plan that encourages, corrects and adds enthusiasm to their fundraising activities. The plan will in fact be a tool that allows funders, board members, staff and volunteers alike to see their fundraising effort is improving each year so they can make appropriate funding decisions.

If this tool is used appropriately the organization will be professional as well as successful in there fundraising efforts.

Kirby Rooks

For more information on grant writing, volunteering and nonprofit organizations visit Grant Funding Online Blog at http://www.grantfundingonline.com/blog

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So, do you?

Volunteering for non-profit events is one thing I really love to do. One reason is because I'm not yet in a position of extreme wealth in order to give a ton of cash donations which many organizations of course need. So, instead I volunteer my time because while that is still very precious to me, it's what I have to give and I fully believe in giving to others.

Because if you give - you will receive! So, I encourage my clients and friends to find places and organizations they can volunteer.

There are many reasons to volunteer:
- Just simply to serve and help others
- To get new business by volunteering in places where your target market will be
- To make a difference - In the name or memory of a loved one
- To raise money for the organization
- To be on a board of an organization - either to simply serve or to increase your credibility and expertise in the marketplace

Many of these reasons could actually help increase your business so if at the very least you volunteer because of that, then I say do it. I normally volunteer for local chambers of commerce events for this reason. Chambers help small businesses in their community get noticed, get help and be heard. I am a small business and I target small businesses for my clients so this is a WIN-WIN for me. Chambers do good things in the community for businesses and residents with the money they raise so I like to be a part of that. Plus I get a lot of perks from volunteering for the chambers - such as free tickets to events, exposure and recognition at events, opportunities to be in front of members and more. Over the years, I've truly made some really close friends from the chamber and some of my best clients are chamber members too.

In addition to volunteering for the chambers (3 right now), I also highly promote a local Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In 2005 I ran for Woman of the Year. I didn't win but I raised over $10,000!

When I ran, I collected prizes and donations totalling over $6,000 in value - spread amongst 6 large gift baskets for the silent and live auctions - I love doing this kind of stuff!

I got so much free publicity from this campaign it was amazing - ads in the paper, articles in many papers, ads in the local Biz Journal, a billboard with my photo on it, magazine ads....you can't buy that kind of exposure. All I did was spent some time raising money, holding fundraisers and sending out email blasts and mailings.

So, if you're not currently volunteering, I'd encourage you to do something.

1. First decide if you have time to volunteer just to give back or if you need to volunteer in places that might be good for your business too - there is no shame in that.

2. Then do an internet search or ask your friends (or chambers) if they know any organizations that fit the types of need, target market for members, cause that you want to align yourself with.

3. Visit the organization's meetings if you can to find out if it's a good fit for you and what they need or require in terms of volunteers.

4. Then decide if that need will fit the goals you made in order to contribute your time to volunteer.

5. Try not to say YES to any group or organization just because they ask, make sure they fit your volunteering goals for right now. I know it's hard to say NO but you need to in order to spend time doing what will fit for you.

(c) Copyright 2008 K.Sawa Marketing. Katrina Sawa is an Award-Winning Relationship Marketing Coach who's helped hundreds of small business owners take dramatic steps in their businesses to get them to the next level in business, revenues and life. She offers one-on-one coaching, group coaching and do-it-yourself marketing planning products. Go online now to get started with her Free Report and Free Audio at http://www.jumpstartyourmarketing.com.

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Many times nonprofit organizations such as churches and schools are housed in historic buildings that have slate roofs. While many slate roofs can last for over a hundred years, there will come a time when the roof shingles will need to be replaced or removed. Since slate is the most expensive roofing material, the cost for a new slate roof, depending on the size, can come to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Even if the replacement roof will not be made of slate the cost will still be substantial.

Of course, raising the money for a new roof can be a daunting task for a nonprofit organization. Frequently organizations need to fundraise for several years to raise enough money for a new roof or other construction project. The option of obtaining a grant from national, state, or local governments should be looked into. Sometimes one donor has the means to donate the entire amount or can set up a matching funds program.

Since slate roof shingles are so valuable they should never been hauled off to a landfill and thrown away. The old shingles can be recycled and used to help raise money for your organization.

Some of the ways to raise money with your old slate roof shingles are:

Ask the company that will be installing the new roof to buy the old slates. Often the company will do this and use the slates for another project.

Sell the used slates to slate roof recyclers or construction salvage businesses.

Sell the slates to other organizations or individuals who are in need of them for their roofing installations.

Keep some of the old slates to use in your fundraising activities.

Slate roof shingles usually have two holes drilled in them that make them great for turning into plaques. You simply attach a chain and you have a plaque or wall hanging. You can sell the slates blank, as is, or you can decorate them. If there are artistically talented people in your organization you can decorate the slate plaques in any number of ways. Or, you can have an artist in your community decorate them for you. Slates can be decorated as keepsakes for members of your organization, for example, by applying a picture of your building. Slate shingles can also be turned in clocks and other decorative items.

