Shirely Carter
sjcartermal@comcast.net
Greetings Members of the Sensational South Central Region:
I am very excited to serve as your South Central Regional Member-At-Large.
The mission of the Jack and Jill of America Foundation is to provide financial support to organizations that promote leadership development for children, youth and young adults. The Foundation envisions itself in collaboration with the community service agenda of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and assists our chapters in fulfilling their philanthropic aims.
Foundation is about giving! The Foundation could not exist without the support of the chapters. Therefore, our bylaws require each chapter to contribute 1/3 of the chapter’s fundraising proceeds (mothers, teens and associates) to the Foundation. However, monies contributed to Foundation are funneled back into the community by the process of submitting grant proposals.
My primary focus will be four areas; Grants, Loose Change Campaign, Fundraising and Community Service.
GRANTS
The Foundation directs the majority of its funds to youth through chapter or community-based awards. It has five award categories:
National Foundation Project
Donates funds to projects that have a community-wide focus. This project is initiated by the Foundation to address an issue of particular concern of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Projects may be funded up to three consecutive years. The goal is to encourage participation from all seven (7) regions on a rotational basis. Grand awards vary and cannot exceed $40,000.
Independent Grant
Funds community-supported projects of nonprofit organizations around the world. This initiative must demonstrate community support by securing additional funds for execution of the project. Grant is normally $5,000. This grant is open to 501(c )3, 501(c)4 and Jack and Jill chapters.
Due December 1, 2007 to Foundation HQs
Jacqueline Robinson Regional Competition Award
Responds to regionally selected chapters of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. that serve community projects. Typical award is $3,000. This grant is open to Jack and Jill chapters, mothers and teen groups.
Due December 1, 2007 to Regional MAL
Violet D. Greer Teens-Associates Award
Supports programs that teens or associate members of a chapter believe promote and enhance the development of youth leadership skills. Award does not exceed $2,500. This grant is open to Jack and Jill teens and associate groups.
Due December 1, 1007 to Foundation HQs
Special Projects
Distributes funds directly to chapters or regions for special projects based on the Foundation’s programmatic emphasis at the time of the request. Amount of award varies. By invitation only.
Congratulations are in order for the following 2007 Projects within the South Central Region:
Jacqueline Robinson Regional Competition Proposals
Building Tomorrows Leaders/Practice the Present
Dallas Chapter
Special Projects
Teen Conference Community Service Project
South Central Region
The Tom Joyner Foundation
Dallas, Texas
New Orleans Public Libraries
New Orleans, Louisiana
LOOSE CHANGE CAMPAIGN (2-12 years)
This is a worthwhile program that teaches our children the value of helping others through philanthropy and the rewards of charitable giving. Over the last two years, the Loose Change Campaign has generated over $10,000 to support the New Orleans Public Library. The funds are used to restore and purchase much needed children’s books for the library. The campaign runs from November 1, 2007 until March 31, 2008. Children ages 2-12 can begin collecting and/or saving their loose change in piggy banks or other decorative containers; shoe boxes, milk jugs. Recognition will take place at the Children’s Clusters.
FUNDRAISING (Mothers, Teens, Associates)
Fundraising is limited to those activities that advance the philanthropic goals of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Chapters should avoid any fundraising activities, or the appearance of fundraising activities that jeopardize the public charity status of Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc. Please refer to the Fundraising Code and Guidelines for more information. Fundraising can also:
- Provide camaraderie - chapter bonding
- Generate support and promote the work of the organization
- Be a great way to network and socialize
- Provide personal satisfaction
- Help the organization to increase its resources and continue its mission
Several best practices include luncheon/fashion shows, golf tournaments, themed galas, car washes, garage sales, ski trips.
COMMUNITY SERVICE (Mothers, Teens, Children, Associates)
We define community as “a group of people who reside in a specific locality, sharing common interests or common heritage”.
This initiative is a great opportunity to give back to the community in which we live. Identify a need or an opportunity within the community that we can get our members, teens, children and associates involved in. Please encourage everyone to participate in as many “hands-on” community service activities as possible. It is an excellent character-building tool as well as marketing exposure for our organization while at the same time earning community service hours.
Several best practices include food drives, visiting nursing homes, collecting toys and new or gently used coats/jackets, etc.
I encourage you to continue to support the Foundation. It is such a rewarding and gratifying feeling to know that you have helped someone.
I invite you to visit the Foundation’s website at www.jackandjillfoundation.org for more information regarding the efforts of the Foundation.
In the Spirit of Giving,
Shirley J. Mathis Carter