Education Assistance

Scholarship Search Engines
6/12
www.scholarshipcoach.com
www.fastweb.com
www.collegeanswer.com

6/12 Saving For College
www.savingforcollege.com/intro_to_529s/
www.collegeboard.com - cost of colleges
www.FinAid.org - calculate your financial need for college

High School Students
6/12 www.womansday.com/hunt Paying for College Action Pack - good until July 1 (free DL)
Youth Entrepreneurship Training Program - LA
Chazen Scholarship
http://www.chazenscholar.com/project.php3 - Deadline 5/31
1/12 - Article on Getting the Most College Financial Aid
http://katrinanetworking.blogspot.com/2007/01/college-financial-aid.html
The Youth Service America/Youth Venture Program is a joint partnership between Youth Service America ( http://www.ysa.org/ ) and Youth Venture, Inc. ( http://www.youthventure.org/ ) that helps youth engage in community service and develop as young social entrepreneurs.
YSA Youth Venture helps make every day National & Global Youth Service Day ( http://www.gysd.org/ ) by providing funding and support to young people (ages 12-20) across the United States who want to create new, sustainable, civic-minded organizations, clubs, or businesses called Ventures. Ventures must be youth-led and designed to be a lasting, sustainable asset to the community; and be a new organization or a new program within an existing organization. Ventures can be school-based clubs, community organizations, or for-profit or nonprofit businesses.
YSA Youth Venture teams are required to plan a National & Global Youth Service Day project every year that their Venture is operational. The YSA Youth Venture Program provides a variety of resources, including a national network of like-minded young people, media opportunities, technical support, helpful toolkits, and workshops as well as seed money grants of up to $1,000 each for start-up expenses. The YSA Youth Venture opportunity is open to individuals who are legal residents of the United States or U.S. territory, district, or property, and between the ages of 12 and 20 years at time of entry.
Proposals must be submitted using the YSA Youth Venture Action Plan format.
Visit the Youth Venture Web site for complete program information and application materials. http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10005294/youthventure
11/29 Computers
WELCOME TO STUDENT PC'S AN AWARD WINNING PROGRAM WHERE OUR MOTTO IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE ONE GIFT AT A TIME!We at Student Pc's repair, and recondition used computers. We also build new systems as needed for the handicapped children of the Continental USA.Our Program is small and growing. This is not a site to purchase computers or components. We do not charge for our services. Through donations of components and purchasing needed items, we provide computers built to the needs of a child that has limited resources to obtain a computer. http://studentpcsonline.com/
Tuition Assistance For Fishermen's Children http://www.cfafish.org/
Father Sinclair Oubre, J.C.L., aosusa@sbcglobal.net (409) 982-5111.
Student Scholarship (not just for AL)
Incoming high school seniors are encouraged to visit www.horatioalger.org and apply for a Horatio Alger Scholarship. These scholarships recognize adversity and need above all other criteria. Applying for the scholarship requires no cost or future obligation. Those young people who have been adversely affected by last year's hurricanes are especially encouraged to apply.
The Horatio Alger Alabama Scholarship is an honor that will provide inspiration to young people to continue to aspire for their goals and tangible assistance in the form of a significant financialcontribution toward college tuition and fees. Many colleges and universities match the Horatio Alger Scholarship with grants to further help reduce the cost of college education. The scholarship puts recipients in the company of other young people like themselves that refuse to allow circumstances to limit their aspirations.
Applications can be completed on-line at www.horatioalger.org/scholarships. The applications require the completion of biographical, academic and financial information. Each applicant is asked to describe the adversities that they have faced or are facing.
American Academy of Allergy
http://www.aaaai.org/members/associates/asthmascholarship/default.stm
Associates to the American Academy of Allergy present at least 18 Award of Excellence Asthma Scholarships to graduating high school seniors with asthma. Scholarship monies may be used or applied only to pay for tuition, books and fees for a bona fide course of instruction at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university or accredited technical or vocational college or school
American Council of the Blind
http://www.acb.org/
Deadline: March 1
Student must be legally blind and a U.S. citizen or resident alien. Approximately twelve scholarships are awarded per year ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 each.

