Power of Good

TYRENDA WILLIAMS-REED Director of Outreach, A.G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club To hear some of the executives of Alabama Power tell a group of nonprofits that they are important to them is amazing. They said, "You can help our customers in ways that we can't." To hear that from a company that is so influential and important to everyday life made me feel really good about what I do for a living. I just feel so inspired and uplifted! When they told us to "draw our family tree" and define our place within the greater Birmingham community, it reminded me that within our community we really are like a family. What we do in collaboration is really impor- tant for everyone getting a job done. 12 recipients will receive $10,000 in 2014, followed in 2015 by a $5,000 challenge grant. According to research, multiyear grants are most effective in producing results and provide additional time to elicit community support. "Collaboration is such an important part of building stronger communities," said John Hud- son, president of the Alabama Power Foundation. "We designed the new Elevate grants as challenge grants to encourage greater community involve- ment and ownership in ways that will positively impact our state." The grant project must meet needs in at least one of these areas: education, civic and commu- nity life, arts and culture, the environment, and health and human services. There are several grant criteria, including: • The project must have the potential for perma- nent, enduring benefits that will bring value to the community and the state. • The program can be duplicated in other com- munities. • The organization demonstrates sound fiscal management and accountability. • The project attracts multiple sources of sup- port. • The project addresses the needs of underserved segments of the population, such as minorities, the economically disadvantaged or citizens of rural communities. Grant applications are available online at www.powerofgood.com and can be submitted through Oct. 20. The proposals will be judged by a committee of representatives from Alabama Power's divisions. Winners will be announced the week of Nov. 17. "We're not just doing the right thing by of- fering these grants," Smith said. "We're doing the smart thing. Through our investment, we are partnering with you to turn your good works into good results that will generate long-lasting change." RESULTS continued on from 11 Voices from Elevate JOAN WRIGHT Executive Director, Childcare Resources The session on media relations was very valuable. It was one of the main reasons why I attended Elevate this year. Hearing directly from professionals in the field on how to strengthen our message to get media attention is very useful to us as we help the families we serve.

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