Listen Here! short story reading series kicks off next week

The Arts Council of GNH and the New Haven Review, in partnership with New Haven Theater Company and four area coffeehouses, announce the launch of Listen Here! a weekly short story reading series. On Thursday evenings, from 7-8pm, actors from New Haven Theater Company will read short stories chosen by New Haven Review editors. Readings will take place on a rotating basis at Blue State Coffee, Koffee on Audubon, Lulu: A European Coffeehouse, and Manjares Fine Pastries (Westville).

The first reading is Sept. 10 at Koffee on Audubon, with stories of “childish adults” by Salinger and Bradbury.  For more information, contact David Brensilver (203) 772-2788 or dbrensilver@newhavenarts.org

Starting a Nonprofit: Myths & Realities workshop in Hartford Sept. 23, 3-5pm

Topics:

• What are the pros and cons of forming a nonprofit organization?
• What are the benefits and responsibilities of being incorporated and tax exempt?
• What are the alternatives to filing for tax exemption that will still let your organization receive donations?
• What are the responsibilities of a nonprofit board?

Presenter is Priya Morganstern, Esq., Director, Hartford Program, Pro Bono Partnership.  Location is Connecticut Association of Nonprofits, 90 Brainard Rd, Hartford. There is no charge.

Registration deadline is Sept. 22. To register call (860) 525-5080

Volunteer at Arts Council?

The Arts Council of Greater New Haven is looking for volunteers to help hang the Somewhat Off the Wall exhibit on Tuesday, Sept.1,   11:00am to 5pm at the Odonnell Company, 760 Chapel St, New Haven. Any time you have to help is appreciated. No experience necessary. Please RSVP to Winter at info@newhavenarts.org or 203-772-2788.

Part-time postion open at North Haven Library

Applicants must perform a wide variety of clerical tasks and be able to meet the public courteously. Requires computer literacy; library experience a plus. This 19-hour position includes some evenings and Saturdays.  $12.90/hr. Candidates may apply in person at the Finance Office located in the Memorial Town Hall, 18 Church Street, North Haven between 8:30am-4pm Mon.-Fri.

Nominations for 2009 Arts Awards Now Being Accepted

The 2009 Arts Council of GNH Arts Awards recognize the enduring spirit of those among us who connect us to the arts. Please visit http://www.newhavenarts.org/ for details.

New Life Has Two Openings

1) Volunteer Individual Tax Assistance (VITA) Program Coordinator to coordinate  information technology and function of the VITA program; work with project volunteers and agency staff in order to assure well planned and executed program(s). Requires Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent 4-5 years experience in community development and/or financial services; demonstrated intermediate proficiency with PC computer software, esp. Microsoft Office; Bi-lingual (English/Spanish); valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

2) Financial Education Coordinator  to coordinate and promote regional financial education resources for statewide financial literacy initiative. Requires Bachelor’s degree in human services, business, marketing or related field and a minimum of 2 years experience working with individuals on financial issues; proven ability to organize and execute outreach and marketing plans; familiarity with the community;  computer skills; Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Send inquiries to: Ariel Martinez; Executive Director, arielm@newlifecorp.org

Foundation Center posts Aug. 25 RFPs

Arts and Culture

Open Society Institute Seeks Entries for Moving Walls 17 Documentary Photography Exhibition. Emerging and veteran photographers who have completed work on a human rights or social justice issue will have their work displayed in the exhibit and will receive a $2,000 royalty plus travel expenses to attend the opening....Deadline: October 23, 2009

Children and Youth
Applications Invited for State Farm's Youth Advisory Board Service-Learning Grants Program. Grants of up to $100,000 will be awarded to nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies in the U.S. and Canada sponsoring student-led service learning projects on environmental, societal, or financial issues in higher education....Deadline: October 2, 2009

Civil and Human Rights
Reprieve Invites Fellowship Applications for Death Penalty Projects. Individuals demonstrating proven commitment to capital defense work will be awarded seed money to launch projects or careers in underresourced death penalty jurisdictions....Deadline: October 16, 2009

