June-July 2007 – Volume V, Number 6 & 7
(Note we are issuing one newsletter for June & July – have a great July 4 holiday!)

Compiled by Deb Miller Slipek
Jane Leonard, Editor

IN THIS ISSUE:       

--Across the Field
--Funding
--Meetings
--Opportunities
--Miscellaneous

Across The Field by Jane Leonard
Dear Readers:  We apologize for the tardiness of this newsletter.  Deb Miller Slipek and Jane Leonard are both involved in other major projects, so as volunteers, they are trying to help keep the Minnesota Rural Partners newsletter going. 

Deb is helping with the UMore Park listening sessions being organized by Carla Carlson and crew of the University of Minnesota, to be held starting next week. Registrations can be made online at www.umorepark.umn.edu or by calling (612) 626-3976.

Jane continues work on initiatives for the 150th anniversary of Minnesota Statehood, including a Sesquicentennial endeavor for communities that debuts this month – the Minnesota Community “Sesqui Spirit” Program.  Both the UMore Park project and the Sesquicentennial projects seek to engage you – the Minnesota citizen – in investing your good ideas and energy towards ensuring that Minnesota’s high quality of life continues well into the next generations. 

As part of the Community Spirit program, starting in October and going into next year, the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission will be co-hosting “Plan for Our Future” meetings with several co-hosts around the state. Some meetings will be general community conversations on local and state concerns and ideas, and other meetings will be directed towards specific topics related to the Sesquicentennial themes of innovation, education, health & wellness, arts & culture, and Minnesota’s outdoors and natural resources.

Watch for the schedules of meetings, soon to appear at www.mn150years.org.  There will also be an online survey there for folks who can’t make it into the on-the-ground meetings. The questions include: “What do we want the future to be like for our grandchildren?” and “What are the “got-to-deal-with” issues if we are going to make that future real?”  Additionally, citizens will be asked to respond to this question: “What would you like to tell Minnesotans 50 years from now that you are personally working on today to ensure they have the same or better quality of life you have now?” 

If you want to keep track of all the action, grants and future events and resources, sign up for the Sesquicentennial mailing list and e-newsletter at www.mn150years.org (go to the bottom of the front page where it says “Sign Up for Our E-newsletter,” enter your email address and click on GO).

These and other efforts happening across Minnesota are all about stewardship, making connections to help each other, and taking care of today’s resources so that our future fellow citizens have the same or better opportunities we have now. And speaking of resources……here’s the slate of resources and opportunities in the upcoming weeks:

FUNDING

--"My Hometown Helper," a program sponsored by General Mills Hamburger Helper, has grants ranging from $500 to $15,000 for community projects. Last year, the program gave more than $100,000 and helped communities install lights for a football field, clean up a local river, and purchase ambulance equipment, among other projects. The deadline is Sept. 30. For more information, visit http://www.myhometownhelper.com/.

--Scenic Byway Grants Available to assist communities in promoting Minnesota’s scenic byways.  Grants provide 40% of the cost of a project with a 60% cash match of non-state funds required. A maximum of $2500 is available per byway.  

Minnesota non-profit organizations formed for the primary purpose of scenic byway tourism promotion or having scenic byway tourism marketing as a component of their programming are eligible to apply. If a Scenic Byway Committee is not incorporated as a non-profit organization, you must work through a designated non-profit, incorporated entity such as a Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Chamber of Commerce (chamber), or other tourism organization.  The application deadline is October 2, 2007 for projects occurring between January 1 and December 31, 2008. Scenic Byway Grant Guidelines and applications are available on the industry site: http://industry.exploreminnesota.com/,  or from Explore Minnesota Tourism Regional Managers.

