Funding Opportunity for New Orleans area nonprofits

Nonprofit organizations in the Greater New Orleans area of Southeast Louisiana – could your organization use an extra $10,000 this year??

nonprofit funding from centerplate at the new orleans arena and mercedes benz superdome new orleans

Tanja Rogers, the Non Profit Recruiter & Trainer for Centerplate at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and New Orleans Arena, asked me to share this information with nonproifits in the Greater New Orleans area. They are looking for area nonprofits to participate in their generous funding opportunity described below:

Nonprofits invited to fundraise with Centerplate

New Orleans, LA – Centerplate at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and New Orleans Arena is looking for dedicated and enthusiastic 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations to join its fundraising program.  Each season, members of non-profit organizations from the local area and as far as Alabama take ownership of concession stands at both venues to raise money and are therefore responsible for the inventory, cash handling, cleaning, food preparation, and customer service to guests during an event.   A large majority of organizations raised over $10,000 last season.  If you are interested in this opportunity for a nonprofit organization, please contact Tanja Rogers at (504) 558-6275 or via email at tanja.rogers@centerplate.com.

Program Details

Centerplate at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and New Orleans Arena is looking for dedicated and enthusiastic non-profit organizations to join its fundraising program.  Each season, members of non-profit organizations from the local area and as far as Alabama take ownership of concession stands at both venues to raise money.  One organization raised over $100,000 last season!

Centerplate will provide the following:

  • Exciting events that entice volunteers to work
  • Coordinated scheduling
  • Captured customer base
  • Food products and supplies to sell
  • Training in operations, safety, and sanitation
  • Provide supervision to help ensure success
  • A commission check 4-6 weeks after each event worked

This program provides opportunities for your organization to earn money at a variety of sports and entertainment events, such as Saints and Pelicans games, Essence Festival, Sugar Bowl, and NBA All-Star Game.  We are proud to say that some of our groups have been with us for over 10 years.

Eligibility:

Centerplate’s Human Resources department oversees the program.  The mission and goals of your organization must be well-defined and of a long-term nature.  The group must have a strong and committed leadership of 2-4 individuals, have a 501c3 tax-exempt status as defined by the IRS, and a minimum of 10 volunteers that are at least 16 years of age.  Volunteers that work as cashiers must be at least 18 years of age.

Benefits:

  • Fun events to draw your membership to volunteer
  • Consistent fundraising opportunities each year with more than 200 events
  • Earn 10-12% commission on net sales at permanent stands with a base guarantee for events worked
  • Complimentary hot dog, soda, and popcorn at each event per volunteer
  • Free parking for groups – car pooling is encouraged

For more information, please contact Tanja Rogers at tanja.rogers@centerplate.com or 504-558-6275.

 

About Centerplate

Centerplate is one of the largest hospitality companies in the world with 250 North American sports, entertainment and convention venues. We are the largest food service provider for the NFL, a major provider to professional baseball, and we partner with six of the top ten most active convention centers. No stranger to marquee events, we’ve hosted countless landmark occasions, including 12 Super Bowls, 20 World Series, 15 official U.S. Presidential Inaugural Balls, more than 100 major College Bowl Games and the largest plated dinner in history at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Centennial Celebration. We attribute this continued growth and success to an unwavering commitment to our E3 formula: Executing Extraordinary Experiences.

 

 

Nonprofit Funding Available – Greater New Orleans area

HUGE opportunity for NOLA area nonprofits!

Imagine unrestricted funding (better than a grant!) in exchange for the sweat equity of volunteers…

In the past year I’ve had the opportunity to participate in two similar opportunities as a Rotarian– selling beer at the City of Covington’s Rockin’ On the Rails & at Jazzfest. Not only did we earn a nice sum of funding to support Rotary’s local and international human service initiatives, we had FUN!