Education
Ezra Jack Keats Mini-Grant Program Accepting Applications From Public Schools and Libraries. Grants of $500 will be awarded to public schools and libraries across the United States and its protectorates for a wide range of creative projects....Deadline: September 15, 2009

FINRA Investor Education Foundation Offers Funding for Research and Education Projects. Grants will be awarded to nonprofits and public colleges and universities working to give individuals the tools and information they need to better understand the markets and the principles of saving and investing....Deadline: November 5, 2009

Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge Invites Students and Teachers to Address Environmental Issues. Students and teachers in grades K-8 will be awarded grants and publicity for their solutions to classroom environmental issues....Deadline: Various

Environment
SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund Offers Funding for Wildlife Conservation. Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded to nonprofits in the United States and abroad, government agencies, zoos, aquariums, and institutions of higher learning working to conserve, protect, or rehabilitate wildlife....Deadline: December 1, 2009

Women
Anna Lalor Burdick Program Offers Support for Human Reproduction Education. Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded to nonprofits working to provide education about reproductive health to young women who have inadequate access to such information....Deadline: November 1 and May 15, annually

Funding details at http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp

JobNow at New Haven Public Library

JobNow provides live interactive online help plus online resources to help jobseekers.  Review your resume and cover letter and practice interviewing online! This is a new resource offered at all branches of the New Haven Free Public Library as well as online from home and office.  Find JobNow at http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/library/JobSite.asp

For more information about this and other job resources at the library, contact Seth Godfrey 203-946-7431.

New Community Foundation technical assistance program

This Fall's Technical Assistance with a Twist  includes three independent workshops (attend any or all) :
Sept. 10, noon-4pm--Recession Planning: Managing through a Financial Crisis
Oct. 8, 9-11am/1-3pm--Strategic Relationships, Partnerships and Collaborations: Exploring New    Relationships to Enhance Your Mission
Oct. 28, 10-4--Keep Your Donors: Building Profitable Relationships That Last

The Twist: Workshop participants will have follow-up access to confidential, individualized support from workshop presenters via telephone.

Requirements: Executive Director/CEO and a board leader must attend the workshop (for the "Keep Your Donors" workshop, if an organization has a chief development officer, s/he should attend too). Workshops are not general professional development trainings.
There is no charge.  For full information,  contact Sharon Cappetta, 777-7071 or scappetta@cfgnh.org.

Looking for a job?

The New Haven Public Library's website offers a wide variety of great links to job hunting resources, like:

Indeed (http://www.indeed.com/) gives job seekers free access to millions of employment opportunities from thousands of websites. Indeed.com includes all the job listings from major job boards, newspapers, associations and company career pages.

JobHunt (http://www.job-hunt.org/) Provides links to many different types of job sites such as academic and other specialized listings, newsgroup searches, recruiting agencies and other job meta-lists. Includes a list of links to outstanding job sites.

Jobs Online (http://www.jobsonline.net/)  gathers job postings from all over the Internet—niche sites, newspapers, major job boards, and everything in between.

JuJu Job (http://www.juju.com/) provides quick access to jobs found on thousands of employer websites and job boards all around the web and offers features that will help you find the jobs you're looking for more efficiently.

SimplyHired (http://www.simplyhired.com/) operates the largest online database of jobs on the planet

More at http://cityofnewhaven.com/library/JobSite.asp.

Citizens Fire Academy starts Sept. 10 in West Haven

West Haven residents may register by Sept. 8 to participate in a free 13-week series of classes designed to provide information about the firefighting process, including technology, procedures, and equipment. This year's series will also offer CPR certification. Classes will run Sept. 10-Dec. 10 from 6:30-9:30pm.  Participants must be at least 18 years of age and submit to a modified police background check.  Details at 937-3710 or http://www.westhavenfiredept.com/.

Mercado Global Mercado Global seeks Operations & Development Associate

Mercado Global is a New Haven nonprofit that links Latin American women’s cooperatives and their Fair Trade, and fashion forward products to the U.S. market through a model that provides both fair-wage employment and investments in local development projects.

