Grant Recipient: BDPA Richmond ($3,900)

The BDPA Foundation approved $ 3,900 grant funding to BDPA Richmond chapter. The funds will support participation for chapter HSCC students, chaperones and coordinator at the national competition in Atlanta, GA on August 8-9, 2008.

This request was supported by funding from Bank of America.

Right now we need others to step-up and make tax-deductible donations to the BDPA Foundation so that we might continue to fund these programs in the future. It is important for us to have funds necessary to advance the careers of African Americans in the IT industry from the 'classroom to the boardroom'.

Please make a small donation right now!

BDPA Conference: Nat'l Board of Directors Meeting

Day 1 - National BDPA Board of Directors (NBOD) meeting held all day. NBOD membership includes 50 chapter presidents and a dozen elected or appointed officers make up the NBOD. This is policy making body for the organization. Morning sessions focused on finance and business management.

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Abe Joseph, Nat'l BDPA VP-Finance ran the numbers for the board. Indications are that the conference will be financially success!

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Yvette Graham, Nat'l BDPA President-Elect provided an update on her business area using the balanced scorecard metrics. Focus of her presentation dealt with national website, branding excellence and corporate sales. Yvette agreed to take on responsibility for the 2009 conference operations and national headquarters operations.

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The NBOD luncheon sponsored by Electronic Data Systems (EDS). The guest speaker was Ron Griggs. He is an executive with 27-years of experience in the IT industry. He is the executive at the company responsible for the funding of EDS' Silver-level sponsorship. The sponsorship included conference registrations and corporate memberships for 30 EDS associates. Ron shared some insights on career growth and based on his personal experiences at IBM, EDS and elsewhere. He made a number of observations including:

• complete college degree
• be willing to accept laterals or pay cut to gain necessary experience
• be willing to relocate if necessary
• be willing to tackle difficult jobs at your company
• critical to have balance in life (family, career, health, relationship and so forth)
• important to get a mentor (e.g., his mentor gave him tips on getting exposure in his company that helped get him into the executive level at his company)
• be prepared; prepare yourself
• stay cool under pressure
• keep things under perspective
• whereever you are ... be there! Don't focus on future goals at the exclusion of delivering outstanding performance at your current position

The Q&A session was very active. Ron discussed EDS buyout by HP, mentor vs. coach, suggestion for improving BDPA and much more. He provide some good reminders on things to consider for career growth and advancement.

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I lost wireless access in the afternoon. There were excellent presentations made by Kimberly Davis (VP-Member Services), Eatonia Williams (VP-Membership Management), Paulette Johnson-Davis (Chapter President Liaison) and Denise Holland (National President). The meeting adjourned with much information and camraderie. I do have .ppt version of all the presentations given at the NBOD meeting today. Respond in the COMMENTS section if you want copy of any particular presentation.

I hope that we can get wireless connection available for tomorrow! In the meantime, I invite you to follow our conference updates on Twitter as well.

How Can We Improve Our Blog?

I noticed that our blog fell to #612 in the Black Blog Rankings this month. We have not yet made a solid connection with BDPA members or supporters. We never had more than 25 subscribers at any time in our brief history.

At this point we would love to hear the 'voice of the customer'. Please take a moment and share your thoughts on the BDPA Foundation Blog. What can we do to improve it? What is missing? What should be added? What should be deleted?

Any feedback you can provide would be very much appreciated!

Next step is yours. What say u?

Top Ten Black Blogs (Aug 2008)

I had a great time at the Blogging While Brown conference in Atlanta last weekend! It was a remarkable opportunity for me to see some great bloggers face-to-face for the first time. A number of the bloggers in attendance (and via Twitter) let me know that they follow the Villager's Black Blog Rankings (BBR)! Therefore, it is with pleasure that I share with you the Aug 2008 rankings with 1,329 blogs being tracked! We have seen over 100% growth in the BBR since the beginning of the calendar year.