--The Community Clinic Grant program provides funding to plan, establish or operate services to improve the ongoing viability of Minnesota’s rural and urban clinic-based safety net providers. Grants help clinics serve people with low incomes, reduce current or future uncompensated care burdens, or improve care delivery infrastructure. Applicants must submit pre-applications by 4 p.m. on October 5 and the strongest will be invited to submit a final application. Applications are online http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/cfh/orhpc/grant/home.htm#community or contact Deb Jahnke at debra.jahnke@health.state.mn.us or (651) 201-3845.

--Community Collaboration Grants are available in the following three categories: Capacity Building, College Retention through Civic Engagement, and Multi-Campus Initiatives. Proposals may be submitted requesting $10,000 to $20,000. Grants will be made for activities taking place during an 18-month period, from January 1, 2008, to June 30, 2009. All grant proposals must be submitted by a collaboration consisting of at least one community- based organization (non-profit, school, governmental unit, etc.) and at least one Minnesota college/university. Either a college/university or a community-based organization may serve as the fiscal agent. Generally, only one grant will be made to any one community-based organization or campus through this program. The deadline for submitting proposals is October 12, 2007.  The full RFP and application forms are available on the Minnesota Campus Compact Web site www.mnca mpuscompact.org

--The Volvo for Life Awards is an annual search for and celebration of everyday heroes--ordinary people making a positive difference. Three extraordinary citizens will be chosen to receive a $100,000 charitable contribution to the charity of his or her choice, with one going on to receive the title "America's Greatest Hometown Hero." Anyone can nominate individuals in the areas of safety, quality of life and the environment. In addition, Volvo is seeking nominations for the Butterfly Award, recognizing children who are heroes (age 16 and under). The deadline is Oct. 15. For more information, visit www.volvoforlifeawards.com.

--The CDFI Fund announced the opening of the fiscal year (FY) 2008 round of its CDFI Program.  An applicant seeking financial assistance that is not currently certified as a CDFI must first submit a CDFI certification application by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on October 17, 2007.  The CDFI Program application deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on October 31, 2007. 
 For the application go to:
http://www.cdfifund.gov/docs/2008/cdfi/Combined_Application_FY2008_Cleared.pdf
To review the NOFA go to:
http://www.cdfifund.gov/docs/2008/cdfi/2008_FA_TA_NOFA_Final_082707.pdf
 
The CDFI Fund will also be conducting conference calls to provide a forum for potential applicants to ask Fund staff questions that may be of common interest to other potential applicants.  The conference calls are divided by organizational type and/or geography.  Please note that all potential applicants are invited to participate in the “Using the Community Impact Mapping System” and the “General” sessions as necessary.
Conference Call Schedule: http://www.cdfifund.gov/docs/2007/cdfi/ConferenceCallSchedule.pdf

-- The State Legislature allocated $325,000 in 2007 for the Minnesota Statehood Sesquicentennial Grant Program, to help ensure that communities have some resources to create sesquicentennial activities for Minnesota’s 150th statehood anniversary in 2008 that are meaningful to local residents and at the same time emphasize or build connections between the local community and the state as a whole. These connections may be historic, current, or looking to the future.

Community activities, projects, and events may be newly-created to commemorate the Sesquicentennial or may be existing activities that can be expanded and enhanced to include a Sesquicentennial theme.  The Minnesota Statehood Sesquicentennial Commission is particularly interested in supporting efforts that explore Minnesota’s past, present, and future through these themes: arts and culture, education, health and wellness, innovation, and Minnesota’s natural resources and great outdoors.

Grant Categories:

Category One - Micro-Grants: up to $1,000 each may be made available to communities and organizations proposing an activity, event or project to promote the Sesquicentennial. At least one micro-grant will be awarded in each county in Minnesota. Multi-county projects are encouraged. The grant award maximum in such collaborative projects between communities and/or organizations across multiple counties will be $1,000 times the number of counties involved. (For example, with five counties involved you can apply for up to $5000.)

The first grant round has been completed. There will be a second round of micro-grant applications in December, 2007 (December 7 deadline with awards announced January 15, 2008).

