FY14 African Community Grant | Request For Applications (RFA)
The African Community Grant is intended to fund community-based organizations whose programs provide culturally and linguistically targeted services and resources to the District’s African residents and businesses. These programs should reflect the Mayor’s top priority areas, and the documented needs and priorities of the District’s African constituency.
Grant Orientation:
When: Wednesday | April 9, 2014|10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Edna Cromwell-Frazier Community Room|Reeves Municipal Center | 2nd Floor|2000 14th Street N.W. | Washington, DC | 20009
Submission Deadline: Thursday|April 17, 2014|5:00p.m.
Please note that incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
Submission Details:
Online submissions only. Please submit your complete application (including attachments) in PDF format and email it to oaa@dc.gov with subject: OAA Community Grant Application [Name of Your CBO]
Point of Contact:
Heran Sereke-Brhan, Deputy Director | (202)-724-7670 | heran.sereke-brhan@dc.gov
Availability of RFA:
Download from OAA’s website and/or pick up at the OAA office located at 2000 14th Street, NW, Suite 400 South. The RFA is also posted on the DC Grants Clearinghouse on OPGS.dc.gov website.
Learn More | Full RFA Document
African Community Grant FY14 - Call for Reviewers
The Mayor’s Office on African Affairs (OAA) is seeking qualified individuals to serve as reviewers for its FY14 African Community Grant. Reviewers help OAA select the best proposals from a competitive pool of applicants and are chosen based on their knowledge, education, and experience. The review process is designed to ensure that each grant is awarded on the basis of evaluation selection criteria. Reviewers are therefore essential to the grant process as they evaluate and score applications and provide objective recommendations for potential recipients. The grant review panel will reflect a broad diversity of ethnicity, gender, age, and experience.
All residents of the District of Columbia are encouraged to apply to serve as reviewers. All reviewers must be actively involved with the DC African community. Expertise in the following areas is strongly suggested and should be noted when applying:
• Strong writing, listening, and speaking skills;
• Relevant education, training, and/or experience in the subject areas of the grant program;
• Knowledge of and/or experience with program planning, implementation, and evaluation processes.
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YAP Networking Event Features OAA's Leaders
Do you know that Africans make up about 17 percent of the foreign born population in the District of Columbia?Did you know that a special office exists to ensure that a full range of health, education, employment, and social services are available to the African community in the District of Columbia? Join this month’s YAP Networking Event and discuss the resources available to Africans living in the District with Ngozi Nmezi and Dr. Heran Sereke-Brhan, Executive Director and Deputy Director, respectively, of the Office on African Affairs (OAA) Executive Office of Mayor Vincent C. Gray of the District of Columbia.
When: Friday|March 28, 2014|6:30 - 10:00 p.m.
Where: Eighteenth Street Lounge|1212 18th street, NW| Washington, DC|20036
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African Spotlight
 You are cordially invited to join OAA and others for an inspirational program that features African Youth Leaders’ presentation on Charismatic innovations and interventions to inspire change, development and entrepreneurship.
When: Thursday| April 10, 2014|6:30-9:00 p.m.
Where: 1776DC|1133 15th St NW|Washington, DC|20005
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US-Africa Trade Policy Forum
Please join The Advancing Investments & Trade in Africa for a lively discussion on US-Africa Trade policy. Speakers will discuss the economic impact of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), Power Africa, District of Columbia Africa business initiatives, current private sector Africa business initiatives, and more. Speakers Include:
- Ngozi Nmezi | Executive Director, District of Columbia Mayor's Office on African Affairs
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Nicole Johnson | Senior Trade and Investment Officer, United States Department of State
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Nicole Lee, Esq.|President, TransAfrica
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Danielle Walker | Director, Africa Business Initiative, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Moderator:
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Dr. Carl LeVan | Advancing Investments & Trade in Africa, Advisory Board Member Assistant Professor, American University
When: Thursday|May 1, 2014|6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Washington Marriott at Metro Center|775 12th Street NW|Washington, D.C.|20005
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Be in the Know: Help OAA’s Facebook page get to 1,000 likes!
 Interested in being the first to hear about grant opportunities, business development services, DC government resources, networking events, and Africa-related news and events?
OAA’s FACEBOOK PAGE HAS IT ALL!
Like OAA’s Facebook page to help us get to 1,000 likes and we’ll help you stay connected! We’re more than halfway there, but we need your help!