• September 2007 - 75 Black blogs
• January 2008 - 602 Black blogs
• March 2008 - 850 Black blogs
• June 2008 - 1,239 Black blogs
• July 2008 - 1,269 Black blogs

Anyhow, with no further ado, here are the Top Ten Black Blogs for Aug 2008:

1. Pam Spaulding: Pam's House Blend* (Authority: 1,142 / Rank: 2,160) - [Politics] I had pleasure of sitting next to Pam during the BWB Conference last month. I marveled at her ability to break down the information from the workshop presenters into posts for her blog ... complete with photos! Her hometown newspaper wrote a detailed article on the growing respect that Pam is getting throughout the blogosphere. Her blog will be a centerpiece of the coverage later this month at the Democratic National Convention. Pam earned her position as the top blogger of African descent in the universe!
2. Ahsmi Rawlins: Nah Right (Authority: 974 / Rank: 2,713) - [Entertainment] This blog moves into the BBR #2 slot for the first time ever. Ashmi (a.k.a., ESKAY) has operated his blog since May 2005. He made a brief mention of my blog a few months ago that resulted in my highest daily traffic ever. His blog benefits from his timely posts about all things hip-hop. In fact, many consider ESKAY to be on of the top five writers on hip hop in the world.
3. The Bossip: Bossip.com (Authority: 916 / Rank: 2,866) - [Entertainment] Bossip.com works hard to say on top of new trends. I appreciate the 'link-love' given by The Bossip in support of our efforts here on da Village! Many Black bloggers respect the way in which The Bossip has been able to monetize Bossip.com. Has anyone figured out whether The Bossip is a brother or a sister?
4. Angel Laws: Concrete Loop (Authority: 916 / Rank: 2,999) - [Entertainment] Angel Laws is the young sister who started this blog as a hobby. I still need to go through the blogs on Angel's Dope Sites & Blogs to add the ones that are Black-owned to the Black Blog Rankings. One day we figure that our Electronic Village will be one of her dope blogs!
5. Oliver Willis: Oliver Willis (Authority: 713 / Rank: 4,280) - [Politics] This must be one of the best times since Oliver began blogging in April 2005. His beloved Washington Redskins are getting ready for the NFL season and he is one of the few Black bloggers credentialed to cover the DemConvention later this month in Denver.
6. Natasha Eubanks: Young, Black & Fabulous (Authority: 703 / Rank: 4,370) - [Entertainment] Natasha established her blog in late 2005, just a few weeks before starting Loyola University Law School in New Orleans, Louisiana. What originally began as a hobby to fill the void of Black Hollywood coverage in the mainstream media, has now turned into one of the most visited black celebrity gossip sites on the web. TheYBF.com receives anywhere from 80K-130K hits a day and averages 4.5 million page views a month [source]. Methinks that Natasha will break into the BBR Top 5 next month.
7. Sandra Rose: Sandra Rose (Authority: 467 / Rank: 7,809) - [Entertainment] I didn't see Sandra Rose when I was in Atlanta last month for the BWB Conference. I'm going back this month for the BDPA Technology Conference ... maybe she'll be in town! I imagine she couldn't come to the BWB Conference because of her ongoing beef with Kanye West. Anyhow, the sister is going strong. She is another blogger that successfully made transition from Blogger-platform to her own domain ... and managed to regain her position in the BBR Top 10. Perhaps this will be the month that Sis. Rose gives the Electronic Village some link-love on her blogroll.
8. Kimberley Kira: The Angry Black Woman (Authority: 454 / Rank: 8,168) - [Social Commentary] Kimberley Kira (a.k.a., Tempest) jumped two spots to BBR #8 this month. I recently learned that Tempest attended the School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) in my current home town of Cincinnati OH. She describes herself as a "bisexual polyamorous pagan gamer geek" ... which might explain the focus that her blog places on sexism and racism. Now that I know about her Cincinnati roots ... I will be more proactive in following her blog over the coming weeks and months. After all, she ain't in the BBR Top Ten for nothin'!
9. Fresh Crunkjuice: Crunk & Disorderly* (Authority: 452 / Rank: 8,834) - [Entertainment] This gossip blog, created in August 2004, is in the middle of a transition to a new domain. The new domain is rising fast on the BBR. I anticipate that his other blog will crack the Top 10 shortly ... it is currently sitting at BBR #27.
10. Baratunde Thurston and Cheryl Contee: Jack and Jill Politics* (Authority: 444 / Rank: 8,385) - [Politics] Baratunde (a.ka. Jack Turner) and Cheryl (a.k.a. Jill Tubman) are two of the most active bloggers in the political realm. They are both credentialed to be on the floor of the 2008 National Democratic Convention in Denver later this summer. This blog is transitioning to a new domain. The new domain is rising fast on the BBR. I anticipate their other blog will crack the Top 10 shortly ... it is currently sitting at BBR #12.