Adult Financial Aid
6/12 Community College Information/Locator
www.aacc.nche.edu
6/12 College Level Exam Program (CLEP) http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html

For Both Teen and Adult Scholarship Site

6/12 Back to College - adult site www.back2college.com

Article on getting the MOST college financial aid

Raise the Nation Foundation From Marlene
Scholarship For Continuing Education
http://www.raisethenation.org/RTNLibrary/RTNGrants.html
This scholarship is available to single parent women who would like to go to school or continue with their education, but have been denied sufficient resources. Many single parent women are denied educational grants and assistance unless they are living in crisis and poverty and are instead forced to borrow money for tuition and living expenses, which is very difficult to repay based on the national earning average of $24,000 a year - even with an education. We recognize single parent women who want to raise their standard of living and that of their children by continuing education and advancing their careers.
Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST)
http://www.executivewomen.org/ScriptContent/scholarships/asist.cfm
Executive Women International has a chapter in the Detroit/Windsor Area. Offer a scholarship for adult students at transitional points in their lives. Applicants may be single parents, individuals just entering the workforce, or displaced homemakers.
American Legion Auxiliary Nontraditional Student Scholarship
http://legion-aux.org/scholarships/docs/nontradsch.html
Deadline: March 10Applicant must be a dependent or descendant of a veteran as well as a non-traditional student (1) returning to the classroom after some period of time in which his/her formal education was interrupted, (2) a student over the age of twenty-two attending college for the first time pursuing a degree, or (3) a student over the age of twenty-two attending a vocational or trade school.
Raise the Nation Foundation
Community Service-Based Grant For Student Loan Repayment
http://www.raisethenation.org/RTNLibrary/RTNGrants.html
This grant is awarded to professional single parent women with outstanding student loan debt who contribute to their community through volunteer work. We honor women who volunteer in their community. Student loan repayment grants are available to women who volunteer their professional talents for an average of 8 hours a month, for a period of time to be determined by the amount of their student loan debt. We recognize that women who are in the helping or teaching professions already contribute to their communities, therefore, no further volunteer work is required to qualify.

Scholarship For Continuing Education
http://www.raisethenation.org/RTNLibrary/RTNGrants.html
This scholarship is available to single parent women who would like to go to school or continue with their education, but have been denied sufficient resources. Many single parent women are denied educational grants and assistance unless they are living in crisis and poverty and are instead forced to borrow money for tuition and living expenses, which is very difficult to re-pay based on the national earning average of $24,000 a year - even with an education. We recognize single parent women who want to raise their standard of living and that of their children by continuing education and advancing their careers.

Other Resource Pages
Businesses
Children/Childcare
Dental
Disabled
Education Assistance Elderly
Emotional Resources
Family Resources
Furniture and More
Grandfamily/Single Parent ResourcesGrants for Individuals - does not include homeowner or repair grants
Home/Utility LA Family Resources
Medical ResourcesMortgage Resources

Resources IV - Business

Tax Information - new dates!
http://katrinanetworking.blogspot.com/2006/09/katrina-tax-relief.html
Updated in July with new deadline dates.
More tax information on the Family resource page - listed at bottom

Information and Development
3/25 Starting a Business
12/3 Re: Insurance Premium Hikes
Website to Help Entrepreneurs
Recovering Vital Documents
To learn more about the Hurricane fraud unit, or to file a complaint call 1-800-956-1846.
8/21 - MS Fraud Unit
Setting Up Your Website and Web Publishing
Alan has put together an incredible resource for NOLA. The great part is, all of his work can be applied to Hancock County and other areas as well. Please look.
Preparing for Disasters
A compilation of sites with upcoming suggestions from others who have lived it.
Working With The Government 1-888-4USADOC
Website made just for small businesses who wish to get government contracts during the rebuilding process.
Building in a Box
Will possibly work with you in designing a building to fit your needs. Will send it pre-cut for you to assemble.

Funding Opportunities
Possible Grants for Fishermen and Farmers
Farm Aid - FarmHelp@FarmAid.org
1-800-FARMAID
MS Extension Service
For timber, farmer and citizen
Farm Assistance Money
A list of counties eligible for this assistance.
Economic Development Disaster Relief Grants
Federal Home Loan Bank/ 800-362-2944
Power of Hope Grant 888-355-8168 or 601-397-2865
Emergency Farm Loans MS - 601-965-4300
State Sponsored Bridge Loans (MS) 800-360-3323
View For Other Small Funding Possibilities

LA Business Assistance Information
Visit www.katrina.louisiana.gov/bus_construction.htm
· www.ledforward.louisiana.gov
· The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, www.labi.org - to help LA employers hire workers who evacuated to Texas and wish to return home.

