Transportation for Elderly and Disabled Individuals

Department of Transportation

The New York State Department of Transportation has recently released a grant program intended to provide assistance to organizations which meet the transportation needs of elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities. This grant is funded from the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Section 5310 Grant Program, but is administered by the NYS Department of Transportation. Program grants will be awarded based on several factors including, the ability of the applicant to operate, maintain and finance a transportation service; the general mobility limitations and the level of need for a transportation service in the area; and the actual usage for transporting elderly and/or disabled individuals.

ELIGIBILITY:  Eligible applicants are not-for-profit organizations which serve elderly individuals and/or individuals with disabilities. Public bodies, such as municipalities and county level governments, in rural counties that are approved by New York State to coordinate services for the elderly and/or disabled. Additionally, public bodies in rural counties which can certify that no not-for-profit organizations are available in their areas to provide these services.

FUNDING:  This program will provide 80 percent of vehicle purchase costs for the accepted applicants.

DEADLINE:  June 1, 2008.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Contact the New York State Department of Transportation, Public Transportation Bureau, Section 5310 Grant Program, 50 Wolf Road, POD 54, Albany, NY 12232, or call (518) 457-8335.

Supported Housing for NYC Adults with Mental Illness

Office of Mental Health

This grant is intended to provide access to affordable, independent housing and support services based on the needs of adults with severe and persistent mental illness and who reside in New York City. Supported housing is long-term/permanent housing. Recipients are not required to move from housing as their need for services change and housing is not lost during hospitalization. There are no program requirements and no length of stay restrictions. These supporting housing units and services will be made available to individuals who are currently residents of either Office of Mental Health (OMH) Psychiatric Centers or OMH-operated residential programs and have resided there for a period of one year or longer. Individuals with Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) status and homeless persons residing in municipal shelters or on the streets are also eligible for priority access. Contracts will be awarded for a one-year period with four additional one-year renewals for a maximum of five years.

ELIGIBILITY:  Not-for-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) incorporation which operate in New York City and have experience providing housing and/or mental health services to seriously and persistently mentally ill individuals. Though there are no Office of Mental Health (OMH) licensing requirements, current licensed providers who apply must have operating certificates in good standing with OMH.

FUNDING:  Contact the Office of Mental Health for funding information.

DEADLINE:  April 1, 2008.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Contact Christine Madan, Office of Mental Health, New York City Field Office, 330 Fifth Ave, 9th Fl, New York, NY 10001-3101; or by e-mail at COCBCSM@omh.state.ny.us.

Emergency Shelter Grants Program

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) has been given federal funds through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These funds will be dedicated for the rehabilitation, renovation or conversion of buildings for use as shelters for the homeless, for payment of certain operation costs and social services expenses relating to homeless shelters, and homeless prevention activities. A social service district applying for Emergency Shelter Grants Program (ESGP) funds may either manage the grant itself or distribute the grant, or a portion of it, through sub-contracts with not-for-profit or charitable service providers. Not-for-profit and charitable organizations applying directly to OTDA for funding under this program must provide certification that the social service district in which the project is located approves of the project.

ELIGIBILITY:  Local social services districts, not-for-profit corporations and charitable organizations, including faith-based organizations.

FUNDING:  A total of $3 million.

DEADLINE:  March 31, 2008.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Contact Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Bureau of Housing Services, 40 North Pearl Street 10-B, Albany, New York 12243, fax a request to (518) 486-7068 or e-mail a request to Richard.Umholtz@otda.state.ny.us.

AIDS Institute

Department of Health

The New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute Office of the Medical Director announces the availability of funds for HIV Primary Care Models for treatment Adherence to Combination Antiretroviral Therapy. Between 9 and 20 programs will be funded under this initiative. Through this grant, the AIDS Institute proposes to support the delivery of treatment adherence services for individuals on combination antiretroviral therapy through evidence-based, multi-faceted, comprehensive, client-centered models. These models will be expected to integrate adherence services into the routine provision of HIV care; provide a comprehensive approach to assessing and assisting patients at risk for non-adherence, including the assessment of treatment readiness; utilize a multidisciplinary team approach; and demonstrate links to case management services.

ELIGIBILITY:  Not-for-profit or publicly operated facilities licensed under Article 28 of the Public Health Law.

FUNDING:  Contact the NYS Department of Health AIDS Institute for more information.

DEADLINE:  Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of interest by March 12, 2008, though the actual application deadline is April 2, 2008.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Beth Woolston, Treatment Adherence, Department of Health/AIDS Institute, Corning Tower, Room 259, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237, or by e-mail at: txadh@health.state.ny.us.

Affordable Home Ownership Development Program

New York State Affordable Housing Corporation

This private organization has two primary goals: to promote home ownership among families of low- and moderate-income and to stimulate the development, stabilization and preservation of New York communities. Grants are made available to government and non-government sponsors which develop affordable housing or assist homeowners in funding such endeavors. These agencies or organizations are then responsible for ensuring that the homebuyers or homeowners are income qualified and otherwise eligible recipients. The Affordable Housing Corporation (AHC) ensures that grant funds are equitably distributed throughout the state, and among urban, suburban and rural communities.

ELIGIBILITY:  Municipalities, including municipal housing authorities and housing development fund companies, and not-for-profit corporations and charitable organizations that have affordable housing or home improvement as one of their primary purposes.

FUNDING:  Grants are available for up to $35,000 or $40,000 per unit in designated high cost areas.

DEADLINE:  Contact the New York State Affordable Housing Corporation for more information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Contact the New York State Affordable Housing Corporation, 641 Lexington Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10022, or call (212) 688-4000.

. . . Grant Writing

Grantsmanship Center

The Grantsmanship Training Program is coming to New York: Newburgh, March 24-28, 2008, hosted by Orange County. Another Grantsmanship Training Program will be offered in: Buffalo, April 7-11, hosted by the Salvation Army.

The classes will be conducted by The Grantsmanship Center and are kept at a maximum of 30 participants. The cost is $875, which includes one-year enrollment in the TGCI Membership Program. A limited number of half-tuition scholarships are available to agencies with annual budgets of less than $300,000.

To register, or to apply for a scholarship, contact TGCI at (800) 421-9512 or visit www.tgci.com.

Foundation Center

The Foundation Center has scheduled the following free training opportunities during February 2008:

Grantseeking Basics:
March 6, 12, 21, and 26
Attendees will learn how the Center’s resources can help make them more effective grantseekers. For beginners, this introduction to the library provides instruction in foundation research and identification of potential funders. A tour of the library will follow.

Proposal Writing Basics:
March 13
Attendees will learn about the basics of writing a proposal for their non-profit organizations.

Introduction to the Foundation Directory Online:
March 6, 12 and 21
This session provides a hands-on introduction to the Center’s comprehensive Web subscription database.

How to Approach a Foundation:
March 27
Attendees will learn how to initiate contact with potential funders; plan calls and meetings; and build partnerships with donors. This class is intended for fundraisers with some experience, though not necessarily with foundations.

Classes are held at The Foundation Center, New York Library, 79 Fifth Avenue, 2nd Floor in New York City. Space is limited and you can register on-line at www.fdncenter.org, in person, or by calling (212) 620-4230. You may also visit the Web site for information on other training opportunities available through the Center.