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HONORABLE MENTION (11-25): How To Split An Atom, Jack & Jill Politics*, The Field Negro*, Necole Bitchie, What About Our Daughters*, Real Talk NY Provides The Latest Hip Hop News, La Shawn Barber's Corner, AfroBella, Angry Black Bitch, Keith Boykin, Raw Dawg Buffalo, Love B. Scott, Too Sense, Clutch Magazine and Electronic Village*

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This ranking is open to any blogger of African descent. You do not have to be a member of The AfroSpear or the Afrosphere Bloggers Association, although we invite all Black bloggers to join either (or both) of those organizations.

Those blogs with an asterisk after their name are members of The AfroSpear. Next month we will highlight those blogs that win 2008 Black Weblog Awards.

Black Blog Rankings lean heavily on the Technorati Authority and Rank score for each blog. The Technorati authority and rank numbers are shown in parenthesis. The authority figure includes a number of factors including the number of blogs that are linked to this blogger over the past six months. The rank number indicates how many blogs are between the one listed and The Huffington Post, which is the #1 overall blog in the universe.

We do think that these Black blogs are important spheres of influence. Let them know that you appreciate the work they have put in over the past few months and years to get on this list. My vision is that you will nominate many of the brothers and sisters on this month's BBR for a 2008 Black Weblog Award.

Finally, I encourage all bloggers to provide some link-love to this post so that your readers can learn about the Villager's Black Blog Rankings!

Next step is yours ... what say u?

5 Myths About Social Networking

by Jim Neusom
Founder, BDPA Nevada Chapter

Owner, City Lights Software

As and online professional I maintain a major presence on most social networking sites such as Myspace, FaceBook and BlackPlanet. Through these online communities, I've found thousands and thousands of "Friends".

Now don't get it twisted. I do not collect friends like baseball cards. I have read each, and every persons profile, in my Friend list. I personally approved their Friend request because, I believe they have something special to offer the Black online Diaspora.

If you search my Friend list, you will find everything you need to create, market, and sell, Rich Media and digital content in the new millennium; writers, Directors, Producers, Actors, Photographers, Models, Dancers, Musicians, Promoters, Distributors, Web Masters, Software Developers, Marketeers, etc...Yes, even Lawyers, Doctors, and Indian Chiefs (think CEO) .

If you're a regular reader of my online journal/Blog, then you know I joined these networks with a purpose. I hope all my new friends, are enjoying this online publication.

I post articles, and stories such as this one, in order, to educate, empower, and stimulate discussions, on issues of importance to our culture.

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Five Myths About Social Networking

Myth #1: It's All About You.

Successful networking is a two-way street. It's NOT all about you. In order to build a friendship/relationship there must be common ground. Most online profiles reveal the basics about a person (who, what and where)

One of your first messages to a new friend should reflect what you've read about them online. Let them know you're interested in them, their field of endeavor, or lifestyle (music, books, sports, etc)

Myth #2: It's A Popularity Contest.