Operations & Development Associate is responsible for managing the organization’s logistics, including shipping, fulfillment, material sourcing, and customer inquiries, and assisting the Executive Director in fundraising planning and activities. Full job description at http://newhaven.craigslist.org/npo/1334567948.html

Office furniture free to nonprofit--if interested, contact Marianne Esposito at 776-4546.

Grantsmanship Center Training in Hartford Nov 2-6

This workshop covers the complete grant development process, from researching funding sources to writing and reviewing grant proposals. More than 110,000 nonprofit and government personnel have attended this fast-paced, five-day workshop, which is followed with a full year of membership support services. $895 /$845 each additional registrant from same organization. Details: http://www.tgci.com/gtpregister.asp

8-week Small Business class starts Sept. 10

The GNH Chamber of Commerce will hold a business training course for new and existing small business owners on consecutive Thursdays, 6-8pm, beginning Sept. 10, at Rosenfeld Hall, 109 Grove St., New Haven. Cost is $45 for all. Details at http://gnhcc.com/events/details.cfm?id=478&Registeryear=2009&Registermonth=9&RegisterDay=10.

CT Budget Environment Battles: Speak Up!

The state legislature reconvenes August 27, and Connecticut's budget battle continues. Please let your government officials know that we are still paying attention, that critical environmental funding is not something we can afford to cut:

• Save the Council on Environmental Quality
• Maintain Clean Water Funding
• Don't Divert or Securitize Energy Funds. Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy programs will be among the most important economic and environmental drivers for our state over the next decade.
  

If you can make just one phone call: contact Governor Jodi Rell 860-566-4840. Find your local senators and representatives at http://www.votesmart.org/

Submitted by Tisha Ferguson, CT Fund for the Environment, 787-0646 x108 or tferguson@cfenv.org

Temporary openings at Community Alliance for Research and Engagement

Twenty Survey Administrators for a Neighborhood Health Data Collection are needed September-November 2009 to collect health data from a cohort of 1400 New Haven residents in six neighborhoods: Dixwell, Fair Haven, Hill North, Newhallville, West River/Dwight and West Rock. Schedule/hours: Sept. 29-Nov.24, M-Th, 3-8pm /Sat., 11am-6pm.

Skills needed:
Ability to work in an urban environment and with diverse populations; familiarity with New Haven 's six targeted neighborhoods; excellent verbal communication skills; knowledge of various computer programs; valid CT driver's license with available transportation; 18+ years of age. Preferred: Bilingual in Spanish. $13-15 hourly.
Details: alycia.santilli@yale.edu or 203-785-7651.

Eight people needed for Student Health Data Collection in New Haven Public Schools Oct. 7-Nov. 6, 9am-4pm. CARE will be collecting health data from a cohort of 1700 5th and 6th grade students in 12 New Haven public schools through surveys and physical measures each October for three years.

Must be 18+ years of age, have reliable transportation, work well with children, and be available for the entire 4 weeks. Preferred: Experience with taking vital signs and/or Excel.
$12 hr. Contact Sue Peters at smpeters@snet.net or 203-530-4634 before Aug. 31 .

Leadership Center application deadline extended to August 28

The GNH Chamber of Commerce is recruiting for the Leadership Class of 2010 and the Executive Orientation Class of 2009. Visit http://www.gnhcc.com/chamber/?id=4 or email pscussel@gnhcc.com for details.

P/T work with New Haven Middle Schoolers

P/t facilitators needed to work with urban middle school youth in New Haven for the 2009-10 school year. Facilitators deliver the MAAX curriculum, an early college awareness and social development curriculum. Experience working with youth is required. $17/hour. Details: www.theMAAX.org.

CT Tax Free Week (for clothing and shoes under $300) now through Aug. 22

Foundation Center posts Aug. 14 RFPs

Arts and Culture
Applications Invited for Arts Presenters/MetLife Arts Access Award. Awards of up to $10,000 will be given to organizations working to increase access to the performing arts and other cultural experiences for the disabled or underserved communities....
Deadline: September 15

Getty Conservation Institute Offers Conservation Guest Scholar Program. Stipends up to $31,500 will be awarded to conservators, scientists, and professionals working on projects related to visual arts in residence at the Getty Center.... Deadline: November 1

