Notice Of Funding Availability (NOFA)
FY2014 African Community Grant
The Mayor’s Office on African Affairs (OAA) is soliciting grant applications from qualified community-based organizations (CBOs) serving the District’s African constituents [residents and/or business owners] - for its FY14 African Community Grant. The grant is intended to fund programs that provide targeted services and resources to the District’s African residents and/or business owners in areas of need in the community. Funding priority areas identified for FY14 are economic and workforce development, linkage to health and human services, youth engagement and education, promotion of arts, culture and the humanities.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for a grant, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a community-based or faith-based organization with a 501(c)(3) status.
- Organization or program serves the District’s African residents or business owners.
- Organization or program is located in the District of Columbia.
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Two New Commissioners Appointed to the Commission on African Affairs
Following the swearing in of two newly appointed commissioners, Dr. Akua Asare and Kedist Geremaw, to the DC Mayor’s Commission on African Affairs on March 7th. (L – R) Dr. Akua Asare, Commissioner, Darryl Gorman, Director of Office of Boards and Commissions, Ngozi Nmezi, Director of Office on African Affairs and Kedist Geremaw, Commissioner.
OAA Hosts Technology Sector Workshop
Over 40 business owners, entrepreneurs and resource providers attended
 On Thursday, February 27, 2014, the Office on African Affairs (OAA) hosted the second of a series of industry-specific workshops as part of its District-wide effort to support African businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. Over 40 business owners, entrepreneurs, and resource providers attended the Technology Sector workshop held at the D.C. Government Building on 200 I (Eye) Street SE. The event drew upon two of the six strategic drivers of Mayor Vincent Gray’s Five Year Economic Development Strategy for the District: to create the largest technology center in the East Coast, and to be the destination of choice for international investors and businesses.
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Mayor Gray Proclaims State of the District is Strong at Annual Address
Outlines Priorities to Close Achievement Gap, Invest in Affordable Housing, Provide Senior Property Tax Relief
 Good evening. Thank you to the Navy JROTC Color Guard from the Columbia Heights Educational Campus for helping lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance tonight. And to Bishop Hudson, thank you not only for your powerful Invocation but also for all you do for the civic life of our city and for your service on the board of the United Medical Center. And thank you to the leaders from across our great city, especially Chairman Mendelson. It’s an honor to have you here with us this evening in Ward 7.
Read More | Watch Here
Mayor Gray, District Officials and Rappaport and W.C. Smith Development Teams Break Ground on Skyland Town Center
Construction Finally Begins on Vital Retail Amenity for Wards 7 and 8
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Mayor Vincent C. Gray, Councilmembers, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Victor L. Hoskins and members of the Rappaport and W.C. Smith development teams gathered today to break ground on the long-awaited Skyland Town Center at 2646 Naylor Road SE in Ward 7.
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Mayor Gray, Rappaport and W.C. Smith Development Teams, and District Officials to Break Ground on Skyland Town Center
After Years of Waiting, Construction Set to Begin on Blighted Shopping Center in Ward 7
WHAT/WHO: Mayor Vincent C. Gray, Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander, Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans, Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, Ward 4 Councilmember Muriel Bowser, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Victor L. Hoskins and members of the Rappaport and W.C. Smith development teams will break ground at the site of the future Skyland Town Center.
When: Wednesday | March 12, 2014 | 10:00 – 11:00 am
Where: Skyland Shopping Center | 2646 Naylor Road SE| Washington, DC | 20020
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Parents and Youth Town Hall
 Mayor Vincent C. Gray will hold a special Parent and Youth Town Hall on education called Ask the Mayor. During this event, Mayor Gray will specifically address both parents and youth (ages 22 and under) about matters related to education in the District of Columbia.
When: Saturday | March 22, 2014 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30p.m.
Where: Friendship Collegiate Academy|Carter G. Woodson Campus|4095 Minnesota Avenue, NE| Washington, DC|20019
Directly across from the Minnesota Avenue Metro Station (Orange Line)
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What The Mayor Was Talking About When He Mentioned a New Health Center In Ward 8
Mayor Vincent Gray touched on the expected topics during his State of the District address. Education. Affordable housing. Even the campaign-fundraising scandal. But one of his final bullet points Tuesday evening touched on another project: The District’s efforts to increase its primary care access, including a new health center set to open in Ward 8 on Monday. What was he talking about? The new 50,000 square foot Conway Health and Resource Center will officially celebrates its grand opening. The center, however, has already been open for nearly two months.