Quality trumps quantity in human relationships, every time. You don't want a hundred messages a day about things you don't care about. You want to receive info on things that interest you. If you're meeting people for business or social reasons, your friend list should reflect your interests.

I can generally judge what a person is into, by the type of friends they have. So if you're into music, your friends should reflect this. Relatively, if you're about business, one would expect your friend list to be full of entrepreneurs....birds of a feather, flock together

Myth #3: It's A Quick Hit.

Friends call friends...friends visit friends. If you're not receiving an email or comment from a friend at least once a month, then they're just a name in cyberspace...not a real friend

The most you can hope for at an initial online meeting is to make a contact that (with care and time) could blossom into a fruitful relationship. Be diligent about following up and staying in contact with your online friends.

Myth #4: It's hard work.

It may be that you're working too hard. Friendships happen naturally. If you introduce yourself to people, stay in touch with people you've met, and think, in every interaction, "How could I help this person?"...you'll have an enjoyable and productive online relationship.

You're surfing the Internet anyway...why not pass along information or events that you think your friends might be interested in; for example there's a sale on at Target, I read about a job opening on Monster, have you seen the latest Obama ad....

Myth #5: It's A Waste Of Time.

Your time will surely be wasted if you approach each interaction as an opportunity hawk your wares, push your cause, or sign someone up. Conversely if every time you read a message it's about information you can use...your time will be well spent.

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Knowledge is power. If you pick your friends with commonality and good sense, your online experience will be invaluable. Like in the real world, they will be there for you through the good times and the bad.

Always remember that the same rules apply in the virtual world that applies to the real world. If you want friends...then you must show yourself to be friendly!

I have found social networks to be an ideal platform to network and make new relationships.

Remember, We Must Share The Knowledge (Network)... To Share The Dollars!!!

Peace and Gods Blessings,
Jim Neusom

Chapter Building Workshop: Selling BDPA

BDPA originated over 30 years ago out of concerns that minorities were not adequately represented in the information technology industry. BDPA provides education, training and professional development programs "from the classroom to the boardroom" for students, professionals, entrepreneurs and our community.

The theory behind BDPA is simple. However, the execution of the steps that need to be taken to grow local BDPA chapters is much more difficult. There are over 300,000 people of African descent in the technology industry ... yet, BDPA only has a handful of chapters with more than 100 members. There are thousands of corporations and foundations that fund non-profits ... yet, BDPA only has a handful of corporate sponsors or winning grant proposals.

A chapter building workshop, 'Selling BDPA' scheduled for Friday, August 8, 2008, will give tips and techniques that can be put to use immediately in areas such as marketing, corporate sales, membership growth and fundraising.

The presenter, Wayne Hicks, is a demonstrated expert in this field. Wayne grew the BDPA Cincinnati chapter from six (6) members to over 200 members in a little over a year. His chapter won back-to-back Chapter of the Year awards under his leadership. He later served as national president at a time when BDPA membership hit an all-time high in its 30-year history. BDPA published a monthly newsletter, quarterly magazine and delivered world-class national conferences in Dallas and Detroit under his leadership. He is an entrepreneur who ran the Cincinnati Business Incubator for five years before taking the helm of the BDPA Education & Technology Foundation.

Mr. Hicks is uniquely qualified to share tangible tips and technigues that will help any BDPA leader. His message is equally useful for anyone that runs a small business or serves as an officer for a non-profit organization outside of BDPA world.

Have you registered for this workshop yet?

Grant Award: Sony USA Foundation ($2,500)

Sony Foundation approved a $2,500 grant award for programs and services in our BDPA Richmond chapter. The funds are direct result of volunteer efforts by BDPA member Christopher McNeil.

The funds will go towards the Students IT Education & Scholarship (SITES) program in Richmond, VA. The chapter plans to have a kick-off knowledge-sharing meeting for students, parents, volunteers, educators, and mentors held prior to the first training sessions. The chapter's LEGO Robotics Training program takes place from September through November. The Middle School Computer Terminology Quiz Bowl Training program held annually from March to May. Finally, BDPA Richmond conducts their High School Computer Training program from February to August.