French-American Jazz Exchange Offers Support for Collaborative Projects. Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to French and American jazz artists collaborating on composition, touring, recording, and audience-development activities with a public performance component....Deadline: October 23

Children and Youth
UnitedHealth Group Offering Grants to Help Combat Childhood Obesity. Grants of up to $1000 will be awarded to young people working with educators and other youth leaders to create local hands-on programs that address the issue of childhood obesity in their communities....Deadline: October 22

Civil and Human Rights
Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards to Honor Works for Addressing Racism and Diversity. One award will be given for a work of fiction or poetry and another for nonfiction, biography, or scholarly research that contributes to the understanding of racism and/or the appreciation of cultural diversity....Deadline: December 31

Disabilities
American Airlines and American Association of People With Disabilities Announce Altitude Award Program. Recognition and free advertising onboard American Airlines planes will be given to companies and advertisers whose commercials showcase authentic depictions of people with disabilities in a positive and progressive light....Deadline: September 9

Education
Applications Available for 2010 Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans. Grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to resident aliens, naturalized U.S. citizens, and children of naturalized citizens undertaking graduate study in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences....Deadline: November 1

Environment
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Invites Nominations for 2010 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year Award. Individuals who have made significant volunteer contributions to the outdoors and conservation will be honored with a donation of up to $50,000 to the conservation organization of their choice....Deadline: August 26

Medical Research
National Organization for Hearing Research Foundation Accepting Grant Applications.Grants of $20,000 will be awarded to individuals researching the causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of hearing loss; grants of $50,000 will be awarded for research of hearing loss stemming from a disruption of lateral wall homeostasis....Deadline: October 9

Public Affairs
Nominations of Illinois Government Employees Sought for 18th Annual Excellence in Public Service Award. The award honors a non-elected state or local government employee who has brought quality management, leadership, and innovation to government service in Illinois....Deadline: August 31

Religion
Jews United for Justice Announces Jeremiah Fellowships. The fellowships will provide nine months of leadership and development training, networking, community-building activities, and study of Jewish history and tradition to individuals between the ages of 25 and 35....
Deadline: September 8

Women
Applications Available for AAUW Community Action Grants. Grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to individuals, AAUW branches, AAUW state organizations, and well as local community-based nonprofits working to promote education and equity for women and girls....Deadline: January 15

Hartford United Way seeks Senior Communications Specialist

New Position, responsible for development of effective partnerships in support of United Way community goals, including volunteer engagement and support for programs and initiatives that change community conditions and improve lives. Specific focus will be on assigned geographic areas and issues such as financial stability for families and/or safety net support services.

Requires Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field, plus 5 years nonprofit experience; Masters degree preferred. Strong communications and organizational skills; planning, analytical, research, community organizing and facilitation skills. Experience or working knowledge of early childhood education/school readiness- and/or family financial stability. Ability to plan, organize and conduct effective presentations to convey ideas and concepts to groups. Experience in the North Central region of UWCNCT’s service area preferred. Must have computer experience with MS Office, valid CT Driver’s License, reliable transportation. Send resume to careers@unitedwayinc.org or fax to 860-727-1057.

Rachael Ray Launches $200K Pet Charity Contest

Ray and a panel of animal-lovers including Kathy Griffin and Beth Ostrosky will choose 64 dedicated pet charities to participate in the contest, which will distribute $200,000 to numerous groups. Rescue agencies will be chosen from online submissions through September 30. Read more at http://www.rachaelray.com/pets/muttmadness/application.php

WPKN-FM to hold art benefit sale during Open Studios

WPKN ArtFest 2009 takes place with music and live broadcasts during New Haven's Open Studios, hosted by Artspace Oct. 3- 4 at Erector Square.

Call for artists! To donate one of your works to this WPKN benefit sale: wpknartfest@earthlink.net by August 15. Describe your work and send an image if possible. One work per artist. Let them know if you can volunteer some of your time during the event. Contact Valerie Richardson at (203) 287-1751.

Educators can apply for up to $800 to fund field trips.

