We're constantly looking for ways to better serve our community. Our new Community Funding webpage lists funding sources for nonprofits, educators and libraries. These are often

smaller grants that serve important people in our lives, and we're pleased to help disseminate this information.

This issue's feature -- Preparing to Write Proposals -- is Part 1 of a three-part series; we hope it proves helpful to organizations and individuals new to grant writing. We also congratulate clients on funding wins (always a pleasure), and offer up two new Grant Alerts.

Craven County Schools Wins DOD Grant

The U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) has awarded $2.4M to Craven County Schools for its three-year project, STEM Learners Today, STEM Leaders Tomorrow. DoDEA grants support research-based programs aimed at increasing student achievement. View grant winners on DOD's Military K-12 Partners page.

Wake Tech Wins U.S. Dept. of Labor Grant

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a $2.95M grant to Wake Technical Community College as part of the TAACCCT (Trade Adjustment Assistance Community 

College and Career Training) grant program. Wake Tech will use its grant to increase capacity for serving displaced workers and others with training in business analytics, and to develop an associate degree program in business analytics. Wake Tech was one of 27 individual institutions to craft a winning proposal. Congrats, WTCC!

SBIR/STTR Phase 1 Proposal Training

The Small Business and Technology Development Center will host a training workshop on writing proposals for SBIR/STTR Phase 1 grants. Technology-based entrepreneurs and small companies seeking funding for research and development may benefit from the training, to be held November 5 at Embassy Suites in Cary. Visit SBTDC's website for registration information.

Grant Paves the Way for More Funding

Congratulations again to the City of Raleigh! A few months ago, the City received a $21M TIGER grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to help finance a new, multimodal transit center in downtown Raleigh. Mayor McFarlane recently announced that monies have now been committed toward the full $60M cost of Raleigh's Union Station. Construction will begin in January 2014, with a planned completion date of January 2017. Read the City's press release about Raleigh's vision of improved infrastructure for the 21st century.

The sooner you know about a new grant, the more time you have to craft a winning proposal. Visit our Grant Alerts webpage to view all the latest funding opportunities, including the two below. We post a PDF of current Grant Alerts twice a month, and new Alerts daily on Twitter. 

NEW

Deadline: 01/07/13

Program: Environmental Justice Small Grants Program
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency  

Description: Funding for projects that address local environmental and public health issues within an affected community.
Award Amount: $30,000 - $1.5M
Website: EPA
Eligibility: Nonprofits, tribal governments and organizations

NEW

Deadline: 01/15/13

Program: Museums for America
Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services 

Description: Support for activities that strengthen museums as active resources for lifelong learning, as important institutions in the establishment of livable communities, and as good stewards of the nation's collections.
Award Amount: $5,000 - $150,000
Website:  IMLS
Eligibility: Museums