Mini Grants to Change the Relationship Between Congress and the People

By Ellen Rice, The Sunlight Network

This is a very interesting program. I received this email a few days ago. Some of you out there should totally try to get some of these grants. This ties in nicely with what Gordon from Community Media does. You might even think about getting some money to have him come out and work with you to get more attention from your Congressman/woman.

 Hello, my name is Ellen Rice and I recently visited your blog and see that you cover various political issues.  I have an exciting opportunity that your organization/blog or one you know may benefit from: MINIGRANTS for local congressional coverage.  You’re perfect for them!

 The Sunlight Network is announcing a series of four to six “mini-grants”, in the $1,000 to $5,000 range, for nonprofit organizations and non-affiliated groups who have creative and innovative approaches to strengthening the relationship between members of congress and the citizens they represent. The focus of the work must be to enable a better, more open and accountable relationship between members of Congress and citizens. Ideally, this work will be executed on a local or regional level.

 We encourage applications from existing small nonprofits, local or regional chapters of national organizations and groups of individuals. Grants are available to augment existing projects or to jumpstart new ones. Grants will be made available on a rolling basis starting July 15th.  Apply early!

 The Sunlight Network was founded as the 501 (c)(4) of the Sunlight Foundation in January, 2006. Both organizations are designed to foster a more positive relationship between lawmakers and their constituents, using technology, transparency, and local communities. Sunlight believes that open, honest, sincere representation is possible, and that only engaged citizens can make it happen.

 Please send a one-page summary of your proposed project, a budget (including the amount requested from Sunlight) and contact information to Zephyr Teachout, National Director, Sunlight Foundation (zteachout@sunlightfoundation.com).

 Feel free to call Ellen Rice at the Sunlight Foundation 202-742-1520 or email here sunlightuser3@sunlightfoundation.com if you have questions that you need answered before applying.

 Projects will be judged on their creativity, their likelihood of success, and the degree to which they match Sunlight’s goals. We strongly favor efforts that are themselves open and democratic in their internal structure.

 Grants will be announced on a rolling basis between August and September1. Sunlight will be available to provide consulting support to recipients of these mini grants.

 Best Regards,

 Ellen Rice

Graduate Intern

Sunlightuser3@sunlightfoundation.com

202-742-1520

 P.S. please forward this notice to anyone who could benefit from a “minigrant”

 Here are some hypothetical examples of the kinds of projects we might fund:

 Local citizen journalism site seeks $1,000

 An Austin, TX website that aggregates news and commentary on local issues and blogs about it seeks funding to do more work related to their federal representatives. The money is for travel, a video camera, lexis-nexis access.

 Miami, Florida students want to investigate controversial landfill and moneyed-interests behind it seek $1,000

 Students seek grant to pay for research (travel, small stipend) for four people to show how business interests may have previously supported local politicians and distorted decision making. Wants to do investigative report and post on the web.

 Farmers in “Rural Pennsylvania” (an incorporated nonprofit) seek $1,500

 A small nonprofit incorporated to represent farmers interests in PA seeks funding to send five people to Washington DC to meet with representatives and to attend hearings on agricultural issues. They plan to blog about their trip and their experience.

 Citizen Porkbusters in Kansas seek $2,000

 Creative “web heads” in Kansas have video idea that mocks the money interests behind ethanol. They want to develop the video to educate other citizens by placing the video on Utube.

 Senior of Pasadena, CA seek $1,000

 A politically active informal group that calls themselves the “Little Old Ladies of Pasadena” seek $1,000 to hold open houses at their Congressman’s office. They bake cookies and lemonade and give it away, camped outside Congressman’s local office to people who will come and meet their congressman. The money goes towards food funding and a website that details an announces the action. They hope to inspire all citizens everywhere.