Target grants are open to education professionals who are at least 18 years old and employed by an accredited K-12 public, private, or charter school in the US that maintains 501(c)(3) or 509(a)(1) tax-exempt status. Educators, teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, or classified staff of these institutions must be willing to plan and execute a field trip that will provide a demonstrable learning experience for students. Grant funds may be used for visits to art, science, and cultural museums; community service or civics projects; career enrichment opportunities; etc. Funds may also be used to cover field trip-related costs such as transportation, ticket fees, resource materials, and supplies. Grants will be awarded in Feb.2010. Apply now through Nov. 3:
http://sites.target.com/site/en/company/page.jsp?contentId=WCMP04-031880

Quinnipiac University's 26th Annual Career Fair Nov. 4

10am–11pm–Booth/Table Set Up in the Recreation Center
11am–3pm–Career Fair (11-noon Senior Hour)
11am–1pm–complimentary lunch

Quinnipiac has an undergraduate population of approx. 5500 students and a graduate population of 2000+, and they are all invited to the Career Fair: seniors, to investigate professional employment opportunities; juniors, to look for internships and establish contact with employer representatives; and freshmen/sophomores to seek summer/pt experiences.

There is no fee to attend the Career Fair.

Your free registration includes: one six-foot table with tablecloth and two chairs (electricity may be requested but is not guaranteed); lunch; listing in the Career Fair Program and Quinnipiac's Career Services webpage.

Register by Wednesday, Oct. 28 at http://www.quinnipiac.edu/other/careerfair/login-qu.asp
Username: CareerFairPassword: QUCF9
(You need to create a new password; last year's data is invalid)

Details: Jill Ferrall (203) 582-3655.

Connecticut Technology Council hosts two events this fall:

September 17, 4:30-7:30pm: 2009--Cantor Colburn Innovation Pipeline Awards, at Omni New Haven, recognizing emerging technology companies with outstanding product or service in beta or available in the marketplace. Over 70 companies featured in a mini trade show or poster fair (space still available). Eight categories, from Most Promising New Software Product to Most Promising New Green Tech Company. $50/$55
Register here for 2009 Cantor Colburn Innovation Pipeline Awards

October 22 , 5-8pm--2009 UHY LLP Tech Top 40, at Chevrolet Theater, Wallingford. Recognizes CT’s fastest growing technology companies on the basis of revenue growth, with mini-trade show and awards program, buffet dinner. $95 members/$125 non-members. Register here for 2009 UHY LLP Tech Top 40

Pet Insurance discounted through Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Insurance Trust has long provided discounted insurance packages to members of CT Chambers of Commerce, and now insurance for our pets has become a little more affordable. The Chamber Pet Advantage plan (www.chamberpets.com) offers a 5% discount, is underwritten by Aetna and administered by Pets Best Insurance.

Remember: if your company or organization is a Chamber member, that makes you one, too.

Jobs at Northeast Utilities

Positions open: Manager, Meter Planning; Real Estate Analyst; Senior Leadership Development Consultant; Staff Accountant II; Tax Manager; Training Manager; Working Foreman/System Electrician.

For more information visit www.jobcentral.org/ct. Search under company name, Northeast Utilities. Positions are indexed/linked to company’s website. Visit NU’s website to apply on-line at www.nu.com and reference how you were referred.

Foundation Center posts Aug. 7 RFPs

Arts and Culture
Applications Invited for Scholastic Library Publishing National Library Week GrantA grant of $3,000 will be awarded to a library in the United States running the best public awareness campaign in conjunction with National Library Week 2010.... Deadline: October 16

Civil and Human Rights
W.K. Kellogg Foundation Announces Community-Based Racial Healing Request for ProposalsGrants of up to $400,000 will be awarded to community-based nonprofits working to promote racial healing and equity for vulnerable and marginalized children....Deadline: September 30

Education
Applications Invited for Target Field Trip Grants ProgramGrants of up to $800 will be awarded to K-12 education professionals conducting art, science, and cultural field trips, community service or civics projects, career enrichment opportunities, and other events or activities away from the school....Deadline: November 3

Health
Ashoka's Changemakers Launches Rethinking Mental Health CompetitionThe online open-source competition invites entries featuring innovations that allow individuals, families, communities, and society to move beyond social stigmas surrounding serious mental illness; awards of $5,000 will be given to three individuals....Deadline: October 14

