HOMEGROWN POLITICAL INNOVATORS GRANTSSeeking: Talented Young Progressives working to Change their StatesJonathan and Peter Lewis and Andy and Deborah Rappaport are offeringgrants in 2006 to new or existing state-based organizations that focus onyouth (18-35). The grants are being awarded in order to create ameasurable partisan progressive youth voting bloc and political cloutwithin the targeted states.PROGRAM GOALS:Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to one or more of the followinggoals:ß To develop and implement state specific strategies for involving youngpeople in the political process and for mobilizing young progressivevoters;ß To develop and implement youth focused campaign strategies to win stateand local races;ß To stimulate partisan youth participation in state political activityand identify, mentor and support young progressive leaders;ß To create an organization that becomes a permanent part of their state’sprogressive infrastructure.PROGRAM DESIGN:While we do not have specific requirements for the design of the programs,we strongly encourage you to be innovative and creative in creating aprogram that is uniquely designed for your state. We are looking to findand promote young, talented leaders who are willing to make a long-termcommitment to leading an organization that will improve the state theycall home.We do require, however, that all potential grantees establish strongmanagement processes, including setting clear outcome metrics andindicators of progress for both programmatic and organizationaldevelopment along a realistic timeline.TARGETS:All innovative and creative programs are encouraged to apply. However,preference will be given to programs that:ß Reach out to young people in under-represented communities: i.e.Hispanic, African American, non-college, gay and lesbian, etc.;ß Demonstrate clear electoral impact; and,ß Exist in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Maine,Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, Tennessee and Washington.SUSTAINABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY:One of the primary objectives of this grant program is to createfinancially independent organizations within 3 years. To ensure survivalafter the grant has expired, each grantee will be required to reachprescribed fundraising milestones, create a sustainable funding plan, anddevelop a diverse and qualified board and staff. Additionally, a threeyear budget with the first year grant being no more than 80% of yourfunding sources will need to be submitted. Monthly reports and completetransparency of process will also be required.GRANTS:We will be awarding grants up to $250,000 per project/organizationdistributed over three years (i.e., $250,000 spread over three years, not$250,000 per year). We are looking to provide national funding tosupport homegrown organizations that can have a direct and measurableimpact on state elections. Most likely 501c4, 527 or state PACorganizations will be most appropriate, but election laws differ fromstate to state. You will need to determine what legal structure is mostappropriate in your state.The grantees will all be linked to a support network of people who havedemonstrated success in creating state based organizations and winningstate campaign races. Additionally, some grantees will benefit from theservices of Skyline Public Works which includes assistance in development,public relations, political organizing, advertising, technology, graphicdesign and accounting.TO APPLY:Please send a one page intent letter with a brief summary of your proposalby June 2, 2006. Those groups who pass the initial selection process willthen be asked to submit a formal grant application. All correspondenceshould be sent to:Home Grown Political Innovators GrantsSkyline Public WorksP.O. Box 1120Redwood City, CA 94064If you have any questions, please contact:Lisa Seitz Gruwell at lisa@skylinepublicworks.comPaul Yandura at paul@scottyandura.com