Click here for OAA’s Facebook Page
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Also, follow us on Twitter!
Mayor Gray Signs Senior Citizen Real Property Tax Relief Act
Legislation Designed to Help Keep Longtime Residents from Being Forced out of District
 Mayor Gray, joined by members of the DC Council, other District government officials and senior residents, today signed the Senior Citizen Real Property Tax Relief Act of 2014. The legislation exempts low- and middle-income seniors from real-property taxes if they are at least 70 years old and have owned a residence in the District for 20 consecutive years or longer. “When I first became Mayor, I made a commitment to ensuring that our senior residents remain an integral part of the economic development and growth of our city – and this legislation helps us achieve that goal,” Mayor Gray said.
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Mayor Gray Announces Plan to Build New Hospital on St. Elizabeths East Campus
Facility Would Solve Problems of Aging United Medical Center, Provide Ward 8 Economic Boost
Mayor Gray and other officials today announced a plan to invest approximately $300 million in a brand-new hospital on the St. Elizabeths East Campus designed to replace the aging District-owned United Medical Center (UMC) on Southern Avenue SE. Mayor Gray said the plan was the most sensible one to follow to ensure both the availability of high-quality medical care on the East End of the District and the fiscal health of the District – with the added bonus of helping to catalyze further economic development on the historic St. Elizabeths East Campus.
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Mayor Cuts Ribbon on Park 7 Development and Celebrates ‘Start it in 7: Ward 7 Entrepreneurship Week’
Event Highlights Catalytic Development and Economic Potential in Ward 7
 Mayor Vincent C. Gray, city leaders and members of the Blue Skye/Donatelli Development team today cut the ribbon on Park 7, a newly constructed mixed-use development in Ward 7, and celebrated “Start It in 7: Ward 7 Entrepreneurship Week,” a series of workshops, panels and other activities between March 17 and 22 focused on entrepreneurship, small-business development, jobs and retail opportunities in the ward. Other District government officials, community leaders and private and non-profit business and entrepreneurship partners also participated.
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The Changing Face of Citizenship
 Standing together in Faneuil Hall, they raised their right hands: a nurse’s aide from Haiti, a National Guardsman from Cape Verde, and a giddy couple from Nigeria who later twirled outside with joy. “We are citizens of the United States,” exulted Ted Onuoha, 33, looking to the sky earlier this month as his wife, Uchenna, 35, shivered next to him.
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Africa, On the Rise (Analysis)
 If you were to take the latest global recorded music data from the International Federation of Phonographic Industries (IFPI), published last week, you could be forgiven for thinking that there isn’t a whole lot going on with digital music in Africa. It’s understandable why the highly regarded report is still conservative towards the continent; the data on the various African markets is sparse, especially when South Africa is removed from the discussion. But, in a sure sign that the music business doesn’t want perception manipulated by a lack of good data, the IFPI broke out two pages in its annual report to give an overview of how the region and some of its key markets are developing.
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National Museum of African Art Marks Its 50th Anniversary in 2014 with Year of Exhibitions and Programs
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2014–2015, presenting a series of public programs and exhibits to commemorate the opening of the original Capitol Hill museum founded by Warren Robbins June 3, 1964, in a townhouse that was originally the home of abolitionist Frederick Douglass from 1871–1877. The anniversary year will honor Robbins’ vision of “cross-cultural communication through education in the arts of Africa.”
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ABC Orientation Training
New ABC licensees and members of the public are invited to attend ABRA’s orientation training. The training will review: district ABC laws and regulations (including recent changes to the law), working with Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs), settlement Agreements, expectations of ABC licensees, tips for best practices, and noise abatement and sound management. Attendance for this class is strongly recommended for new ABC license holders. Training is free of charge. Requests for interpreters may be made; however, they must be submitted by the RSVP date.
When: Thursday| April 3, 2014| 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Where: 2000 14th Street, NW|Suite 400 South, 4th Floor|
Washington, DC|20009
Contact ABRA Community Resource Advisor Sarah Fashbaugh by Friday, March 28 to register: (202) 397-3971 or Email
Third Annual African Business Conference
 The GW Africa Business Association, with the support of GW-CIBER, invites to a discussion on doing business in Africa. This student-led conference will feature members of the African business community, asset managers, representatives of non-governmental organizations, and members of the GW School of Business.