Help for Employers
· Businesses looking to hire people dislocated by Hurricane Katrina can call the Louisiana Department of Labor toll-free at (800)481-6762 from 8 AM to 5 PM. Employers should provide company contact information and specifics about the type of employment being offered. Businesses can also visit the Labor Department's Web site at www.laworks.net
· Employers affected by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita need to contact the unemployment insurance division at the Louisiana Department of Labor if they have changed their addresses or closed their businesses. Employers who cannot comply their quarterly reports based on actual records are asked to file a report based on a reasonable estimation of wages. For help, employers should call (800)408-9762.
· The U.S. Small Business Administration is running a Gulf Coast Business Matchmaking service designed to ensure that small businesses get a share of the hurricane recovery contracts. To register for this service visit www.ccr.gov.
· Jefferson Parish has opened two business recovery centers staffed by representatives from the Small Business Administration, Small Business Developement Centers, certified public accountants, the State Insurance Commission, and more. The center locations are:
Torah Day School 5210 West Esplanade Ave., Metairie - Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM.
JEDCO West Office Marrero Land Office Building 5201 West Bank Expressway, Marrero - Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM.
· Businesses wanting to learn about disaster relief contracts with FEMA can go to www.dhs.gov/openforbusiness
Are You Trying To Rebuild Your Business Back in New Orleans?
If you are trying to rebuild your business in New Orleans, we can help. We provide Small Businesses with Large Business Solutions. From small business loans to tax assistance we provide your business with the tools to move forward.
www.smithbizdevelopers.com
call 504-329-5222

http://www.louisianaforward.com/
Incentive programs available to Louisiana businesses and entrepreneurs

Other Resource Pages
Businesses
Children/Childcare
Dental
Disabled
Education Assistance Elderly
Emotional Resources
Family Resources
Furniture and More
Grandfamily/Single Parent ResourcesGrants for Individuals - does not include homeowner or repair grants
Home/Utility LA Family Resources
Medical ResourcesMortgage Resources

Single Parent Grandfamily Resources

Grandparents Raising Their Grandchildren
GrandFamily Information From AARP
3/14/07 GrandFamily Public Benefits
Raising Your Grandchildren
3/25 Finding a Job As a Grandparent

All Single Parents
Single Mothers Org - I'm not sure what this might have to offer
Single Moms Org - Very generic Information
Childcare Info Online - good resources here
2/2 - another good resource for Child Care Assistance - all states - 800-616-2242

Forwarded from Project Katrina:
Child Support Enforcement Hotline…………….(877) 696-6775
For single moms due support, the US Department of Health and Human Services will send them a free handbook complete with excellent advice and all their local contact numbers for help.
Child-Care Subsidy Hotline………………………(800) 424-2246
When daycare costs are too high, there is help. The National Association of Child Care Resources is a federally funded agency. They provide helpful information about assistance in your client’s local area. They will help your caller find all options for child care payment assistance program.

Rental Assistance
If you were HUD, Section 8, etc., you're qualified for 18 months of 100% rental assistance.
HUD Rental Assistance
You can also appeal for more assistance from FEMA
Will FEMA provide additional rental assistance beyond the initial assistance period if I still cannot return to my home?
Rental assistance can be provided for a period of up to 18 months while you are working to accomplish your permanent housing plan. To make an initial request for additional rental assistance, send a letter explaining your continuing need and provide rent receipts or other documents to show you have exhausted your initial rental assistance.
FEMA FAQS

Infant Resources
Growing Families
is a 501(c)3 charity organized to take care of sick and needy babies and their families; and in cases of crisis, to help where help is needed