Tanja Rogers, the Non Profit Recruiter & Trainer for Centerplate at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and New Orleans Arena, asked me to share this information with nonproifits in the Greater New Orleans area. They are looking for area nonprofits to participate in their generous funding opportunity described below:

Click here to download full program information, including eligibility & requirements for participation

“Fundraising Made Easy with Centerplate at Mercedes-Benz Superdome and New Orleans Arena

Say goodbye to car washes, candy sales, and magazine sales.  Centerplate at Mercedes-Benz Superdome gives back to the local community by offering non-profit organizations the opportunity to volunteer at concession stands during events to raise money.  We use non-profit groups to staff 95% of our stands.  Last year, Centerplate gave back more than $1.3 million to the local community.

Centerplate is now looking for 501 (c)(3), non-profit organizations for the upcoming 2012-2013 event season at the city’s premier event venues. If you are interested, please contact Tanja Rogers at (504) 264-4848 or via email at tanja.rogers@centerplate.com.”
Centerplate Logo New Orleans Arena and Superdome
And please share this information with other local nonprofits; thanks!

2012 Capital One Bank Nonprofit Grants Available – “Investing for Good” Awards

2012 Capital One Grants

Capital One Bank recently announced the availability of 2012 ‘Investing for Good’ grant funding. Eligible applicants are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that focus on community development, financial literacy, and education.

capital one logo

The following is quoted from the Capital One Bank cybergrants site where Letters of Intent may be submitted online. Please visit: http://www.cybergrants.com/capitalone/LAinvestingforgoodawardLOI

“Investing for Good Award

The Investing for Good Award is designed to spotlight the best direct service models that are serving people in need and building strong neighborhoods throughout Louisiana. The Award will provide 2 years of grant funds and intensive volunteer support to build the capacity of area nonprofits to serve the needs of low- to moderate-income communities. The grant provides first year funding of $40,000; followed by a second year of funding of $20,000. There are up to 6 Awards available in the Region. Each Capital One Bank Investing for Good Award recipient will have the opportunity to select from Capital One’s array of skill-based volunteer services. These services fall in the following areas: Marketing/Branding, Information Technology, Human Resources, Legal Services, Finance, Process and Project Management. In addition, our Community Corps Council will be leading volunteer efforts to align our associates’ volunteer endeavors throughout the community in support of these organizations.

The Capital One Bank Investing for Good Award will be selected through a two-part application process made up of 1) a Letter of Intent (LOI) due June 21st, 2012 and 2) The Award Application due August 10th, 2012. Capital One Bank will review all submissions and invite full applications online by July 19th. Winners will be notified in mid-September. The public Award announcement will be made at a community reception in early October.
Focusing Our Support
Through Capital One’s philanthropy program, we provide grant investments to local organizations that build economic opportunity in the following focus areas:

Education
Capital One provides opportunities for children and youth to access and excel in education and enrichment activities that prepare them for successful futures. Areas of investment include advancing teacher effectiveness, increasing family engagement and supporting students’ academic and basic needs.

Community Development
Capital One strengthens low- to moderate-income neighborhoods by supporting economic development efforts that improve the quality of living, earning potential and financial well-being of individuals and families. Areas of investment include:

  • Affordable housing – access to affordable, permanent home-buying programs and homeownership education, as well as temporary shelter and transitional housing
  • Small business development – access to financing or training and capacity building
  • Workforce development – support for career exploration, training and placement for teens and adults

Financial Education
Financial education empowers individuals to make wise financial decisions that protect and enhance their well-being. Capital One provides financial literacy tools and resources, as well as financial support for youth and adult financial education programs.

Guidelines
Capital One does not support the following:

  • Organizations without federal tax-exempt status
  • Individual, fund-raising or fellowship assistance
  • Advertising or marketing activities
  • Political, labor, fraternal organizations or civic clubs
  • Religion-based organizations for sectarian purposes
  • Sports, athletic events or athletic programs
  • Travel-related events, including student trips or tours
  • Development or production of books, films, videos or television programs
  • Memorial campaigns
  • Health-related organizations

Geographic Focus
Capital One Bank provides funding for programs in the state of Louisiana.”

