New Projects - New Year

This year has been a real blessing for myself and for Bravery Project. We have over 30 art pieces with several more in the works, 18 art exhibits, our first out of state show, 2 fundraisers, 2 speaking engagements, raised 2 scholarships, and a growing group of wonderful volunteers on our board and office. In just a little over 2 years this organization that began as just an idea at a dinner conversation has become much more than I had imagined. The results thus far have been from me working 7 days a week with the help of dedicated volunteers. This new year, I want to bring the growth from our team to yours.

We are launching three new programs:

1. Bravery Project Scholars: Our program, currently with 2 $1,000 scholarships, is modeled after other successful programs, which means that we have done our homework. We have two separate committee teams for the unique application and selection process. Our funds will be offered to survivors and at-risk youth who are in transitional housing programs. The application will be available in January and funds dispersed for Fall 2010 and Spring 2011.

2. The Community Connection Newsletter: Over the past two years, I have found significant resources available for survivors to rebuild their lives, yet the information is fragmented and hidden among the millions of websites. Our newsletter will pull the resources together in one place as well as provide interviews with companies involved in the cause, nonprofits who are effective, an answer database and so much more. This is a free newsletter that will go directly to your mailbox every quarter. Preview the newsletter and subscribe.

3. The Bravery Project online community: We were donated an entire membership program that will enable us to build our own exclusive community of followers who want to stay in touch with us, network together, and have a SAFE and moderated place to communicate. There will be many great features offered in the future for our members. There is a FREE version and a paid version. To become a paid member is simply a $25 tax exempt donation to Bravery Project via Paypal or check to receive special benefits. Join here.

Funding has been a challenge, but we are looking for sustainable ways to support our programs. One such way is through our yearly membership. We hope that you will enjoy what we have to offer, help us mold the information for your needs, spread the word, and enjoy the benefits of our programs into 2010 and beyond!

Free Stuff for NonProfits

The predictions for 2009 are not looking too good for anyone, especially nonprofits. Funding will continue to decline this year and people will tighten their wallets as unemployment continues to rise. In Phoenix, city funded programs deemed uncritical are the first to go like the Shemer Art Gallery I was hoping to exhibit my artwork in this year. However, that doesn't bother me nearly as much as the five senior centers being eliminated. Where are all these people supposed to go? What could be more important than taking care of elderly human beings who can't help themselves and have no one to take care of them? However, the economy isn't bleak for everyone.

Not surprisingly, during a national economic downturn and amidst the Great American Bailout, Congress voted to give themselves raises and now the Federal Judges want one. It's a good time to be on the political welfare system. No one can really blame Congress because the public keeps voting the same folks back into office to do the same things they have for decades (insert your own list here). The bipartisan team of elected public servants come together on at least one item of business: Giving themselves raises. Sheesh wouldn't you do the same?

I am not here to depress everyone, but to shed a ray of light in the gray skies of greed and selfishness. Fortunately for the human race, there are smart and compassionate people out there with programs available to nonprofits. To help you find them, I will provide you with a couple of great resources to start. Over this next year (in the membership to come) I will hunt and root out as many great finds I can and share them with you to help your organization and you as the individual on your journey to save money and continue your services to others.

Grassroots.org (Excellent resource for 501c3 non profits to have FREE website hosting among access to volunteer professional services. I can even help you build and maintain your website.)

Techsoup.org (A resource for professional software programs for nonprofits. Some are free and some are deeply discounted. Lots of free advice available.)

Microsoft.com (Lots of great free document templates for your personal and business life to help you organize.)

Phoenix Unveils $270 million dollars in cuts