Newborns In Need

Enfamil Formula Club

Bright Beginning Formula Club

Similac Formula Club

Carnation Formula Club

Free Child Safety Seats
There are hospitals that give out free child safety seats as you leave with your new baby, with no questions asked and no income requirements. Local police and fire departments inspect child safety seats to see that they are in proper order and properly installed, and sometimes provide freeseats to those whose current equipment is not considered safe. Local organizations, like the Easter Seals Society were part of a federal program that gives out millions of dollars worth of free seats because of a settlementthe U.S. Department of Transportation made with General Motors. Other groups will lend you a seat for as little as $5.
To find a program near you, contact your local police or fire department. Or contact your state information operator listed in the Appendix and ask them for your state office for Highway Safety or Traffic Safety. These national organizations may also be able to give you a local source: National SAFEKIDS Campaign, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 1000, Washington,DC 20004; 202-626-0600
Safe Kids
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh St., SW, Washington, DC 20590; 800-424-9393;
NHTSA

Other Resource Pages
Businesses
Children/Childcare
Dental
Disabled
Education Assistance Elderly
Emotional Resources
Family Resources
Furniture and More
Grandfamily/Single Parent ResourcesGrants for Individuals - does not include homeowner or repair grants
Home/Utility LA Family Resources
Medical ResourcesMortgage Resources

Grants For Individuals

This page does not include information on grants for homebuying or repair. Visit the Mortgage and Home/Utility pages.

2/3 Grant Writing Tip Site

2/1 Grants for Women over 65
This foundation provides grants to economically disadvantaged women over the age of 65. Grants are generally awarded up to $6,000, but could be more. This is a national grant program.
Contact Sarah A. W. Devens Trust,
c/o Rice, Heard & Bigelow, Inc.,
50 Congress St., Ste. 1025,
Boston, MA 02109;
617-557-7509;
axs@riceheard.com.

For HomeOwners Grants for down payments and more

Craft Emergency Relief Fund
CERF provides immediate support to professional crafts-people suffering career-threatening emergencies, thereby helping them sustain their craftsmaking as a livelihood and, by doing so, enriching the cultural and economic vitality of communities in the United States.

Ways To Work micro grants (from Janet) Ways to Work programs provide small loans to low-income families that are commonly used for automobile purchase or repair, mortgage or housing expenses, or child care-all to help parents keep a job or stay in school. To learn more about the program requirements and how the Alliance can help qualified organizations implement Ways to Work, contact Deborah Smith at 800-221-3726, ext. 3636.

Share a Smile ShareASmile Foundation was founded in 1999 by Mark T. Hammond, president and CEO of Flagstar Bank. Mr. Hammond's goal has been to assist people directly, especially individuals whose needs fall outside the boundaries of other charitable organizations. Since its inception, the foundation has helped many individuals experiencing hardships.

Reference Guide for Grants To The Disabled
If you are an individual with a physical or other disability, and you are looking for information on grants specifically for those with disabilities, this user aid will help you in your search. We have selected a few of the most important print and electronic resources for you to begin your search.

BreadWinners Foundation The Breadwinners Foundation is a private, non-profit organization committed to strengthening the safety net for families who have tragically lost their principal breadwinner.

LGBT Family Grants

Other Resource Pages
Businesses
Children/Childcare
Dental
Disabled
Education Assistance Elderly
Emotional Resources
Family Resources
Furniture and More
Grandfamily/Single Parent ResourcesGrants for Individuals - does not include homeowner or repair grants
Home/Utility LA Family Resources
Medical ResourcesMortgage Resources

Youth Entrepreneurship Training program

Registrations due for training program

Advocate Baker - Zachary bureau
Published: Feb 11, 2007
ETHEL — The Feliciana Youth Institute is accepting registrations Feb. 12-26 for its Youth Entrepreneurship Training program to give teenagers information about starting their own small business.

The organization will offer workshops on handling personal finances, business management and planning, marketing strategies and technology.

Participants will examine industries in Louisiana, the U.S. and globally, and visit area businesses to view their operations, said Erika Roberts, a spokeswoman for Feliciana Youth Institute.

The institute, affiliated with Feliciana Family Outreach Center, offers youth leadership programs for young people 8 to 18 who are enrolled in its Monday Challenge Camp and After-School Program at 7166 La. 10, in Ethel.

Call Roberts or Tré Gradnigo at (225) 683-8270.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/5741611.html

College Financial Aid

Taken from AOL article...