When: Saturday|April 5, 2014| 1:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Jack Morton Auditorium | 805 21st Street NW| Washington, DC|20052
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Get Your Business Online with Google
Get Your Business Online Week kicks off March 24 and you won’t want to miss out on all of the great content that Google is sharing to help small businesses in our community grow online. Google will be broadcasting virtual workshops to help businesses get online and succeed online. Workshops will cover topics ranging from how to build a website to measuring results online. DSLBD will be hosting live broadcasts of the workshops to empower businesses in our communities to get online.
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Live Webinar 4/3: Fashion Protection - Trademark Basics and Fashion Compliance
Do you have a retail or e-commerce store? Do you sell through sites like Etsy? If so, do you know what laws your business should be following? Do you want to learn how to protect your brand? Are you concerned about preserving your brand’s reputation after trademark registration? Join attorneys Laurie Marshall, Esq. and Deanna Clark, Esq. for a fashion law presentation on how to protect your brand’s identity through trademark registration. Learn ways to protect the life of your business through the implementation of a fashion compliance program.
When: Thursday |April 3, 2014| 1:00 p.m.
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DSLBD Small Business Improvement Grant
The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) is soliciting applications for the Small Business Improvement Grant. DSLBD will award up to seven grants from a fund that totals $722,000. The purpose of the Small Business Improvement Grant (the “Program”) is to: 1) support expansion of existing small businesses; 2) increase the District’s tax base; 3) create new jobs for District residents; 4) create opportunities for businesses that are Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs); and 5) encourage businesses to meet Sustainable DC Plan goals.
Application Deadline: June 2, 2014
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Professional Development for Arts Educators (PDAE) Program
Department of Education (DOE) announces funds to strengthen standards-based arts education programs and to help ensure that all students meet challenging State academic content standards and challenging State student academic achievement standards in the arts. Eligibility:Public and state controlled institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, private institutions of higher education, community-based organizations, Local Educational Agencies and State Educational Agencies.
Application Deadline: 5/19/2014
For More Information contact Michelle J. Armstrong at (202) 453-6525 or PDAEFY14Competition@ed.gov
Thriving Cultures Grants
Surdna Foundation announces funds to support programs that address one of the following four categories: Teens Artistic Advancement, Artists Engaging in Social Change, Artists and Economic Development, or Community Engaged Design. Online letters of inquiry that focus on these categories are accepted throughout the year. There is no deadline date for applications.
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2014 AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Competition
Serve DC – The Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism announces the availability of AmeriCorps State Formula funding for Fiscal Year 2014 – 2015 to eligible organizations. Subject to the availability of appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014 (FY2014) and release of Application Instructions by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), new applicants with high-quality proposals will compete nationally with other State and National programs for Formula funds made available through Serve DC and CNCS.
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Responding to High Demand, DC Health Link Continues Enrollment Into Mid-April
A significant increase in calls and high demand for in-person help in recent weeks means extra time for some residents to enroll.
The DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority announced today that it will continue DC Health Link enrollment past the March 31st deadline for individual and family coverage. Residents who need in-person or telephone help will now have through April 15th to enroll. People with an on-line account with DC Health Link who have not yet selected a health plan also will have through April 15th to enroll in a private health plan. Staff has been monitoring the call center, in person assistance, and enrollment volume on a daily basis for the last several weeks. Although DC Health Link staff has taken steps to minimize potentially long hold times at the call center and have opened additional enrollment locations around the city, the demand for in-person and telephone assistance is very high.
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Press Conference, Health Benefit Exchanges (Obamacare), Impact and Challenges
On March 31, 2014, last day for citizens and lawfully present immigrants to sign up for the Health Benefit Exchanges under the Affordable Care Act, Mary’s Center will provide an in-depth overview of the six-month enrollment period and the potential challenges and opportunities for newly insured individuals, and for community organizations to meet the medical needs of those who didn’t qualify or didn’t apply for Obamacare.
When: Monday| March 31, 2014|10:00 a.m.
Where: Mary’s Center|3912 Georgia Avenue NW| Washington, DC|20011
SAMA Health Fair 2014
 Join the Sudanese American Medical Association health fair on April 26, 2014 that aims to raise the health Awareness to common conditions, promote good health seeking behavior, and to educate and empower patients. SAMA health fair will include: Free BMI, BP check , Free cholesterol check, Free Dental Screening for Children, 1:1 Counselling with Board Certified MDs, and Patient Education Lectures.