Human Services
Nominations of Innovative Domestic Violence Programs Invited for Mary Byron Project Celebrating Solutions Awards ProgramAwards of $10,000 will be awarded to nonprofits and U.S. government agencies working to break the cycle of domestic violence through programs that can serve as nationwide models....Deadline: November 17

International Affairs/Development
Entries Invited for Lemelson-MIT Award for SustainabilityAn award of $100,000 will be given to U.S. citizens or foreign nationals who have created or redesigned a product, process, or material that improves quality of life pertaining to the ecosystem or human environment as a whole....Deadline: October 6

Medical Research
Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation Announces New Request for ProposalsProposals are sought from individuals, organizations in the academic, pharmaceutical, NGO and biotech spheres, and consortia to help the foundation strategically plan for introduction of recombinant BCG and boosting vaccines in high-burden countries....Deadline: August 24
Octapharma Accepting Applications for Research Grants on Immunotherapy, Coagulation Disorders, and Critical CareGrants will be awarded to U.S.-based researchers working to improve patient care, management of disease, and improvement in patient safety and population health related to human protein therapies....Deadline: Open
ASCO Cancer Foundation Announces Grants Opportunities for 2010Three-year grants of up to $1.5 million will be awarded to researchers transitioning into faculty appointments who are investigating sarcoma, researching breast cancer care, or working to establish independent clinical cancer research programs....Deadline: Various

Public Affairs
Open Society Institute Seeks Applications for Soros Justice FellowshipsStipends of up to $105,000 will be given to individuals working to initiate policy advocacy projects at the local, state, and national levels that promise measurable impact on one or more of OSI's criminal justice priorities....Deadline: October 14

Yale's Slifka Center for Jewish Life seeks Controller

Controller manages the finances of this nonprofit institution, directing budget and cost controls, managing general ledger accounts, year-end audits, accounts payable and receivable, payroll and benefits. Also supervises staff. Qualifications: bachelor’s degree, 5-10 years experience in a nonprofit office, experience with Raiser’s Edge, supervisory experience; excellent communications, analytical and problem solving skills; knowledge of GAAP standards.
Salary commensurate with experience. Please submit cover letter in same document as resume to Rabbi Lina Zerbarini, Director of Operations at rabbi.lina@yale.edu.

Quicken Available at TechSoup

If your nonprofit organization provides financial literacy or small business development trainings, Intuit offers bulk quantities of Quicken software at reduced admin fees at TechSoup.
You will not only receive Quicken software for your trainings, you can also provide each of your clients with a copy for their personal use.

Qualifying organizations may request as many bundles as they need to support their training programs. Requests are fulfilled while supplies last. Three different versions of Quicken are available in bundles of 25 or 100 units:Quicken Starter Edition 2008 (Admin fee $50 for 25 units, $120 for 100 units) Quicken Premier 2008 (Admin fee $90 for 25 units, $250 for 100 units) QuickBooks Simple Start 2008 + Learning Accounting Essentials (Admin fee $199 for 25 units, $399 for 100 units).

Learn more about these titles and eligibility through TechSoup (www.techsoup.org).

Donate backpacks to Columbus House

For a homeless person, a backpack in good shape could mean not having to walk into a job interview with grocery bags in tow. It could mean staying safe in hot weather by carrying extra water, bug spray and suncreen. It could mean having an extra sweater, blanket and pair of socks when the weather is cold. To donate a new or used backpack in good condition, contact Columbus House: swarfield@columbushouse.org or (203) 401-4400 x116.

Nursing scholarship at Gateway

The 2009 graduating class of Gateway Community College’s nursing program has established a scholarship for future nursing students who are also single parents. Starting this fall, a scholarship of up to $500 will be available to nursing students who are also a single parent, have custody of at least one child under the age of 18, and have completed at least one semester with a GPA of at least 2.7.