1. Apply Now
Don't procrastinate. Financial aid is doled out on a first come, first served basis. So don't put off filling out those forms until after your child is already accepted into school. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/) can be submitted as early as January. Also make sure to check with the individual schools your son or daughter is applying to. They will often have additional paperwork that needs to be filled out, including the Profile (https://profileonline.collegeboard.com/index.jsp), a financial-aid application form used by many private universities. (Click here for a calculator [http://www.smartmoney.com/college/finaid/index.cfm?story=need] that will help you figure out how much aid you're entitled to.) Even if you think you won't qualify for any aid, you should fill out a FAFSA anyway. Why? Last year eight million students missed out on aid, including 1.5 million who would have qualified for Pell Grants (money that doesn't need to be repaid), simply because they didn't bother with the forms, according to the American Council on Education. Filling out the FAFSA is also the first necessary step for qualifying for many non-need based loans, such as Stafford Loans, which have lower interest rates than private loans.

2. Check With Your State
The federal government isn't the only source of aid. Individual states have deep pockets too. During 2004 to 2005 (the most recent available data), students received $7.9 billion in financial aid from state coffers, according to the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs (http://www.nassgap.org/). Grants and scholarships are available based on both need and merit. To apply, students first need to fill out a FAFSA and then follow up with the appropriate state forms. Click here to find your state's programs (http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/Programs/EROD/org_list.cfm?category_cd=SHE). More good news: Attend a school close to home and most states will offer students additional financial aid. New York State, for example, gave out $273 million in grants through its Tuition Assistance Program to residents who studied at one of New York's private institutions.

3. Beg for More
Can a piece of paper really describe your situation? Often the answer is no. If money is tighter than it appears on your FAFSA, let the decision makers know. Melissa Diana, a financial aid consultant who runs the Web site Tuition Physician (http://myoptinpage.com/?pid=1683505), recommends writing a letter to the financial aid office detailing any situation, such as a future hospital stay, which will affect your budget in the following year. Since FAFSA forms are based in part on last year's income taxes, there's no way for financial aid officers to know what expenses are headed your way. Even after you receive your financial aid letter you can still appeal your case. The schools have an incentive to give you more money once they know your child is accepted and is considering attending. Schools are particularly sensitive to parents who lost jobs or have fallen ill since filling out the FAFSA forms. While there is always the chance that the school's coffer is empty, Diana says many colleges hold a little money back in a reserve fund for just such situations. Click here for help comparing financial aid offers
(article http://www.smartmoney.com/college/finaid/index.cfm?story=offers2005).

4. Look for Scholarships
Yes, the majority of financial aid is made up of loans and grants. But don't forget about scholarships. You'd be surprised how much free money is out there for the taking. According to Sallie Mae, there is more than $15 billion available. But you'll never get any of it unless you apply. While there are plenty of online database searches students can surf, experts also recommend parents check with their employers, unions and trade organizations. Read our story for more assistance finding a scholarship. (http://www.smartmoney.com/college/investing/index.cfm?story=20020829)

5. Shop for Best Loans
Nearly half of financial aid consists of loans. Although these are guaranteed by the federal government, loan programs do vary. If parents and students aren't careful they could end up selecting a loan that costs thousands of dollars more in payments than they would otherwise have to pay, says Kalman Chany, author of 'Paying for College Without Going Broke.' Also, keep in mind that a school's preferred lender may not offer the most competitive loan, he says. Compare the loans side by side to make sure you find the best source of money. While interest rates won't vary, you can save by looking for lenders that offer discounts for on-time payments and ones that pay the government service fees for you, says Martha Holler, financial aid expert with Sallie Mae. Click here for more on student loans. (http://www.smartmoney.com/college/finaid/index.cfm?story=demyst)

Modest Needs Organization

www.ModestNeeds.org

2/8 Excerpt from Long Note!
One last note: today, by popular demand, I've posted a Blog entry that I think many of you will find especially meaningful. It's the reintroduction of our most popular column – "Profiles in Courageous Generosity." I hope you'll take just a moment to read it because this is one you really don't want to miss, particularly if you like to hear about the sacrifice of the everyday hero. It's online and available for you now at http://modestneeds.typepad.com.

