October 20, 2022
By Simon Okelo, Executive Director, One Vibe Media
“The rain wets the leopard's spots but does not wash them.” — Ghana Proverb
Every day, we face new challenges that require creative solutions. This proverb on the African Father in America (AFIA) podcast is a reminder that no matter how difficult things seem, we can overcome them with perseverance. This is certainly true when it comes to finding funding opportunities for our life-saving missions.
There are many resources available to help us find the funding we need to make a difference. The most important thing is to stay motivated and keep looking until we find the right opportunity. With determination and a little luck, we can make a real impact in the world.
The Port of Seattle is now accepting proposals for the third cycle of the South King County Community Impact Fund Environmental Grants and Economic Recovery Programs.
Economic Recovery Program
The SKCCIF Economic Recovery Program provides resources and support to communities that are farthest from opportunity with the goal of developing the next generation of workers in Port-related industries.
Organizations may apply for single or multi-year funding, ranging up to $100,000 for a single year and up to $250,000 for multiyear funding. A total of up to $2.5 million will be available this cycle for projects that benefit South King County communities.
Funding goals
The Port awards contracts to organizations serving communities most deeply impacted by the current economic crisis for projects connected to Port-related industries, including aviation, maritime, construction trades, and green career industries.
Community-led projects, which are not required to be 501(c)(3) organizations, help participants acquire the skills, experience, and education they need to secure increasingly complex and living wage jobs at the Port and in Port-related industries.
Environmental Grants
The SKCCIF Environmental Grants Program provides environmental grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations working within communities located near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Organizations can apply for one, two, or three-year grants for up to $20,000 per year and up to $60,000 for multi-year funding. A total of $500,000 is available this cycle to increase access to green space and improve livability in communities near the airport.
Funding goals
The goals of the SKCIIF Environmental Grants program are to promote health and livability in communities near SEA Airport by:
- Expanding access to parks and open space
- Improving air and water quality
- Restoring habitat
- Engaging diverse communities in environmental stewardship projects
Projects should focus on one or more of these goals, with a preference given to those that address multiple goals. Priority will be given to projects located within two miles of SEA Airport, with a particular focus on communities that have been historically underserved.
Eligible expenses include:
- Personnel costs associated with project coordination, planning, and implementation
- Equipment and supplies necessary for project completion
- Professional services required for project coordination or implementation (e.g., engineering, design, etc.)
- Other direct project costs as approved by the Port
Ineligible expenses include:
- Lobbying or political activities
- Fundraising activities
- Capital expenses or construction costs not necessary for project completion
This episode of #AFIAPodcast featured the Port of Seattle's Guadalupe Torres, the Community Investment Manager at the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. If you missed the live broadcast you can learn more directly from her about the Economic Recovery Program on my YouTube channel or listen on Apple Podcasts.
Join the African Father In America podcast again on October 20 to learn about the funding from the Environmental Grants Program through Ilays Aden, the Program Coordinator for Environmental Engagement.
The proverb "The rain wets the leopard's spots but does not wash them" is a popular saying in Ghana that has a few different interpretations:
- Just because you're stained, doesn't mean you can't clean up and shine
- Don't let your past dictate your present or future
- No matter how tough things seem, always keep your head up and press on
Our special guest on AFIA podcast had some incredible words of wisdom to say in regard to this proverb:
“There are times in life when others can’t keep up. They are struggling a little bit, and when you are able to jump a little bit into somebody’s row, you do that in life. And I think that is so powerful because that is a gift of life lessons, so jump into that row when you can. And how that connects to funding is that you show the opportunity, provide the opportunity that others may take that path and it could lead to much better goodness and much larger goodness. So, that's really what came to my heart, the point of resilience and not giving up and moving forward, and yet the rain comes down but you persevere.” Guadalupe Torres, Community Investment Manager, Port of Seattle.
1. Just because you're stained, doesn't mean you can't clean up and shine
Stains don't have to keep you down.
You can get back on track and make a fresh start. Just because your clothes are dirty doesn’t mean the stain will never go away, but it does mean that there is plenty of time for cleaning them up before they need washing or dry-cleaning again — so give yourself some credit with these words:
“It is with intent; it doesn’t happen by chance." Jaye
Even if stains appear irreversible (like blood), most people still manage to redeem themselves.
2. Don't let your past dictate your present or future.
The past is just that. It's over and can't be changed but you need to make the best of your current situation by looking ahead.
"Don’t let your former failures dictate what will happen in future endeavors."
3. No matter how tough things seem, always keep your head up and press on.
The sun will shine again tomorrow, so stop feeling sorry for yourself and get back on track. You have the power in you to make it happen.
- To apply for the Economic Recovery Program, apply for Eligibility Determination by October 20, 2022. Read eligibility requirements and how to apply>
- To apply for the Environmental Grants Program, submit your proposal by October 28, 2022. Find information on eligibility requirements and how to apply>