The pricing of your shingles will depend upon your fundraiser. If you are using them as a memento you could ask for a minimum donation in the amount of, for example, $50 or more, and give them as a gift in return for the donation.

Even if you are getting rid of your slate shingles you should try and keep some of them for fundraising. Your board of directors or fundraising team can probably do a bit of brainstorming and come up with some creative and lucrative ideas on how to use them.

Article by Amy Passmore for DIYFundraising.com Visit http://www.diyfundraising.com for do-it-yourself fundraising ideas for nonprofit organizations, clubs, schools and groups. Subscribe to our free RSS feeds from the DIY Fundraising Blog

The article may be reprinted only if the author, Amy Passmore, is credited and the links to DIYFundraising.com are live.

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One of the best ways to generate a lot of money for your upcoming fundraiser is to generate buzz and excitement - a great way to do that is with a competition. Get the members of your group, school, church, team and community involved by creating a competition they can sink their teeth into.

A chili cook-off or cake bake-off fundraiser is a fun way to get the competitive juices flowing. First, set a date and some guidelines for your chili cook-off or bake-off. You can set any rules you want and you want to give enough time for your group members to share the news of the cook-off or bake-off with as many people as possible. But you don't want to let people know too far in advance that they forget about it. About 2-4 weeks notice is a good amount of time to publicize your fundraiser.

Then, as a group, create posters, flyers, anything your members can think of to generate buzz and competitive spirit. It would be great to go to a local newspaper to do a story about the upcoming competition. You will want to sell tickets to the cook-off or bake-off at a minimal fee. You can also ask local businesses to sponsor different competitors of the competition - the businesses could pay an entrance fee for the cook-off or bake-off competitor to generate funds. Have each cook or bake-off contender make enough chili to feed 12-16 hungry people. Take the lead and get a few volunteers to be the first to sign up to compete.

Another option is to solicit local businesses for donations for a raffle or silent auction to be held at the cook-off or bake-off fundraising event. You can offer to place the business name or logo on your flyers and posters in exchange for their donation. Remind them that there will be well-fed and competitive excited people at your event so it's a great opportunity for the business to help you and get exposure.

It is important to have your event well organized. Have competitors signed up and signed in and direct them as to how things will work, who the judges will be and how many portions of food they will make. Also, make sure to organize the food service so that all in attendance are able to try the food and enjoy themselves.

Don't forget a prize! It's great to have a local business donate a prize for the winner of your chili cook-off or cake bake-off. The real winner can be your group who could make a lot of money doing this fun competition based fundraiser.

Jenny Ann is an expert fundraiser and writes exclusively for ABC Fundraising. For other great fundraising ideas and to receive a Free sample go to http://www.AbcFundraising.com - Don't forget to check out the World's first re-usable fundraiser "Spinners" at http://www.SpinnersFundraising.com

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My wife Gina served a 2-year sentence as President of our son's elementary school PTA (and some of you know exactly what I mean.)

During that time, I became aware of the "90/10 Rule," which states that - in any organization or committee - 10% of the people do 90% of all the work.

Event-planning committees almost always see a similar ratio of actual workers to members. And, over the years, I've also identified a few specific personality types you are likely to encounter.

First is Bertha Bulldozer. To Bertha, there are two kinds of ideas: her brilliant ones, and everyone else's stupid ones.

Marvin Motormouth has strong opinions on every subject - lots and lots of opinions.

Agreeable Agnes validates everything you say, as well as everything everyone else says.

Silent Sam adds nothing at all to the proceedings. He is so inconspicuous that you may forget he is even there (and he would be okay with that.)

Finally, Useless Sue is the committee member who promises the world, then delivers nothing (but always has really creative excuses why she failed to come through for you.) Complicating matters further, some of the personality types listed above combine into cliques - voting blocs that pursue a personal agenda, rather than what is simplest, least expensive, or best for the group.

When I recognize these personality types, how do I - as a committee member - deal with them? This way: as soon as a task that I'm personally qualified for is mentioned, I immediately volunteer to be in charge of it. By doing so, (1.) actual progress is being made toward our goal, and (2.) I can often avoid much of the time-wasting and pointless blather that follows. As soon as I complete Task 1, I then assist whoever is working on another facet of the event that is compatible with my skills. When Task 2 is done, I - and hopefully, we - move on to a third job.

The fact is - no matter how large the committee - all real work is done by the 10% (which will, no doubt, include you.) It may seem like a thankless job. At times, you'll want to quit. But I hope you will take heart in simply knowing that many of those who attend your event, and ALL of the professional vendors who work with you, will know who really made it come together.

And you can tell Bertha I said so.

For more information about this and other articles related to Corporate Events or Fundraising, visit http://www.davetannermusic.com

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