Category Two - Legacy Grants: A limited number of major grants of $5,000 - $7,500 will be made available to entities conducting projects that create "Sesquicentennial legacies.'' These are enduring creations or investments that will be remembered and useful into succeeding generations. These may be new projects or enhancements to existing projects. Round two Legacy applications will be due November 1, with awards made in mid- December 2007.

For more information, go to www.mn150years.org or call 651-296-1870.

--The Minnesota Rural Pharmacy Planning and Transition Grant Program is intended to preserve access to prescription medication and the skills of a pharmacist in rural areas. Rural communities, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, long term care institutions, or other health care facilities are encouraged to apply. Applications are due November 16. The maximum grant amount is $50,000. Information is online http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/cfh/orhpc/grant/home.htm#pharmacy   or contact Doug Benson at doug.benson@health.state.mn.us or (651) 201-3842.

--Hidden Valley's Love Your Veggies Nationwide School Lunch Campaign will provide grants to elementary schools nationwide to support programs that increase student access to, and consumption of, fresh vegetables and fruits during school meals. In 2008, the initiative will award $10,000 grants to 51 elementary schools nationwide-one in each state and one in the company's hometown of Oakland, CA. The deadline is November 30, 2007. Visit http://www.loveyourveggiesgrants.com/ for more information.

MEETINGS

--The Public is invited to contribute ideas for the new community at UMore Park during six University of Minnesota-Hosted Listening Sessions in September. Located in Dakota County, near Rosemount, Minn., UMore Park includes 5,000 acres of land owned by the University.   Following studies of how best to use the land, the University’s Board of Regents charged the University to initiate a concept master planning process to guide the development of a new community at UMore Park, to be undertaken over a 25- to 30-year period.   The six listening sessions are tailored around six distinct topics: 

Mon., Sept. 17 – Education – including early childhood development, daycare, K-12, post-secondary and adult education and lifelong learning;

Wed., Sept. 19 – Environment – including “green” buildings and infrastructure, the landscape and natural resources, storm water management, air and water quality;

Thurs., Sept. 20 – Energy – including renewable energy (biomass, geothermal, solar, wind), energy production and efficiency, reduction of greenhouse gases, and conservation practices;

Tues., Sept. 25 – Health – for health and families, including nutrition, prevention, recreation, safety, health care and health services;

Wed., Sept. 26 – Interdisciplinary Opportunities – including housing, diversity, arts and culture, technology, and international linkages;

Thurs., Sept. 27 – Transportation – including increased access and mobility through multiple transit options, innovative transit services, transportation infrastructure and safety.

All sessions will be in Rosemount, MN and will run from 5 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., are free and open to anyone who would like to attend.  Because a light meal will be served, RSVPs are appreciated.  Registrations can be made online at www.umorepark.umn.edu or by calling (612) 626-3976.   The website also includes agendas for each listening session, directions and additional information on UMore Park.

People who are unable to attend the sessions may provide input by submitting their comments at www.umorepark.umn.edu, or by calling (612) 624-6252.  

TRAINING

--Earn your Certificate in Volunteer Leadership by completing an 8-topic training series in three days.  Gain a way to demonstrate your expertise and professionalism to employers, peers and the community.  Thursday 9/20, 10/18 & 11/15 from

9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Snell Motors Community Room, 1900 E. Madison, Mankato.  The cost includes lunch all three days. Full Certificate series (8 sessions):  $111 MAVA members, $165 non-members (Optional Mentoring Module $20 additional fee.)  One day only: $43 MAVA members, $69 non-members (Optional Mentoring Module $20 additional fee.)  A limited number of reduced price scholarships available. Contact MAVA at 651-255-0469 or office@MAVAnetwork.org  to apply.  For any questions, please contact the Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA) office at (651) 255-0469, or visit the MAVA website at www.MAVAnetwork.org. 