12/9
Good morning, everyone!If you follow the Modest Needs blog (at http://modestneeds.typepad.com/), then you know that in Tuesday's post, I promised several electrifying announcements throughout December 2006. I'm thrilled to share the first of these announcements with you today – and it's a big one. Earlier this week, I received word that the 'matching grant' which has been doubling the value of your recurring donations to Modest Needs throughout 2006 has officially been renewed for 2007!
The terms of next year's matching grant challenge are equally exciting. Initially, the grant has been renewed for the same amount as this year's grant. It will match all recurring donations (e.g. automatic pledges) made by individual donors to Modest Needs, each time the pledge actually is paid, up to a preliminary maximum of $300,000.00 in 2007.
In other words, if you're currently pledging $1.00 a day ($30.00 a month) to Modest Needs, then that pledge will continue to be worth $60.00 a month throughout 2007 until we've claimed the entire initial value of the matching grant.
This alone is obviously fantastic news. But next year, there's an added incentive for us - and this is where things get really exciting:
If, with your help, Modest Needs grows to the point that we can claim the entire initial value of the match ($300,000.00) by the end of July 2007, the maximum value of the grant will substantially increase for the remainder of the year.
Honestly, I don't have a figure yet as to how much the value of our matching grant will increase if we meet this interim goal because this will be determined by several factors we can't predict right now – including how quickly we're able to claim the entire initial value of the matching grant itself.
However, knowing the folks who operate the private foundation that is providing this matching grant as I now do (I've been working closely with them for over a year), my 'educated guess' is this: If we meet this preliminary challenge and claim the entire $300,000.00 by 31 July 2007, the value of the matching grant probably would increase to at least half a million dollars. But one thing I know for certain: the earlier we claim the entire initial value of the grant, the larger the new value of the matching grant becomes.
Best of all, this goal of claiming the entire initial value of this matching grant in seven months is well within our reach. All it's going to take it a little bit of teamwork – and that's one area where the Modest Needs community especially excels.
So please, look for Modest Needs' annual appeal next week either by email or post – and please accept in advance my personal thanks for taking just a moment to read it.
Remember, this is just the first of several similar announcements I'll have for you this month, but in the meantime, I'm always excited to hear your thoughts. You can reach me directly either by replying to this note, or by sending mail to mailto:drkeith%40modestneeds.org. I truly value your comments, and I do my best to respond to each letter I receive personally.
As always, thank you for taking the time to read this very exciting update. Take care, and be well!
All best,Dr. Keith P. Taylor
11/24
Good morning, everyone!Before anything else, I want to thank the many hundreds of you who've written in since Saturday with kind words about our Today Show appearance last week. I have to tell you, the response we've seen since Saturday has just been phenomenal for reasons I would never have guessed – but more on that in a second.
For those of you who missed the segment and didn't mean to, I wanted to let you know that the entire Today Show piece on human kindness and 'paying it forward' is now available for you on the Modest Needs website, at http://www.modestneeds.org/explore/media I've 'You-Tubed' what turned out to be a terrific segment, so there's no downloading required – it's 'instant on' for everyone. I know you'll really enjoy it, but please don't go just yet. I have some unexpected but fantastic news to share – and that unexpected news is actually the reason for this short, impromptu update.
For some time now, we've been working with The Oregonian – the largest daily paper in the Northwest – to complete what we thought was going to be a small story on the work all of us do together at Modest Needs. As it turns out, that story ran on Saturday, 18 November – the same day that we did The Today Show. But it wasn't such a 'small story' after all. To our surprise, it turned out to be a feature. And it is, quite literally, the best piece of writing about Modest Needs since our original USA TODAY story some four years ago.
The response from people in Oregon since the publication of this story, 'Small Change: Big Difference' on Saturday has just been overwhelming. The story is so powerful that, in the space of 48 hours, Oregon has become the state with the second-largest contingent of people supporting Modest Needs (previously, Oregon was something like number 42 out of 50!)
Many of you who support Modest Needs have been asking for a solid published piece about this work that you could share with friends, family and co-workers. I'm telling you, this is the story you've been waiting for. Please take a moment to read this remarkable article – and, if you feel so inclined – to share it with persons you think might like to read it. The direct link to the article is:
http://www.oregonlive.com/search/index.ssf?/base/living/1163804120313320.xml?oregonian?lvls&coll=7&thispage=1
I'll have more news to share with you after the Thanksgiving Holiday, including a new 'Profile in Courageous Generosity' that's really going to start the holiday season off with a 'bang' at Modest Needs. But in the meantime, as we all pause to count our blessings, I want to tell each and every one of you how thankful I am to know and work with you to change the world, one family at a time. Even though I don't hear from most of you every day (or even occasionally), the Modest Needs Community has become my second family. I simply couldn't ask for a better blessing than that.Until next time, here's wishing you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.
Take care, travel safely, and be well. I look forward to hearing from some of you soon.

