Learn more at www.wdcep.com/business-in-dc/starting-a-nonprofit/ June 13th, 2012: WDCEP hosted its monthly DoingBusiness2.0 speaker series. This edition focused on starting a nonprofit in DC. Lafayette Barnes, Director at the DC Office of Partnerships and Grants (OPGS), gave the crowd an overview of the variety of services DC OPGS provides to both new and existing nonprofits. Some of the services include: • Grant and resource development support, including weekly Funding Alerts of competitive grant opportunities and online Grant Search Site; • Executive leadership and organizational development training and technical assistance; • Proposal-writing tips; and • Assistance in creating collaboration and mutually-beneficial partnerships between various organizations.

1. Overview of OPGS’ Services
Responsive Government Promoting
Partnerships for a Better DC

2. Mission Core Functions
 To enhance the capacity of  Grant and Resource Development
District government agencies, Support
community and faith-based  Executive Leadership and
organizations, nonprofits, to Organizational Development
identify, apply, and secure Training and Technical Assistance
resources that advance the  Donations Solicitation Oversight
Mayor’s top public policy and Management
priorities – education reform,
financial stability, job creation,  Collaboration and Partnership
public safety, self determination, Building Best Practices
and sustainability

3.  Funding Alerts  Grants Information
 Weekly online publication with Resource Center (GIRC)
Federal, Foundation, & District  OPGS staff support + four
government, competitive grant computer stations with access to
opportunities, DC government searchable competitive grant
procurement links + resource funding databases such as:
announcements are on OPGS’  Foundation Center Grant Postings –
website see: www.opgs.dc.gov www.foundationcenter.org
 Sign Up today for your copy  GrantsDirect Grantmakers Listings –
www.GrantsDirect.com
 Grant Station International Insiders –
www.GrantStation.com/international_
insiders

4.  DOES – Employment Retention Services, $600K (7/13/12)
Contact: Sherri Moses 202-724-5213
 NEH – Bridging Cultures Through Film $800K (6/27/12)
Contact: Division of Public Programs 202-606-8269
 HHS – PPHF 2012: Community Transformation Grants –
Small Communities Programs $70M (7/31/12) Contact: Vivian
Walker or Jennifer Kohr 770-488-2700
 HHS – Technical Assistance to Refugee Programs and Services
to Asylees $2M (7/23/12) Contact: app_support@acf.hhs.gov
 Bank of America Charitable Foundation – Workforce
Development and Educational Programs $15M (7/2/12)
Contact: www.bankofamerica.com/foundation

5.  Organize Documentations  Proposal Writing Tips
 501 (c) (3) Certificate, DUNS Number,  Develop a comprehensive, and compelling
Tax Identification Number, CCR proposal – use accurate/current data
Registration, IRS 990 & DCRA Certificate explaining why the funder should care,
of Good Standing, Indirect Cost Rate how your approach is different, & can
make an impact
 List of Key Office Personnel, Board of
Directors, Consultants, and Partners along  Demonstrate how your proposal meets the
with their current bios and resumes needs of the target population rather than
yours otherwise you might set yourself up
 Organizational Strategic Plan including –
for failure
Mission, Goals and Objectives, and
Evaluation Methodology – Operating  Describe the existing gap – e.g.
Budget, & Audited Financial Statements knowledge, resource, or service – what is
ought to be, and how funding can improve
 Utilize the Funding Alert, GIRC,
the proposed solution
Foundation Center, Grants.gov to identify
grants and eligibility requirements  Identify collaboration opportunities – built
on shared values, missions, and resources

6.  Definition  Collaboration Process
 To work jointly with other people  Bringing People Together
or organizations with which you  Creating an Organization
are not immediately connected, in Foundation
order to achieve a common goal  Take Action and Evaluate
 Goal Progress
 Identify opportunities to leverage  Allow for Continuity
resources that foster more Please note that this process is
effective capacity building and based on the Collaboration
resource development Handbook:Creating, Sustaining,
and Enjoying the Journey by
Michael Winer and Karen Ray

7.  12th Annual Public Private Partnership Conference –
“Nonprofits in a Global Age: Adjusting to the Virtual World”
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 6/12/12 (8:30 a.m.
to 3:30 p.m.). Visit OPGS’ website @ www.opgs.dc.gov for
more details
 Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers’ Revised
Common Grant Application – The Foundation Center 1627 K
St. NW, 6/20/12. Contact 202-331-1400
 Eight-Week Grantwriting Course, OPGS 300 E St. NW,
Monday 7/2/12-8/13/12 from 6-8 p.m. Contact Pat Henry, 202-
727-0946

8. OPGS Contact Information
Office Address: 300 E St. NW, Washington , DC 20001
Main Office Number: (202) 727-8900; FAX (202) 727-1652
Director, Lafayette A. Barnes (202) 727-8901, email:
Lafayette.Barnes@dc.gov
Deputy Director/Manager, Nonprofit and Faith based Relations:
Pat G. Henry (202) 727-0946, email: Pat.Henry@dc.gov
Donations Manager, Cesar Vence (202) 727-7996, email:
Cesar.Vence@dc.gov
Special Projects Volunteer: Kathy DeBoe, (202) 727-7998, email:
Kathy.Deboe@dc.gov
Staff Assistant: Keyen Blakely, (202) 727-8900, email:
Keyen.Blakely@dc.gov