When: Saturday| April 26, 2014| 12:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Mason District Park|6621 Columbia Pike| Annandale, VA|22003
Learn More | Want to Volunteer
5th Annual mHealth Summit
The largest event of its kind, the 5th annual mHealth Summit delivers value for stakeholders across the mobile health ecosystem. The event uniquely gathers healthcare and technology leaders in government, the private sector, industry, academia, providers and not-for-profit organizations from across the mobile health continuum to advance collaboration in the use of wireless technology to improve health outcomes, reduce costs and create a new paradigm in health care delivery both in the United States and abroad.
When: December 7-11, 2014
Where: Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center| 201 Waterfront Street|National Harbor, MD|20745
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National Citizenship Day 2014
 On April 26, 2014, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) will sponsor "Citizenship Day 2014," a single-day workshop with sites around the country providing assistance to lawful permanent residents eligible for naturalization. Free consultation with Immigration Attorneys.
When: Saturday | April 26, 2014 | 10:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Where:
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Ethiopian Community Center |(Sponsored by Mayor’s Office on African Affairs & ECC)|7603 Georgia Avenue, NW|Suite 100|Washington, D.C. 20012 |Contact: eth@prodigy.net
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Chinese Community Church|(Sponsored by DC Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs and Chinatown Service Center)|500 I Street NW|WashingtonD.C|20001|Contact: Ngoc (202)727-3120
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Carlos Rosario International | (Sponsored by Carlos Rosario and CARECEN) |1100 Harvard Street, NW| Washington,DC | 20009 Pre- Registration Required, $25 Fee will be collected for completed applications, and tree to Carlos Rosario Students with valid ID|Contact: Rachel 202-328-9799 ext. 23
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13th Annual D.C. Fair Housing Symposium—Hidden in Plain Sight
 The 13th Annual D.C. Fair Housing Symposium seeks to educate general advocacy professionals on issues relating to fair housing and their relevancy to their respective constituencies. This year's symposium will focus on four critical trends in modern housing discrimination practices: negligence of housing Accessibility features, Source of Income discrimination, Steering, and discriminatory practices in Digital Advertising.
When: Tuesday|April 29, 2014 |10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church| 900 Massachusetts Avenue NW|Washington, DC|20009
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The Human Rights and Special Prosecutions section (HRSP), Department of Justice
 The Human Rights and Special Prosecutions section (HRSP) of the Department of Justice investigates and prosecutes individuals who commit torture, war crimes, genocide, child soldier recruitment or use, and persons who obtain immigration benefits illegally by concealing their involvement in human rights violations. Through the use of additional federal laws and regulations, including laws that target financial crime, HRSP also seeks to hold accountable individuals who enable or facilitate serious violations of human rights. The creation of HRSP in 2010 reflects the U.S. government's commitment to prosecute persons who commit human rights violations. HRSP welcomes any information or concerns regarding persons in the United States who are believed to have committed or facilitated international human rights violations.
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Mellon Globalization Forum, Post-Doctoral Fellowship
The University of the South invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in Kiswahili language and culture to begin August 2014. The successful candidate should be able to teach introductory and intermediate levels of language, as well as courses in African literatures, cultures, and cinemas, or interdisciplinary courses on Africa that draw on the humanities, social science, and other fields. The teaching load is three courses per academic year (1/2).
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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
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The 31st Annual Larry Neal Writers' Competition
The Larry Neal Writers' Competition commemorates the artistic legacy and vision of Larry Neal, the renowned author, academic and former Executive Director of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH). This year, monetary awards will be presented for the artistic excellence of adult, teen and youth writers residing in the District of Columbia. Winners will be announced at the Larry Neal Writers' Awards Ceremony on the evening of Friday, May 9, 2014, which will be presented in partnership with the PEN/Faulkner Foundation. All submissions must be uploaded through the Good Done Great database system accessed through the DCCAH website, dcarts.dc.gov.
Application Deadline: Friday|April 11th at 6:00 p.m.
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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
Want Your Event Featured in the 'African Beat'?
'The African Beat' is distributed to over 6,000 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, April 9, 2014 at 5:00PM (Send all materials, along with any questions, to oaa@dc.gov).
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