 

Need help writing your Letter of Intent or completing your grant application? Contact lauren@thecoudrain.com for information about grant writing services.

Good Luck!

Northshore’s Finest 2011

cystic fibrosis ambassador

The Louisiana Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has again teamed up with Inside Northside and Hornbeck Offshore Services to present the “Northshore’s Finest”– a group of young professionals in the community working to make a difference. Lauren Coudrain was chosen as one of the 2011 “finest” and needs your help!

On July 29, 2011, a luncheon will be held to honor the young professionals and spotlight their work in raising awareness and funding for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Businesses in the community are encouraged to participate in the program and event by sponsoring and/or attending the luncheon at Tchefuncta Country Club. There are several levels of involvement available:

July 29, 2011 Northshore’s Finest Luncheon Sponsorship Opportunities:

1. *Superstar* Table Sponsor- $1000 (Tax-deductible amount is $680)

  • One table of 8 guests at The Northshore’s Finest Luncheon on Friday July 29, 2011
  • Full Page Acknowledgement in event program, which may be used to pay tribute to an Honoree
  • Company name listed on event website, table placard , all press releases
  • Opportunity to put a promotional item in the guest gift bag

2. Mission Sponsor- $500 (Tax-deductible amount is $340):

  • Four tickets to the Northshore’s Finest Luncheon seated at an Ambassador’s table (Five families living with CF will serve as Ambassadors for our Honorees throughout their campaigns. Each family will be invited to the luncheon).
  • Half Page Acknowledgement in event program which may be used to pay tribute to an Honoree
  • Company name listed on event website, table placard , all press releases
  • Opportunity to put a promotional item in the guest gift bag

3. Individual Tickets $125 (Tax-deductible amount is $85)

  • A limited number of individual tickets can be purchased; get yours today!

Unable to attend the event? You can still have your place in the program! Your donation goes directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to further their crucial work in obtaining FDA approval for life-saving drugs for CF patients:

4. Event Program Sponsor (All program acknowledgements are fully tax-deductible)

Acknowledgements may be used to pay tribute to specific Honorees, the group, or the work of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

  • $500 Full-page in the event program
  • $250 Half-page in the event program
  • $100 Benefactor Listing

5. Donations (fully tax-deductible) to help Lauren reach her $2,500 fundraising goal as an honoree:

  • Lauren’s Superhero! $1,000
  • includes 2 seats at Lauren’s (birthday girl!) Honoree Table on July 29
  • public acknowledgement through The Coudrain Group as a Superhero!!
  • Lauren’s Hero! $750
  • Lauren’s MegaChamp! $500
  • Lauren’s Champ! $100
  • Lauren’s Friend 🙂 $any amount helps- thanks!

Click Here for the Sponsorship Form or

Click Here to Donate

<Thank you!!>

 

Still wondering if this cause is a match for your business? Please contact me directly at lauren@thecoudrain.com with any questions or for more information.

Here is my motivation:

(Can’t see the video? View it live on YouTube: http://youtu.be/bCOtojrYbLs)

Nonprofit grant opportunity from Capital One Bank

Capital One Grants

from http://www.bayoubuzz.com

Capital One Bank today launched the ‘Investing for Good Award,’ a new philanthropy program through which Capital One Bank will provide support through volunteerism and grants totaling up to $300,000 to four local nonprofit organizations advancing education, financial literacy, and small business and workforce development in greater New Orleans.

capital one logoCapital One Bank will accept letters of intent from local nonprofit organizations to participate in the program through May 4, 2011, online at www.cybergrants.com/capitalone/GNOinvestingforgoodawardLOI. Four local nonprofit recipients will then receive support in the form of grants and volunteerism over a two-year period to bolster their efforts to build strong neighborhoods in greater New Orleans. Award recipients are each eligible for grants totaling up to $75,000 over the two-year period.