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One Mic: Hip-Hop Culture Worldwide
 The Kennedy Center, in collaboration with Hi-ARTS, producers of the Hip-Hop Theater Festival, presents One Mic: Hip-Hop Culture Worldwide, a festival celebrating this uniquely American art form. The festival highlights MCing, DJing, b-boying, and graffiti writing, the original four elements of hip-hop culture, alongside contemporary interdisciplinary work born of hip-hop aesthetics. The festival will showcase performances from internationally acclaimed artists such Hip Hop Legend Nas, Senegal's Ker Gui, Cabo Verde's Shokanti, Trail Blazer MC LYTE, South Africa's Black Noise and more.Ticketed and free performances and exhibitions explore the breadth and depth of hip-hop today.
When: Tuesday|March 25, 2014 - Sunday|April 13, 2014
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3rd International Conference of Ethiopian Women in the Diaspora – March 22
New York (TADIAS) — The month of March is dedicated to Women’s History Month worldwide and since 1975 the UN has marked International Women’s Day on March 8th; this year the theme was “Equality for Women is Progress for All.” In honor of the global celebration the Third International Conference of Ethiopian Women in the Diaspora will be held in Silver Spring, Maryland on Saturday, March 22, 2014. The conference, which is hosted by the Center for the Rights of Ethiopian Women (CREW), will provide a forum for participants to freely and openly discuss issues affecting Ethiopian women in the Diaspora and in Ethiopia.
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Sundance And Gates Foundation Challenge You To Create A Video That Matters
Documentary films have long been responsible for illuminating under-told stories and raising awareness about important issues. In announcing their Short Film Challenge, Sundance Institute, in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is seeking to tap into the transformative nature of documentary storytelling by creating a global conversation around extreme hunger and poverty.
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Start It In Ward 7 Entrepreneurship Week
In follow up to the Mayor Vincent C. Gray’s Ward 7 Economic Development Summit in June 2013, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and its cluster agencies are hosting Start It in 7. The week-long series of events and programming are centered on two priorities residents identified during the historic June 2013 Summit: 1) job training/placement and small business development, and 2) high quality, diverse retail offerings.
When: March 17, 2014 - March 22, 2014
Learn More| Register Here
SBA to Award Grants to Support R&D, Small Business Innovation
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that it will award grants to state and local economic development agencies, business development centers, colleges and universities to support programs for innovative, technology-driven small businesses under SBA’s Federal and State Technology (FAST) partnership program. Applications for the grants are open now through April 11. The FAST Program is designed to stimulate economic development among small, high technology businesses through federally-funded innovation and research and development programs like the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR). The project and budget periods are for a 12-month period.
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DHCD: Funding Opportunities, Eligibility and Application Process Presentation
On Thursday, February 27, 2014, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) held the second workshop of the Capacity Building Series: "DHCD: Funding Opportunities, Eligibility and Application Process." The workshop recapped per program/service area, outlined the eligibility criteria, and the application process for each opportunity. Please see the attached presentation for an overview and further insight into what information was shared with attendees.
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FastTrac® TechVenture™ - For Technology and Life Science Entrepreneurs
The Department of Small and Local Business Development is now offering FastTrac TechVenture! This program will help you tackle the specific challenges of a tech-based business with the guidance of successful entrepreneurs, experienced coaches and a supportive peer community. FastTrac® TechVenture™ will help you refine your business concept, identify the components of a strong feasiblity plan, and access the appropriate resources to complete your launch.
When: Apr 2 - May 28, 2014|3:00- 6:00 pm
Where: DC Department of Small Business and Local Business Development|441, 4th Street NW|Suite 970| Washington, DC|20001
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DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Grants Launch 2015
 Come learn about DCCAH funding opportunities for individuals and organizations for FY 2015 at their annual launch event. Grant applications will be available online following the event at dcarts.dc.gov. Please note that RSVP’s are for internal purposes only. Admission to this event is first come, first served based on the capacity of the venue. RSVP does not guarantee admittance. We encourage attendees to arrive early for the best chance of admission. If you require any special assistance at the event, please contact our office no later than two weeks prior to the event to make arrangements.