--Grantseeking for Beginners Seminar will be held September 20th from 9am – 3:30pm at the University of Minnesota's Continuing Education and Conference Center (St. Paul.)  The cost is $95 ($125 after Sept. 13.)  For more information contact the MN Council on Foundations at mcf.org/seminars, or call 612.338.1989.

--Advanced Grantseeking Seminar will be held October 3 & 4 at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center in Duluth, MN.  The cost is $150 ($200 after Sept. 25.  For more information contact the MN Council on Foundations at mcf.org/seminars, or call 612.338.1989.

--Festival and Event Management Program sponsored by the University of Minnesota Tourism Center, will be held October 4-6 and 11-13.  All classes will be held at the Como Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul.  In addition to the prepared curriculum, a special “behind-the-scenes” visit to the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon will be included in the program.  The classes focus on major issues of interest and concern to all community festival and special event organizers.  Event security will be a special emphasis of the class this year.  Online registration for the program is available at www.tourism.umn.edu.  Further program information is available by contacting Kent Gustafson 612-625-8274 or kgustaf@umn.edu. 

 -- Rural Youth Summit: Revitalizing Rural America is coming soon – October 26-27 at Ames, IA.  This event provides rural youth (broadly defining youth as 35 years and under) and advocates (anyone interested in assisting rural youth) an opportunity to come to together to learn from one another and cooperatively develop solutions to the challenges youth face when trying to make a life for themselves in rural communities. 

We are seeking youth presenters to share their success stories and challenges.  Find the call for presentations at http://events.iatp.org/index.php?q=node/41 (deadline September 21st).  We would be happy to receive a presentation proposal from you or youth you know and work with!

Additionally, the second day will be held concurrently with the 2nd National Forum on Agriculture and Rural Life.  As part of this event, youth will be given the opportunity to address the 2008 Presidential Candidates (invited).  More information at http://events.iatp.org.  Financial support maybe available for Midwest youth to attend the event.  We will work with folks on an individual basis; please contact Sara Johnson (612) 870-3439 or Amy Stratton (612) 870-3433 to learn more. 

--Community Broadband, Making the Right Choices.  The 2007 Blandin Broadband Conference will be held on November 7 & 8 in St. Cloud MN.  This conference will connect you with the tools, knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about your community’s future broadband needs.  For more information visit: http://www.blandinfoundation.org/html/BBConference07/Images/BB_Invite_10_07.html
 
OPPORTUNITIES

-- Citizen-Scholar Fellows enrollment is now open from August 15 - October 1. Campuses involved in this AmeriCorps Education Award Program recruit a minimum of seven Fellows. Student Fellows receive a $1000 education award to use toward tuition, loan payments, etc. in return for 300 hours of community service, which can also be work-study funded. The program strives to develop a peer network and provide support that enables students to serve as agents of civic engagement to respond effectively to local community issues.

For more information visit http://www.m3cfello ws.org/ or contact Dan Simonet at 651-603-5082, dansimonet@mncampuscompact.org.

--Statewide Conservation and Preservation Plan - A public/private partnership funded by the Minnesota Legislature is developing a statewide plan to guide natural resource conservation and preservation efforts for the next 50 years. The public is invited to contribute to plan by sharing ideas about how to protect and conserve our natural resources, and by giving feedback on the project's findings and suggestions as it progresses.  For more information go to: http://www.mnconservationplan.net

--The FCC will accept applications for hundreds of new full power noncommercial radio licenses to nonprofits between October, 12-19.  A radio station is a great way to broadcast the voice of rural America. Rural community developers are in a good position to apply or get the message out to others who can apply. The Future of Music Coalition, www.futureofmusic.org, has compiled resources for any group interested in securing a license and running a radio station.  There is a list of frequently asked questions as well as many articles and tips about the application process. Go to www.getradio.org.