“The ‘Investing for Good Award’ is a natural outgrowth of Capital One Bank’s long-standing commitment to foster the economic vitality of greater New Orleans,” said Steve Hemperley, Capital One Bank’s Greater New Orleans Market President. “By investing in effective community partnerships and programs, we are working to deliver solutions that can make a tangible difference for the community and each person we reach.”

Eligibility is open to organizations serving the parishes of Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany, St. Bernard, St. Charles and St. John. The Letter of Intent and complete award guidelines may be found at www.cybergrants.com/capitalone/GNOinvestingforgoodawardLOI. Letters of intent must be submitted online by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4, 2011. Capital One Bank executives will review all submissions and invite full applications from those organizations selected to receive further consideration. Grants will be awarded in early August 2011.

For interested nonprofit organizations, Capital One Bank will host two informative conference calls – one on April 13, 2011, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and the other on April 14, 2011, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. To register, nonprofits should RSVP by April 12 with their organization’s name, contact person, email address and preferred conference call date to InvestingForGoodLA@capitalonebank.com.

ATTN Nonprofits: win FREE advertising

from HARO:

This is a 100% FREE advertising opportunity for non-profit
organizations and charities. The crew at IWearYourShirt.com is
donating 11 advertising spots, valued at $1,000+, throughout
2011. You can submit your favorite or your own non-profit
organization for some of the most engaging advertising in social
media. It will only take you 5 seconds to fill out the form and
they promise not to sell or use your information other than
giving you free exposure if you win. It’s a lottery system to win
and is not based on votes/popularity. Their first non-profit
winner happened to be on a day when the Today Show filmed a
segment about IWearYourShirt! No tricks, no gimmicks, submit a
non-profit now: http://iwearyourshirt.com/nonprofit

Article from the Times Picayune

Social networking for non-profits is topic of workshop in Covington

Published: Tuesday, February 08, 2011, 8:00 AM

http://www.nola.com/community/st-tammany/index.ssf/2011/02/social_networking_for_non-prof.html

By Tara McLellan

The Coudrain Group will hold a unique workshop for businesses, non-profits, church groups and other community organizations interested in learning more about how to make online social networking sites work for them.

23tcCompute064.jpg

The workshop will take place Tuesday, February from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Abbey Retreat Center, 75476 River Road, in Covington.

Led by Lauren Coudrain, former assistant director of the St. Tammany Parish Department of Health and Human Services and an advisory board member of the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce, the workshops will cover topics such as Facebook etiquette, YouTube and blog formats, Twitter messaging, free online tools, and ways organizations can create fundraising accounts and online donation tools.

“The world of non-profits sometimes lag behind the world of business,” Coudrain said. “If you don’t have your organization on Facebook or on one of these various social media networks, it’s almost as if you don’t exist. Funders go to these sites to decide who to fund, and often use the votes of people online to help determine who will receive various grants. It’s very important to engage everyone, especially a younger generation, using the tools online we will demonstrate.”

In addition to creating a new site and a new account for each group attending the workshop, Coudrain emphasizes that meeting other individuals and organizations can also help to improve success.

“Non-profits that have attended in the past have learned just as much from each other during the workshop as they do from what we discuss,” she said. “Many of them exchange information and tips, and many of them keep in touch afterwards. It’s a great way to expand contacts while expanding your organizations online profile.”

The cost of the all-day workshop is $199 per person or $149 per person for non-profits sending two or more representatives, all including lunch for the day. Alumni of the workshop may attend at no cost. To register, visit http://www.thecoudrain.com/register or contact Lauren Coudrain at 377.9767 or Lauren@thecoudrain.com.

 

 

Social Fundraising Workshop

Social Fundraising Basics for Nonprofits Workshop:social fundraising

February 15, 2011

Click here to REGISTER NOW!

WHEN: February 15, 2011 from 9 AM– 4 PM

WHERE: St Joseph’s Abbey Retreat Center 75376 River Rd.; Covington, LA 70457

WHAT: A one-day, hands-on, interactive, collaborative workshop that covers:

* Social Media Basics * Facebook Pages & Causes for Nonprofits * Online Fundraising Options * FREE tools for nonprofits available online * The questions & needs of the nonprofits represented

Each participating organization will create new sites & accounts for raising funds online by the end of the day!

