Dear Affiliate Leaders: The Habitat for Humanity of Michigan “Learning Communities” for Fund Development were launched at the end of June to prepare us for our September 2015 Readiness Files submission. These affiliate led workshops, as facilitated by the SSO, were (and still are) available as four separate meeting dates held in downstate locations.
The U.S. Senate has proposed a whopping 93% cut to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. Such a severe cut in funding would mean the end of a program that is helping Habitat affiliates across the country reach partner families most in need of support. I need your help to mobilize around this important program. Below you’ll find HOME information, advocacy tips and resources that will help you do just that.
In 2013, Online giving grew by 13.5%, while overall charitable giving grew by 4.9%.
33.6% of all charitable giving occurs in Q4. 35% of online giving occurs during the same timeframe.
STAY IN TOUCH
If a person gets to your online donation form, pulls out their credit card and decides to give you money, it’s likely they’d be open to hearing from you again. It might also be the last real opportunity you have in which the person is this eager to interact with your nonprofit.
The Readiness File for 2015 has been released, and you will notice a change in the process. In an effort to take Habitat for Humanity to the next level in Michigan, HFHM has established an assessment process to promote goals around strategic planning, fund development, and fiscal responsibility. This new uniform review system is based on evaluating an affiliate’s health, risk, performance and capacity.
Habitat for Humanity of Michigan is dedicated to providing opportunities for affiliates to cultivate your current donors and corporate partners. It is our goal to provide a platform for you to express your sincere gratitude to the donors, corporate partners, and future supporters. The Summer Party is an extension of these efforts.
Upon review of the applications, many of the application sets that the State Tax Commission received were found to be incomplete and did not include the requirements listed on the application form, such as; the additional required documentation and/or the proper number of copies.
The following information is listed on the application form and is required to be submitted in order for an application to be officially received and processed:
1. The application form must be fully completed and include an original signature from the company officer.
The Habitat for Humanity of Michigan “Learning Communities” will launch at the end of this month. This is in preparation of the Readiness Files submission. These will be affiliate led workshops facilitated by the SSO. Affiliates will be in groups and work together, brainstorm, and create strategies to help them succeed in each individual subject area. At the conclusion of each workshop, affiliates will leave with an outline and better understanding of how each other are approaching fund development.
Many of you have inquired about how to apply for exemption from taxes after the passing of HB5182 last year.
The form is now available for your download here.
The SpartanNash Foundation will kick off a program through SpartanNash’s corporate owned D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare, VG’s and ValuLand stores throughout Michigan on March 1, 2015. The program will run through March 14, 2015. Store guests will have the opportunity to donate $1, $5 or $10 at checkout to support home building in the communities where the dollars are raised.
HFHI is inviting comments on three proposed policy revisions to the U.S. Affiliated Organization Policy Handbook.
Proposed policy revisions include:
Policy 22 – Sale of the Housing Unit. If approved, this proposed policy will replace the existing Policy 22: Closing and Servicing and the substance of existing Policy 23: House Pricing Policy.
Policy 23 – Mortgage Origination. If approved, this proposed policy will replace the existing Policy 23: House Pricing and the substance of existing Policy 24: Mortgage.
The State Farm® Youth Advisory Board (YAB) has made its 2015 service-learning grant application available. Four million dollars will be granted to quality, youth-led service-learning initiatives throughout the United States.
Grants range from $25,000 to $100,000, and Request for Proposals (RFP) must be submitted online by Friday, May 1 at 11:59 p.m. CST. Complete details and contact information are available at www.sfyab.com
The Prison Build program, a partnership between Habitat for Humanity of Michigan and the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), provides Habitat partner families with affordable products built with high quality craftsmanship while also supporting the education of prisoners for their reentry into society. This program is generously subsidized through a grant provided by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).
The Home Depot Foundation (THDF) is seeking opportunities to support veteran housing projects around the country to further its mission to ensure every veteran has a safe place to call home. The Veteran Housing Grants Program provides grants to nonprofits to fund the development and repair of housing for veterans. Projects may be new construction or rehab and must be either in progress or about to commence within the next 12 months. Awards typically range from $100,000 to $500,000. The deadline for proposal is February 24.
Habitat for Humanity of Michigan provides all Michigan affiliates with a membership to Michigan Nonprofit Association at no cost to the affiliate. This partnership provides all Habitat affiliates with full membership access to MNA resources, including: publications, grant research, convening, negotiated discounts on services and trainings, as well as live and recorded webinars.
The 2014-2015 year for the AmeriCorps program is well underway! The program currently has 17 members currently serving in 8 affiliates and 2 partner agencies across Michigan. In the spring, 8 more members will start in their positions with 4 additional affiliates. Since September, AmeriCorps members have assisted in the completion of 4 new homes, 7 home rehabilitations, and 8 critical home repairs. They have also recruited or trained over 450 new volunteers and trained 40 families in valuable homeownership skills.
The next NeighborWorks Training Institute (NTI) will occur May 4-8, 2015 in Kansas City, MO. Are you (or someone else at your affiliate) interested in attending? Please email Nicole Schafer at nschafer@habitatmichigan.org for more information and to be added to our waiting list. This opportunity extends to staff, board members and volunteers.