We are very grateful to Sony Foundation vice president Ed Wallace for his enthusiastic support of this funding request.

HSCC Alumni Earn the BDPA Scholarships Sponsored by Bank of America

The BDPA Foundation is proud to announce two winners of the 2008 BDPA Scholarships sponsored by Bank of America.

Lee Reed (Walter Payton College Prep '08) and Kunle Roberts (Mayo Senior High School '08) selected by the Bank of America scholarship committee to each receive $2,500 scholarship that may be used to pursue an information technology related degree at an accredited two or four-year college or university of their choice.

Lee Reed is a 4-time member of the national BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team trained by our BDPA Chicago chapter. Lee's team won the 2006 national championship and followed up the next year with a bronze medal in the 2007 championship. Lee plans to attend the University of Michigan later this year.

Kunle Roberts is a 2-time member of the national HSCC team trained by our BDPA Southern Minnesota chapter. Kunle's team won the 2007 national championship after taking home the silver medal in the 2006 championship. Kunle plans to attend Rice University later this year.

The BDPA Scholarship sponsored by Bank of America recognizes outstanding students of color, with an interest in information technology who make significant contributions to society. Applicants must excel academically, show exceptional leadership potential and make an impact through service to their communities.

Our understanding is that both Lee and Kunle will use their BDPA Scholarships to supplement benefits from the academic institution a student plans to attend and fellowships from other foundations or organizations. Students may use the scholarship to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, room and board and other college-related expenses.

Please take a moment to share some BDPA love with both Lee and Kunle for their outstanding achievements!

One Nation Online

Jordan Berg is the outreach coordinator for Free Press. Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media through education, organizing and advocacy. They promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications.

Anyhow, Free Press was a co-sponsor of Blogging While Brown conference. Jordan flew in from Massachusetts to share information about net neutrality. He wants us to reach out to our congressional representatives in support of net neutrality.

BDPA leaders and chapters should consider taking a formal position on net neutrality. Our community needs to ensure that we don't become second-class citizens in this area.

My hope is that BDPA leaders and chapters learn more about this One Nation Online concept. In other words, we need to say loud & proud that we want every American to be connected to a fast, affordable, and open Internet to prosper in today's economy and to serve as an active citizen in a 21st century democracy.

This is serious stuff. BDPA needs to get serious about it. What say u?

WellPoint Executive Reception

WellPoint is a proud sponsor of the 30th annual BDPA Technology Conference and will be hosting an exclusive reception on Thursday, August 7th @ 7pm.

BDPA Foundation blog readers are invited to attend! Click here to view your invitation and to RSVP.

We look forward to seeing you!

Election Results: Reggie Hillery (Columbus)

BDPA Columbus chapter is the 9th largest chapter in the country. On July 23, the chapter elected a new president-elect, Reggie Hillery. Reggie ascends to the chapter presidency in 2008-2009.

At the same meeting, Jim Locke was given an Outstanding Service Award for his dedication to the High School Computer Competition program this year.

Grant Recipient: BDPA Cleveland ($8,500)

The BDPA Foundation approved $ 8,500 grant funding to BDPA Cleveland chapter. The funds were needed to cover expenses for chapter participation in the Midwest Regional HSCC (Cincinnati OH).

Remaining funds will support participation for chapter HSCC students, chaperones and coordinator at the national competition in Atlanta, GA on August 8-9, 2008.

David Moore, BDPA Cleveland VP-Finance wrote, "We did receive the check today. I would like to thank you for getting us these critical funds well ahead of your regular schedule. Your efforts are GREATLY appreciated by the BDPA-Cleveland chapter. I am looking forward to meeting you at the National Conference in a couple of weeks."

This funding request was supported by a recent Key Foundation grant. Right now we need others to step-up and make tax-deductible donations to the BDPA Foundation so that we might continue to fund these programs in the future.