11/17
I'm thrilled to report that, after a four year hiatus from live television, I've been invited to reappear on The Today Show. The segment in which Modest Needs is involved will air on NBC this Saturday, November 18 in the 8:00-9:00am hour in your time zone. And this is going to be a really terrific segment if I do say so myself. Let me give you just a quick sneak preview.

Recently, The Today Show began conducting a series of experiments designed to answer a very complex question: In a world that is sometimes less kind than we'd all like for it to be, what is it that motivates people to show kindness to one another?

I can't tell you much about the experiments that The Today Show conducted without giving the whole segment away. What I can tell you is that they provide a fascinating look at the psychology behind human kindness. I've been asked to return to The Today Show to discuss the results of those experiments based on my experience as someone who daily observes through Modest Needs the altruism that so many of you demonstrate through your ongoing support of this very important work.

Believe me when I tell you that this is going to be an eye-opening look at what motivates people to reach out to one another- and why, sometimes, people elect not to reach out, even when they could. I'm truly honored to have been asked to return to The Today Show to participate in this study, and I know you'll really enjoy the segment itself. From what I've seen and heard of it already, it really is a magnificent piece of work.

And as if all of this isn't enough, you'll get to see me 'sweat it out' on live national television (a nerve-wracking experience, even at its best) with either Campbell Brown or Lester Holt (I don't yet know who I'll be speaking with.) – and in a suit yet! This will be, by the way, the only chance you will ever have to see me in a suit – at least, if I can help it.

In all seriousness, I consider it a great honor to be able to serve you as the public face of the human kindness and generosity that are the cornerstone of our work together at Modest Needs. Let's hope that I do a good job and that many more people are inspired to participate in this work once they hear a bit more about the miracles that you've made possible at Modest Needs over the past five years.

So, set your VCRs and Tivos, tell your friends, and get ready for a great time on Saturday morning! And after the segment airs, I'd really love to hear what you thought of it. As always, you can contact me directly by sending mail to drkeith@modestneeds.org I do my best to personally answer every letter that I receive.

I'll have more 'too big for the blog' news for you shortly, including a truly inspirational 'Profile in Courageous Generosity' that I've been working on for quite some time. But in the meantime, you can always see the day-to-day Modest Needs news via the Modest Needs Blog. I hope to see many of you there soon.

So until Saturday, here's wishing you and your family more health, happiness and prosperity than your lives can possibly contain. Take care, and be well!

My very best,


10/12
Good morning, everyone!

This will be the world’s shortest news update because really big news doesn’t require too many words. Get ready:

Modest Needs’ new friend, Emmy award-winning actress Allison Janney, appeared on the Ellen Degeneres Show yesterday – and while she was there, she took four minutes or so to talk about the work we do at Modest Needs.

This episode of the Ellen Degeneres Show will air today at its regularly scheduled time in your city, so be sure you set your Tivos and such. We’ll have the clip online at Modest Needs as soon as we can get it ourselves. But if the Modest Needs website appears to run a little more slowly than usual today – well, now you know what’s happening!

Also today – and this is especially fitting – I’m proud to announce the world premiere of Modest Needs’ new Public Service Announcement, featuring Allison Janney. When you see it, I think you’ll agree that it just couldn’t have turned out any better than it did. It’s beautiful.

I’ve ‘You-Tubed’ the 30 second version of the PSA so that you won’t have any trouble watching it. You can see it right now on our homepage, at http://www.modestneeds.org/, or on the Modest Needs Blog, at http://modestneeds.typepad.com/

And finally, while you’re at Modest Needs having a look at the PSA, I’d like to encourage you to take a moment to enjoy one of the most important innovations we’ve made to Modest Needs since our launch in 2002.

We have finally made the Modest Needs Ledger (now called ‘Browse Applications’) completely interactive. Helping hard-working families has always been rewarding, but I think you’ll agree – it has never been quite this much fun before!

To view the new ledger page, just click ‘Browse Applications’ from the Modest Needs homepage, at http://www.modestneeds.org/ I honestly think you’ll be impressed.