Participants will learn how to:

  • Create a social media strategy
  • Write effective social media policies
  • Choose appropriate social media platforms for their organization
  • Create and Maintain a Facebook Page for their organization
  • Create and Utilize a Causes Page on Facebook
  • Use YouTube to increase awareness & drive donations
  • Create and Maintain an organizational Blog
  • Create and Maintain a Twitter presence for their organization
  • Draft effective social media messages
  • Schedule messages for future posting to multiple platforms (Blog, Facebook, Twitter)
  • Set up auto-posting from their Blog to their Website, Facebook and/or Twitter sites
  • Set up automatic emailing of blog posts to subscribers
  • Use free online tools to meet the needs of their organization
  • Understand and compare the options available for soliciting online donations
  • Create & Utilize free online fundraising accounts on multiple platforms
  • Locate alternative online fundraising opportunities (beyond soliciting donations)

WHY: Does your nonprofit need funding for projects or operations? Are you maximizing the use of social media and web 2.0 to capture unrestricted funding? This workshop is different from many social media courses because it is designed to give representatives the opportunity to actually put social media principles into practice. Past participants have commented that the ability to network and learn from each other was extremely helpful. Collaboration is the word of the workshop day! Participants leave with knowledge, skills, and accounts, but most importantly a network of other nonprofit professionals to continue to learn from long after the workshop ends.

WHO: Course facilitator is Lauren Coudrain. However, due to the interactivity of this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to network and learn from each other throughout the day. Lauren Coudrain is the former Assistant Director of St. Tammany Parish Government’s Department of Health & Human Services where she served as Parish liaison to the nonprofit sector. She is an appointed committee member for the National Community Development Association, a board member of the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce, a charter member and the 2011 chair for the Northshore Rising Professionals, and a graduate of the Leadership St. Tammany program. Through interactions with many nonprofit organizations in need of funding, Lauren recognized a decline in the effectiveness of traditional fundraising. As President and CEO of The Coudrain Group, she encourages all nonprofit organizations to diversify funding sources and assists clients with integrating social media as a means to reaching online fundraising success.

HOW: Please visit: http://www.thecoudrain.com/register

Cost is $199 per person and includes lunch. Cost is $149 per person for nonprofits sending 2 or more representatives. Cost is FREE for Social Fundraising Workshop Alumni.

Pay via PayPal by visiting: http://www.thecoudrain.com/register

Or via check payable to: The Coudrain Group P.O. Box 558 Mandeville, LA 70470-0558

Questions? Please contact lauren@thecoudrain.com or The Coudrain Group at 985-377-9767.

Cause Marketing for businesses and nonprofits

What is cause marketing?

According to Wikipedia, cause marketing “refers to a type of marketing involving the cooperative efforts of a “for profit” business and a non-profit organization for mutual benefit” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cause_marketing).

It is a broad term that can be applied to many specific situations:

Examples:

-National: Lysol donates $1 to Save The Children every time someone joins on Causes

-Local: Froots of Covington advertised a special last week for anyone who brought in cans for the Covington Food Bank.

Think of it as advertising with a twist. I saw a statistic once that claimed 79% of Americans are willing to change their brand if they know a portion of their purchase will go to a “cause.”

Businesses have been doing this for years; in most cases the cost is low and the return is high.

While nonprofits have been the recipient of funds generated through cause marketing, nonprofits usually do not initiate cause marketing due to self-limitations placed on “fundraising.”

Overall, Cause Marketing is a WIN-WIN-WIN:

For less than the cost of a newspaper ad, the business gets advertising, exposure, and hopefully new customers and increased sales.

The nonprofit receives the funds generated.

The customer even feels good about purchasing from a cause-minded business.

As business advertising budgets shrink and nonprofit funding decreases, cause marketing seems to be a potential solution for both.

At least worth a try 🙂