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Non-Profits Learn How to Apply for Stimulus Funds

March 25, 2009 — More than 150 people from non-profit organizations attended a meeting Wednesday to find out how to get their piece of the pie from the Virgin Islands' share of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
The Department of Human Services (DHS) hosted the meeting at the St. Croix campus of the University of the Virgin Islands to make sure non-profit organizations are aware of stimulus opportunities that could benefit them and how they should go about applying for the funds.
"I heard about the meeting and figured there was bound to be a lot of information — I don't want to miss anything available to us," said Linda Duggan, assistant director of development at Country Day School. "I found out I need to go to websites, do research and see what to go after."
One official advised non-profits to start applying for the funds as early as possible.
"From the moment the stimulus act took affect we knew it was important to include non-profits in the conversations and how to point them in the right directions," said Chris Finch, commissioner of the Department of Human Services. "We want to make sure we don't miss any of the deadlines and know what is available."
Gov. John deJongh Jr. said he believes the stimulus will close gaps and provide new opportunities for the territory.
"Creativity and entrepreneurship exists in you — the non-profits," he said. "This is your opportunity to access funds."
Attorney Peter N. Hiebert, legal counsel to deJongh in Washington, D.C., gave an overview of the Virgin Islands' share of ARRA and the dollar amounts going to each governmental department. He told attendees the funds won't solve all the problems, but they may ease the suffering and the territory may emerge stronger than before with the foundation for future growth.
Non-profits can apply for grants directly through federal agencies and sub grants through competitive grants, Hiebert said. Each federal agency should have its own site specific to the stimulus bill, he said. Non-profit agencies must first register at grants.gov, a clearing house for civilian grants that give agency contacts and deadlines. Hiebert anticipates a large number of filings, "so remember: The early bird gets the worm." It will take hard work, early preparation and tenacity to take advantage of the act, he said.
Julio A. Francis, director of administration and finance for the Public Finance Authority and the director of the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO), also spoke to the crowd gathered at the Great Hall. The main purpose of the OEO, a new office created by the governor, is to report and track all funds received in the territory. OEO maintains accountability and reporting of funds received, monitors projects and programs, and reviews documents and applications.
Karl Knight, policy advisor to the governor, spoke on behalf of the V.I. Energy Office about the weatherization assistance program, state energy program, energy efficiency and renewable energy grants. Meridith Nielsen, drug policy advisor to deJongh, said he wants to see a lot of applications for after-school programs.
"To write a grant you must be able to write a paragraph and string them together, follow instructions and make sense," Finch said.
The speakers answered questions after the presentations, and representatives from numerous programs in DHS were available to give assistance.
"I finally understand the stimulus package locally so we can see how to strengthen the community," said Sandra Phaire, representing V.I. Community Aids Resource and Education (VICARE) and V.I. Parents Uniting Schools and Home (VIPUSH).
Brian J.G. Lachance, chief of staff United Way of America out of Virginia, gave tips on the best practices of governance and how to put together the best board of directors. He also spoke about the working dynamics between boards and paid staff.
Attorney Tom Bolt, president of V.I. Habitat for Humanity and head of the advisory board of the V.I. Salvation Army, spoke about how to get boards on a firm foundation. He went on to tell about the legal duties of a non-profit's board of directors and their bylaws. He also gave tips on setting up and maintaining boards.
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