--The St. Cloud State University Institute for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), with a roster of over 30 trained mediators and ADR specialists, has received funding to provide free mediation services for clients who are income-eligible and non-profits organizations that have a financial need.  Other services included are peace circles, facilitation and strategic planning.  Translator and transportation can also be included. www.stcloudstate.edu/continuingstudies/instituteADR or contact:  the Institute for ADR at (320) 308-4962. 

    
MISCELLANEOUS

--The Minnesota Telehealth Registry is a new online, searchable tool for health care providers in Minnesota to share information about their telehealth services. Developed jointly by the University of Minnesota’s Institute for Health Informatics and the Office of Rural Health and Primary Care, the Registry can produce lists of providers along with a map of locations. View the Registry or add your services online http://www.mti.umn.edu/.   The Minnesota Telehealth Inventory 2007 Report is also now available. The Inventory survey was conducted in spring of 2007 to obtain initial providers and services data for the Registry. A follow-up survey was conducted to provide a better understanding of services provided, staffing and equipment, financial issues, and perceived barriers to providing telemedicine-based care. The report is on the ORHPC Web site http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/cfh/orhpc/comm/pub/rpts.htm or at the Registry Web site. For more information, contact Karen Welle at (651) 201-3865 or karen.welle@health.state.mn.us.

--Rural Definitions - Most Americans share a common image of rural—open countryside and small towns at some distance from large urban centers—but not a common consensus on where and how to draw the line between rural and urban. Dozens of definitions are currently used by federal and State agencies, researchers, and policy makers. The ERS Rural Definition data product allows users to make comparisons among nine representative rural definitions, for the U.S. as a whole and for individual States. We include socioeconomic indicators (population, education, poverty, etc.) that are commonly used to highlight differences between urban and rural areas. Three display options are available: national and state indicator tables; state-level maps; and an interactive mapping utility. See: http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/RuralDefinitions/

--U.S. Ethanol Expansion Driving Changes throughout the Agricultural Sector.  

A large expansion in ethanol production is underway in the United States, spurred by high oil prices and energy policies. Although corn is the primary feedstock used to produce ethanol in the United States, market adjustments to the ethanol expansion extend well beyond the corn sector to supply and demand for other crops, as well as to the livestock sector, farm income, government payments, and food prices. Adjustments in the agricultural sector to increased demand for biofuels will continue as interest grows in renewable sources of energy to lessen dependence on foreign oil. See: http://www.ers.usda.gov/AmberWaves/September07/Features/Ethanol.htm

--"Essential Elements of a Good Business Plan for Growing Companies."
People sometimes think that business planning is only vital in start-up situations; however, continually updating and maintaining your business plan throughout the life of your business is equally important and will help tremendously toward the growth and success of your company.  This article from the Small Business Administration provides information on the essential pieces that make up a good business plan.  For more information go to:  http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/plan/
writeabusinessplan/SERV_ESSENTIAL.html

--"Using SWOT to Kick-Start Your Planning."  This article from entrepreneur.com shows how using a SWOT analysis - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats - when planning your business is a good way to brainstorm, prioritize, and set goals and objectives.  For more information go to:  http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/businessplans/
businessplancoachtimberry/article182034.html

--Amber Waves, September 2007.  Amber Waves presents the broad scope of ERS’s research and analysis. The magazine covers the economics of agriculture, food and nutrition, the food industry, trade, rural America, and farm-related environmental topics. Available on the Internet and in print, Amber Waves is issued in print five times a year (February, April, June, September, and November). The Internet edition, or “eZine,” includes links to web-only resources, such as podcasts and additional articles. See: http://www.ers.usda.gov/AmberWaves/September07/

EDITORS’ NOTE:  Please send us your news items and announcements. We’ll be putting out the August newsletter during the second week of August. You can send items to slipekc@aol.com or jleonard@minnesotaruralpartners.org (while Deb’s on vacation back at the dairy farm!)

Minnesota Rural Partners is a nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible.

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