When: Wednesday | April 2, 2014|10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Where: Lincoln Theatre|1215 U Street NW|Washington, DC|20009
Learn More|RSVP Here
OPC joins Greater Washington Urban League to announce New Energy Assistance Fund
On Thursday March 13, 2014, Greater Washington Urban League President and CEO George H. Lambert, Jr. joined District of Columbia People’s Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye to announce that the GWUL has received a significant financial contribution to its energy assistance program funding as a direct result of the Office of the People’s Counsel’s advocacy. The new funding, totaling $100,000 for the GWUL Special Energy Assistance Fund, stems from a settlement agreement the Office entered into with an alternative energy provider in the District. One of the conditions of the settlement was for the provider to make a significant financial contribution to a District based non-profit organization to provide energy assistance to consumers.
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Domestic Violence Hotline Project
The Office of Victim Services announces the availability of grant funds plan for the implementation of a comprehensive, 24 hour, District wide domestic violence hotline to direct callers to appropriate services and provide callers with accurate and relevant information. Eligible applicants are established coalitions, non-profit, community-based organizations located in the District of Columbia that are defined as a domestic violence program as defined in DC Official Code §14-310(a)(3).
Application Deadline: Thursday|March 20, 2014|3:00 p.m.
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Infant and Toddler Facilities Improvement Grant
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is inviting applications from high-quality infant and toddler providers to expand their current capacity to serve additional children by providing resources for facilities improvements. The funding for the Infant and Toddler Facilities Improvements Grant is designed to address the unmet demand for high-quality infant and toddler childcare in the District. Through this opportunity, OSSE aims to increase infant and toddler capacity by, at minimum, 200 new slots for children ages six weeks to 36 months, in targeted areas of the District.
Application Deadline: March 29, 2014
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Affordable Care Act (ACA) Updates-Helpful Hints About Immigration Status
Did you know that your immigration status may affect your eligibility for health care benefits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)? Open enrollment ends March 31, 2014. USCIS encourages you to visit www.healthcare.gov to learn more. The website includes helpful resources on:
Go online today to find the information you need to apply for health insurance.
The HSC (Health Service for Children) Pediatric Center's Annual June Fair
 The HSC Pediatric Center Fair's activities include music, health screenings, live entertainment, children's activities and much more!
As part of the Fair's outreach, we are again inviting health-related and community-based agencies and organizations to share their resources in the Health Resource Tent. If you want to participate, please fill out the enclosed form and fax, mail, or email it to my attention. You will be provided with one table and two chairs. Please be sure to indicate on the form the number of staff attending.
On Saturday, June 14, 2014, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., The HSC Pediatric Center located at 1731
Bunker Hill Rd., N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017, will be hosting its Annual June Fair in Michigan Park. Michigan Park is located across the street from
Cecil Doggette
Director, Department of Family and Community Development
Direct: 202.835.2771
Fax: 202.580.6489 cdoggette@hscsn.org
Taste of African Heritage and Health: 6-Week Challenge
In celebration of National Nutrition Month, NATIVSOL KITCHEN offers the popular program with a twist: “Taste of African Heritage and Health 6-week Challenge”this Saturday, March 15, 2014 in the heart of D.C.! In the 6-week series, you will learn how to prepare African heritage foods in the kitchen. We build community through cooking, sharing and eating together. To conclude you will showcase your skills in the community challenge cook-off? Sounds exciting? Then join us on the journey to wellness and bring a friend!
When: Saturday|March 15, 2014|9:00 a.m. - Saturday| April 26, 2014|11:00 a.m.
Where: The Summit at St. Martin's|116 T Street NE| Washington, DC|20002
RSVP Here
Faith in Action Emergency Preparedness Summit
In partnership with the Mayor's Office on Religious Affairs, DC Homeland and Security Management Agency (HSEMA) and DC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (DC VOAD), Serve DC invites District houses of worship and faith leaders to participate in this half-day summit to discuss how the faith community can support the city's official Emergency Response System and be better prepared to respond during emergencies and disasters.