After you’ve had a look at our PSA, our innovative new ‘Browse Application’s page, and – perhaps – seen the Ellen Degeneres show (most of you will see it before we do here!), I’d love to hear your comments. As always, you can reach me directly by sending mail to drkeith@modestneeds.org

Thank you so very much, as always, for your kindness, compassion, and ongoing support of Modest Needs Foundation. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Take care, and be well!

All best,


Dr. Keith P. Taylor
President / Executive Director
Modest Needs Foundation
http://www.modestneeds.org/
‘Small Change: A World of Difference’
8/26 Renewing the Gulf Coast
http://www.modestneeds.org/help/hurricane/

If you're one of the many families struggling to rebuild your lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Modest Needs wants to help you through our special Gulf Coast Renewal Initiative.

Modest Needs' Gulf Coast Renewal Initiative is designed to offer several critical types of assistance that are not available elsewhere to qualified Gulf Coast families. Types of assistance available only through this program include (but are not limited to):

~ Assistance with the cost of returning to your hometown, if you're currently living in another US state and are ready to go home;

~ Assistance with the cost of building supplies, if your home is still standing and you need help with the materials necessary to repair it;

~ Assistance with the cost of basic household necessities, if your home is already livable but you need help to afford items like beds, or a refrigerator; and

~ Assistance with the cost of housing / utility deposits, if your home is no longer livable and you need help to relocate WITHIN one of the Gulf Coast states; and

~ Assistance with the cost of insurance deductibles, if your home was insured against flood damage, and you can't start rebuilding because you can't afford to pay the insurance deductible.

How Modest Needs Works for Applicants

Modest Needs makes three types of grants, all designed to stop the cycle of poverty before it starts for a struggling individual or family. Our grants generally remit payment for an emergency expense on behalf of an applicant.
All of the services we provide at Modest Needs are absolutely free, and our grants come with absolutely no strings attached. They do not ever have to be repaid.
Applicants should know that though our maximum grant is $1000, historically, our average grant has been for about $180. In addition, to ensure that our available funding is used only for the purpose intended, Modest Needs does not pay cash directly to our approved applicants. Rather, when we approve a grant to cover an emergency expense, we pay that grant directly to a creditor.
If you're facing a temporary financial crisis because of an unexpected emergency expense and qualify for no other type of assistance, you can complete and submit an application either online (recommended) or by mail simply by visiting our Applications and Instructions page.
If we have an application slot available, the entire application process should take you less than ten minutes. And, if our donors indicate a high degree of interest in your application, we will make every effort to fund it as quickly as possible, usually within two weeks or less.

Donating
Double the Value of Your Donation: Make a Pledge!

Thanks to the generosity of a private foundation that has asked to remain anonymous, YOUR PLEDGES TO MODEST NEEDS ARE BEING MATCHED, DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR, THROUGHOUT 2006!!

What does this mean to you? Simple. It means that in 2006, your 'small change' has TWICE the power to change a life at Modest Needs!
Thanks to this matching grant, throughout 2006 at Modest Needs:
a $10 weekly pledge is worth $20 a week
a $100 monthly pledge is worth $200 a month
a $1000 annual pledge is worth $2000 this year

And so forth, with NO LIMITS OF ANY KIND, until we've qualified to receive the entire matching grant of $300,000!

Best of all, under this matching grant initiative, your pledge to Modest Needs is being matched, not just once or twice, but EVERY TIME YOUR PLEDGE IS MADE! In other words, a $100 monthly pledge at Modest Needs isn't worth just an extra $100. It's worth an extra $100 EACH AND EVERY MONTH, for all of 2006.

We need YOUR help to qualify for the entire $300,000 matching grant. Right now, with a large matching grant at stake, a pledge of any size has more power than ever to change a life at Modest Needs.

You can create a pledge of any size you like - in two minutes or less - through our express giving system. And you can rest easy knowing that, at Modest Needs, your personal information is protected by Bank of America and Authorize.net - the leaders in online security. You can also explore these other ways to give.

Especially now, when your 'small change' is worth so much to people who really NEED our help, we appreciate your generous support of hard-working individuals and families with 'modest needs.'

Remember, you can also make a gift or pledge by phone. To do so, please call (212) 463-7042.
Without you, this work would not be possible.