Details: 203-285-2065 or askratt@gwcc.commnet.edu

American Girl Doll Fashion Shows to benefit Branford Library

The American Girl Foundation and Blackstone Library in Branford are partnering to benefit the library’s literacy programs. Young fans of American Girl dolls are invited to a casting call on August 9, noon to 2pm, at The Jewish Community Center in Woodbridge to model in upcoming American Girl fashion shows Oct. 17 and 18 at Omni New Haven. Teenage girls will also be cast as moderators for the shows. Audition fee of $25 per girl/$40 for two or more siblings will be donated to the library (scholarships are available).

For more information about the casting calls, the fashion shows, or volunteering, contact Kate Hosfelt at 203-488-1441 (x 313) or visit www.uwgnh.org/americangirl.

New Haven Back-to-School Drive Aug. 3-19

Donations of new backpacks and school supplies for New Haven elementary, middle and high school students are being collected at the Literacy Resource Center, 4 Science Park (rear, first floor).

Call Debra Hauser (203-996-9713) or Literacy Volunteers (865-3867) for more information.

Dispose of Your Household Chemicals and Pesticides at Regional Water Authority Through Oct. 31

Remember that hazardous waste is accepted at the Regional Water Authority, 90 Sargent Dr., New Haven, every Saturday morning 9am -noon, through Oct. 31. Visit http://www.rwater.com/ for guidelines.

Foundation Center posts July 31 RFPs

Aging

Borchard Foundation Center on Law & Aging Invites Proposals for Academic Research Grant Program. Grants of $20,000 will be awarded to legal, health sciences, social sciences, and gerontology scholars and professionals working on research with the potential to improve quality of life for the elderly.... Deadline: September 30, 2009

Nominations Open for the 2010 Purpose Prize Honoring Older Social Innovators. Five awards of $100,000 each will be given to people over the age of 60 working in a leadership capacity to address societal challenges in the United States or abroad.... Deadline: March 5, 2010

Arts and Culture

Stage Director and Choreographers Foundation Invites Applications for Observership Program. Twenty-five early career directors and choreographers will gain the opportunity to observe professionals in the field as they create new productions in New York City and at regional theaters.... Deadline: August 17

Guidelines Announced for American Heritage Preservation Grants. The program funds the preservation of endangered and fragile artistic, literary, scientific, and historical works and provides grants of up to $3,000 to libraries, museums, and archival collections for conservation projects....Deadline: September 15

National Museum of the American Indian Offers the Visiting Indigenous Professional Program. The program will provide hands-on training in various disciplines at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., to individuals working in Native museums and cultural centers....Deadline: September 15 and March 15, annually

Johnson & Johnson/Society for the Arts in Healthcare Grant Funds Available for Arts in Healthcare Programs. A total of $60,000 will be awarded to nonprofits and government agencies that are members of the Society for the Arts in Healthcare and whose arts in healthcare programs show evidence of initial impact....Deadline: October 15 (Letter of Inquiry)

Athletics/Sports

Bikes Belong Offers Funding for Bicycle Advocacy and Facilities Programs. Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to organizations and government agencies across the United States working to improve bike paths and facilities or whose primary mission is bicycle advocacy....Deadline: Quarterly

Community Improvement/Development

Entries Sought for 14th Annual MetLife Foundation Awards for Excellence in Affordable Housing. Grants of $50,000 will be awarded to nonprofits and tribes/tribally-designated entities working to increase affordable independent housing for seniors and environmentally responsive housing in their communities....Deadline: August 14

Environment

Proposals Sought for National Wildlife Refuge Friends Group Grant Program. Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to nonprofits working to increase wildlife refuge co-stewardship, especially if their programs reach new audiences or provide wildlife-dependent recreational activities.... Deadline: September 4

International Affairs/Development

Social Equity Venture Fund Announces Second Annual Open Enterprise Solutions to Poverty Request for Proposals. Two grants of up to $100,000 will be awarded for research in economics, government policy, or business strategy that bears directly on the potential of enterprise-based solutions to poverty.... Deadline: October 15 (Initial Proposals)

Science/Technology

Nominations Open for Inaugural Award Recognizing Scientific Entrepreneurs. An award of $10,000 will be given to a scientific researcher who has successfully commercialized his or her discoveries through entrepreneurship; an award of $25,000 will be given to a promising postdoctoral entrepreneur.... Deadline: November 2