When: Wednesday|March 26, 2014|10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where:Trinity Washington University |125 Michigan Avenue, NE|O'Connell Auditorium|Washington, DC| 20017
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2014 Youth Job Fair
Sponsored by the LAYC/Maryland Multicultural Youth Centers, the Montgomery County Department of Economic Development, and the Department of Recreation, the 2014 Youth Job Fair provides you with an opportunity to participate in on-site interviews and get information about jobs and career tracks in various industries and/or business. This is an excellent opportunity to meet face to face with the area’s employers who are looking for youth who are ready to work.
When: Saturday | April 5, 2014| 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: Silver Spring Civic Building| One Veterans Plaza| Silver Spring, MD|20901
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SAP Federal Forum: Conversations on the Future of Government
The SAP Federal Forum event is complimentary for government employees, ASUG members and the SAP federal user community. The rates below apply for non-government employees. Please note the first day of the event is open to the public, however, the second day is only open to federal government users of SAP software solutions and attendance is subject to approval by ASUG, the America’s SAP Users Group, and the SAP Federal Users Spring Face-to-Face Meeting Planning Committee.
When: April 8-9, 2014
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Middle School: KEYs to Empowering Youth Program
KEYs to Empowering Youth is a science and technology mentoring program for 11-13 year old students designed to provide them with the opportunity to meet and work with women studying and working in science and engineering. The KEYs program provides interactive, hands-on activities that stress the importance of engineering, science and technology and their impact on society. In the KEYs program, female scientists and engineers will lead you through interactive presentations and exciting workshops. You will engage in fun, hands-on activities that will make you look at math, science and engineering in a new light!
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The Road to a Global DC: 10 Years of Language Access & Immigrant Inclusion
 The DC Office of Human Rights (OHR) invites you to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Language Access Act and the contributions of immigrants to the District at "The Road to a Global DC" event on Tuesday, April 15, 2014. The event will feature the release of an OHR-commissioned report by the Urban Institute, which analyzes how language access has helped limited and non-English proficient residents, and looks at the changing demographics of the District. The report release will be followed by a panel discussion on immigrant inclusion, and a reception. Join government officials, policy makers, researchers and community advocates for this exciting event in the beautiful Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square.
When: Tuesday | April 15, 2014 |4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square | 801 K Street, NW | Washington, DC|20001
RSVP Required|Register Here
Housing and Community Development Needs Assessment Hearings
Michael P. Kelly, Director of the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), announces a series of public hearings on “Housing and Community Development Needs in the District of Columbia”. The hearings will help form a basis for developing the District’s draft “Fiscal Year 2015 Annual Action Plan” and the spending priorities utilizing federal entitlement funds. DHCD, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health will each provide input into the plan.
District of Columbia residents who would like to present oral testimony are encouraged to register in advance either by e-mail at DHCD.EVENTS@dc.gov or by calling 202.442-7145 or 442-7251.
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Call for Volunteers, The 12th Annual 2014 FestAfrica Festival
 The Afropolitan Youth Association is seeking individuals interested in volunteering for the 2014 FestAfrica Festival Planning. Come join a wonderful team of youth with a passion to serve; representing their proud African heritage and culture.
For more information, please contact festafricavolunteer@gmail.com or call 410-608-0420
Learn More | FestAfrica Volunteer Application
FACE Africa 5th Annual W.A.S.H. (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Gala
 This year's event will honor the incredible work of Nigerian entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist - Tony Elumelu. The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) was founded in 2010 by Mr. Elumelu and positioned as a 21st-century catalytic philanthropy. As a primary driver of Africapitalism, the Foundation is committed to the economic transformation of Africa by enhancing the competitiveness and growth of the African private sector.
When: Saturday|March 22, 2014| 07:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Where: Pier 60 @ Chelsea Piers|23rd Street & West Side Highway|New York., NY|10011
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Want Your Event Featured in the 'African Beat'?
'The African Beat' is distributed to over 5,000 subscribers every other Friday. If you would like to submit your event to be included in our calendar, please submit the following event details: what, when, & where, and provide a link to where readers can go for more information. Submission deadline for the next edition is Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at 5:00PM (Send all materials, along with any questions, to oaa@dc.gov).
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