It is important for us to have funds necessary to advance the careers of African Americans in the IT industry from the 'classroom to the boardroom'. Please make a small donation right now!

Grant Proposal: Sony USA Foundation

BDPA Foundation collaborated with BDPA Richmond chapter on a grant proposal to Sony USA Foundation. The proposal requests $2,500 in support of their youth education programs. This funding source identified by a BDPA member who works for Sony Electronics.

Sony's company-wide philanthropic efforts reflect the diverse interests of our core businesses and focus on several distinct areas: arts education, arts and culture, health and human services, civic and community outreach, education, and volunteerism. Each operating company has its own philanthropic priorities and unique resources. While positive consideration is given to efforts that promote literacy and basic educational competency, the company also seeks to apply its financial, technological, and human resources to the encouragement of the creative, artistic, technical, and scientific skills required of tomorrow's workforce.

We should hear about the results of this funding request before the end of the month.

Wal-Mart Foundation

The Community Grant Program is the largest program funded by the Wal-Mart and SAM'S CLUB Foundation and includes both matching and direct grants. The Matching Grant program allows local nonprofit organizations to hold fundraisers outside their local Wal-Mart or SAM'S CLUB. Wal-Mart and SAM'S can elect to match a portion of the funds raised up to $1,000.

Events held off the premises of a Wal-Mart store or SAM'S CLUB are also eligible for funding when a Wal-Mart or SAM'S CLUB associate is actively involved in the event.

Additionally, once the Wal-Mart or SAM'S CLUB has met certain criteria in the Matching Grant Program each year, a second source of funding, direct grants, is awarded to the store / club to use in the community. These funds do not require a fundraiser to be held; instead the funds can be awarded directly to a deserving organization.

More than 80,000 grants, totaling $61 million, were awarded through the Community Grant program last year. Additional funds were also raised by participating community organizations who received matching funds.

To learn more about receiving a grant from your local Wal-Mart or SAM'S CLUB, please see the Community Involvement Coordinator at the location closest to you.

Please let BETF know if you are interested in working with the Wal-Mart or SAM'S CLUB in your chapter city on some fundraising effort in 2008-2009. This is a grant opportunity available to all 50 chapters simultaneously since the decision-makers are at the local level.

Grant Declination: AirTran Airways

We learned today that our $4,500 funding request to AirTran Airways on behalf of BDPA Philadelphia chapter has been denied.

AirTran Airways wrote, "Thank you for affording AirTran Airways the opportunity to review your request for your event. As you may well imagine, AirTran Airways receives several hundred requests for support each week -- all of which, while for a worthy cause, cannot be granted. With the airline facing exceptionally high fuel costs and an increasingly competitive landscape, we are not able to participate in all of the opportunities presented to us at this time. We regret that we are not able to participate this year. Thank you for your interest in AirTran Airways."

Fortunately, BDPA Philadelphia chapter received corporate sponsorship funds large enough to cover the air fare for their HSCC team participation at the 30th annual BDPA Technology Conference in Atlanta GA.

Have you made donation or pledge to BDPA Foundation yet? Just reply to this message if you want to do so today!

BDPA Conference At a Glance

Click here for some critical information on the upcoming 30th annual BDPA Technology Conference.

Do you have any questions about the upcoming conference that you want answered?

Message from New York Chapter President

BDPA New York is the 3rd largest chapter in the nation. The chapter continues to provide programs and services that advance the careers of African Americans in the IT industry from 'classroom to boardroom'.

Here is how BDPA New York chapter president Judaea Lane put it:

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"This has been an exciting year for the New York Chapter of BDPA. If you will allow me to boast for a moment.

