Growing Our Own: Nonprofit Development Initiative               The focus of the initiative is to build, nurture, and sustain nonprofit organizations that in turn strengthen communities by becoming integral to local economies and social service networks. The goals of the program are unique to the needs of communities challenged by economic, educational, political and social inequalities. These goals are to: ►Stimulate new start-up nonprofits in diverse and disadvantaged communities.   ►Stimulate micro-nonprofits to serve local neighborhoods.   ►Promote practices necessary to move nonprofits from the start-up phase to long-term sustainability.   ►Raise awareness about the economic potential of a strong nonprofit sector in economically disadvantaged communities.   ►Foster collaboration and partnership among grassroots nonprofit organizations.   Newly formed organizations that successfully complete the start-up phase will receive a mini-grant, opportunities for continued support from the program, and opportunities to network with other start-up groups.   Upcoming Growing Our Own Workshop Dates ►Grassroots Fundraising     Monday, February 6, 2012    6-8 pm This workshop covers several ways to build your organization's bank account before staging a big fundraiser.  ►Creating the Vision & Getting Started with your Nonprofit Monday, April 9, 2012 6-8 pm This workshop covers the rules the State of California and the federal government's requirements for starting a nonprofit.  It also covers how to develop a vision and mission statement, and deciding what goals and services to establish during the initial start-up phase.   ►Developing a Dynamic Board Monday, June 4, 2012 6-8 pm This workshop covers board responsibilities, board recruitment and the relationship between the board and staff. The workshops will be held at:     Oak Park United Methodist Church     3600 Broadway     Sacramento, CA 95817     Hands Together Quarterly Newsletter  Effective communication tools are important to the goal of encouraging partnerships and collaboration among nonprofits. The BUFSV quarterly newsletter, Hands Together, is intended to be that communication link,serving as a journal of African American nonprofit leadership in the Sacramento Valley. The newsletter features news and information about resources, highlights events and activities sponsored by or for nonprofits, and highlights the work of successful nonprofits that otherwise receive little or no recognition for their contributions to the community. Walter Bremond Community Service Award   Our partnerships with community groups include sponsoring an annual Kwanzaa Celebration during which time the Walter R. Bremond Memorial Award honoree is announced.  The award is given to grassroots workers and activists who perform outstanding service to the community. The 2011 honoree is Shirley Rhodes, founder of the Mike B Foundation. On December 30, 2011, Ms. Rhodes was awarded a plaque and small grant for her work.  The M B Foundation focuses on helping young men coming out of the criminal justice system and young men at risk of getting caught up in the system. Past Bremond Honorees are: ♦Minister Imhotep Alkabulan, Wo'se Community Church ♦Aaron & Leah Boyce, Sacramento Business Network ♦J. Tema Bennett, The Birthing Project/Diversity Trainer ♦Leslie Campbell, Educator, Wo'se Community Church ♦Grace Carter, the Rumble Inc. ♦Lucille Copeland, Les Belles Artes Club ♦Dr. David Covin,      Cooper-Woodson College Preparatory Program      Sacramento Area Black Caucus      The Black Group      Congress of African People's Convening ♦Karen Green,      Jamaican & American Students Cultural Association ♦Katheryn Hall-Trujillo      The Center for Community Health & Well-being      The Birthing Project ♦Shonna McDaniels      the Sojourner Truth Multicultural Arts Center ♦T'Chaka Muhammad, Activist & Edutainer ♦Ed Pope      Allensworth California Black Historical Restoration ♦Alan Rowe      UCAN-United College Action Network ♦Straight Out Scribes, Community Activism through Poetry ♦Mary Watts, TLC Soup Kitchen ♦Tommie R. Whitlowe,      National Council of Negro Women local organizer      Children's advocate ♦Frank Withrow, Educator, Youth Organizer ♦Donna Woods, Meadowview Community Action Center ♦Sue Younger, Imani Breast Cancer Health Eduction ♦Martha Tate Glass, Nia Women of Purpose ♦Reverend Lucius Walker, Pastors for Peace (Posthumous Award)