2011-07 IL Issue

Page 1

The FundBook IL State Edition

July 2011

Helping communities find the federal funding they need.


The View from Illinios State On again, off again, tourism funding

Summer has let the state thaw out by now, and the draws of Illinois are sure to start bringing the tourists in droves. With budget droughts that are all too familiar, tourism funding slowed in FY11, however, the state is re-opening its tourism information centers and promoting the state’s popular “Mile After Magnificent Mile” campaign, with recently released cash. Although the state’s investment in tourism totals approximately $50 million for the entire state, the return on investment is not something to balk at. The extra availability of funding is much needed for local governments who rely on tourism spending to drive local economies. Based on 2009 data, twenty of Illinois’ 102 counties saw visitor expenditures of over $100 million, and approximately 10 percent of Illinois jobs are directly or indirectly tourism-related. Timing could not be better as summer has started and the state can remain competitive against neighboring states that are ramping up their tourism campaigns, which have been strategically funded, and are now targeting the Chicago metro area. But, as the Illinois Legislature is now in the midst of FY12 budget discussions that could threaten some tourism funding. An amendment that has been added to S.B. 2413 could jeopardize funding for the Illinois Office of Tourism, Regional Tourism Development Offices, the state’s national and international advertising programs, and grants for regional tourism marketing; however, funding for local Convention and Visitors Bureaus is in place for 2012. Because travel and tourism is responsible for much of the true economic growth for Illinois, communities and local agencies may need p. ~ The Fundbook - IL | July 2011

July Tip Tac Toe: The power of the binder clip

Sounds silly that the binder clip could actually have power, right? But, it does! The binder clip and other packaging could make or break your grant proposal or application. Disregard preparation instructions and your proposal may find itself nuzzled in the recycle basket. Rule number one for grant writing is follow-directions and rule number two is to always follow rule number one. Most grant proposal RFPs will delineate how the proposal should be packaged; these are not suggestions, they are strict guidelines. Mail one original and three copies to…use blue ink only for signatures…staple in the middle of the left margin…do not use binder clips, rubber bands or binders…use only 12 point size Georgia font…etc. Although sometimes completely ridiculous, these strict guidelines are in place to eliminate applications that are not prepared as directed, which lightens the load for reviewers! §

to look to other avenues to intrigue visitors, including utilizing free social media and online forums, or exploring new trends in travel and tourism including agri-tourism, voluntourism, eco-friendly hotels and traveling, heritage and cultural touring, edutainment and small travel grants. §

Redistricting could mean lawsuit

Unless derailed by GOP members, big changes lay ahead for Illinois voting and subsequently lawmaking and leadership. Illinois’ congressional redistricting map was released Memorial Day weekend and nearly a month later has been signed into law by the Governor. The map of newly reapportioned congressional districts is controversial with Republicans criticizing not only the boundaries, but Governor Quinn, as well, for signing. Republicans who are announcing there will be a lawsuit feel the map is partisan which pos-

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July 2011 | The Fundbook - IL ~ p.


sibly enables Democrats, who presently control the redistricting process, to pick-up five or six seats. Ten out of eleven GOP members of the delegation signed the formal statement that litigation will ensue. Republican state party Chairman Pat Brady cites the maps are unfair to Illinoisians thus calling for the courts to overturn the maps. Yet, the Governor defends the process by proclaiming the people of Illinois provided input at public hearings for both the congressional and state legislative maps. The Supreme Court requires that political districts should be drawn to follow the constitutional mandate that provides equal weight to every person’s vote. With so much on the line, literally, it is easy to see why both parties will be putting up a fight for fair finalization of redistricting. Governor Quinn, in a signing statement, explains he carefully reviewed the congressional redistricting map, which is fair and maintains congressional districts and protects the voting rights of minority communities. If you are interested in viewing the new congressional districts or tracking this critical process, please visit http://www.ilhousedems.com/redistricting/ for more information. §

The snowball effect of cutting homeless prevention funding

As state revenue continues to be in short supply, there is a serious possibility the state will cut funding to the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP). The HPRP designates funding for communities to provide financial assistance and services to either prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless or help those who are experiencing homelessness to be quickly re-housed and stabilized. Currently, the state budget does not contain funding for the HPRP and the prospect of losing support for homelessness prevenp. ~ The Fundbook - IL | July 2011

tion has many community leaders on edge. A decrease in prevention services means more people will be at-risk for losing their housing and become more dependent on alreadystretched homeless shelters. Fewer jobs will be created and it will erase the work of several human services organizations across the state. The homeless will be more vulnerable and a record number of people will be placed on waiting lists for crucially-needed services. Clearly, the picture is not very promising at a time when we know the economy is not rapidly returning to what it once was. If cuts are imminent, hospitals, healthcare agencies and local human service agencies will be strained further. This seems hard to believe when the 2011 State of the Sector Survey found that 85% of the more than 1,900 nonprofit leaders surveyed expect demand for their organizations’ services to increase in 2011, while only 46% expect to be able to meet that demand fully. Hopefully the Legislature will go back in session to find a better solution. Budget decisions cannot possibly please everyone, but balancing the budget by cutting services to the poorest of poor in our communities surely is a step in the wrong direction. For Illinoisians looking for funding to create meaningful programs to help their community, The Jenny Jones Foundation (http:// www.jennysheroes.com/) and Pepsi Refresh Project (http://www.refresheverything.com/) grants are both offered for this purpose. § This article was contributed by Meggie Chapman of Meggie Chapman & Associates. Meggie Chapman is very knowledgable of the grants and funding territory in IL and works with local governments and non-profits on grants-related services there.

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Helping communities secure the federal funding they need The FundBook bridges the gap between your needs and those sources of federal funding available to your community. With a list of features that is growing each month, the FundBook can help you… • Stay Organized – User-friendly features help you sort through the federal funding quagmire and locate quality grants. • Gain Access – Expert insights into the federal assistance programs that matter to you. • Prioritize Effectively – Tools to help your community navigate the federal funding process.

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Hundreds of communities across the nation are using the FundBook to navigate an increasing array of federal funding opportunities available to cities and counties each year. Designed to give local government leaders a commanding view of the federal funding process, each issue promotes and educates a do-it-yourself approach to pursuing assistance in Washington, D.C. and working with the federal agencies. The FundBook is designed to be the most userfriendly federal funding resource for all sizes of local government.

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July 2011 | The Fundbook - IL ~ p.


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