Thanks to our sponsors, the New York SITES (Student IT Education & Scholarship) students have had the wonderful experience to network with BDPA Leaders in the IT field and the opportunity to visit Corporate Headquarters and Technical data centers. Additionally, they had the opportunity to attend and compete in BDPA's Eastern (New Jersey) and Mid-Atlantic Regional Conferences (Maryland). They placed 2nd in the Eastern Conference and 3rd in the Mid-Atlantic Region Conference. Now they are heading on to compete at the National BDPA Technology Conference (Atlanta). After their strong showing in the two regional conferences, we have high hopes that they will place in the top five at the national competition.

We've built collaborative partnerships with our sister organizations, Urban Financial, NSBE and NAAAHR. Also we've had exciting and informative Program Meetings with each of the organizations and some with our sponsors.

Thanks to our Communication Team, we have an informative website and an exciting newsletter. (HUMANWARE is back!! - To get your copy, please download from our website).

The excitement doesn't stop there as there is more to come. You are cordially invited to network with us on July 24th with the Executive Leadership Team of Wachovia.

The presenter for the evening is Director Jason Sydney, who will discuss the cutting edge in trading and how algorithms allow firms like Wachovia to get ahead with the advent of the NYSE hybrid market and continuing consolidation and expansion of electronic exchanges. These algorithms allow traders to use their expertise in the field to build computerize trading models that allow them to react quickly and methodically to changes in the market and alleviates potential of trading outside the company model and targets.

Event Logistics
Wachovia HQ
375 Park Avenue
between East 52nd & East 53rd
July 24, 2008 * 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Refreshments will be served!
Our SITES students, who are competing in the High School Computer Competition or attending the Youth Technology Camp (YTC) will also be in attendance . Not only is this an opportunity for them to meet Wachovia's Executive Team, it also gives them a chance to thank you for giving them the opportunity to come this far. Furthermore, they want New York members to see what they have submitted for the T-Shirt competition.

So members please come out and show some BDPA love and let them know that you are cheering for them. Remember RSVP is extremely important for all our events therefore to confirm your attendance you can respond by e-mail or leave a message on the BDPA Voicemail at (212) 802-5341.

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Do we have any New York chapter members out there?

Letter of Inquiry * The Lehman Brothers Foundation

The Lehman Brothers Foundation seeks to support innovative not-for-profit organizations that work to advance quality healthcare, promote excellence in the arts and culture, and educate and help meet the needs of underprivileged children and youth.

Click here for copy of the foundation annual report.

The Lehman Brothers Foundation accepted our letter of inquiry requesting permission to submit a $5,000 grant proposal on behalf of our BDPA New York chapter. We should know before the end of the month if The Lehman Brothers Foundation will invite us to submit the grant proposal.

Corning Incorporated Foundation

Does your chapter operate in a community with a major presence of Corning Inc.? If so, then the Corning Incorporated Foundation may be a possible source of funding.

Over the years, the Corning Incorporated Foundation has contributed more than $100 million through its programs of giving. Resources are directed almost exclusively toward initiatives which improve the quality of life in and near communities where Corning Incorporated is an active corporate citizen. Currently, the Foundation annually fulfills approximately 175 grants totaling some $3.0 million.

BETF would be interested in partnering with a qualified local chapter interested in obtaining funding for their 2009 youth education programming. Please let us know if you/your chapter want to engage in a joint effort to obtain funding from the Corning Incorporated Foundation.

ITSMF Provides Career Coach Scholarships

Are you seeking innovative ways to advance your career in the IT industry?

If so, then we encourage you to take advantage of executive coaching scholarships offered by the Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) for any eligible BDPA member. You have to be in attendance at 30th annual BDPA Technology Conference in Atlanta on August 6-9, 2008. Each participant will receive an hour of laser coaching designed to enhance their professional development.

Complete and return the goals assessment application if you are interested in applying for this $250 coaching scholarship experience. At a minimum, all applicants must be deemed as a "high potential" by their management in order to qualify for this scholarship program.

Please return your completed assessment on or before July 31, 2008 to Deborah Chima.

Candidates successfully completing the coaching may be considered for participation in the ITSMF Executive Protégé Program.