Mini Grant Program National Conference on Tobacco or Health

							       Mini-Grant Program:
   An effective way to advance
project objectives through CBO’s.

     2005 National Conference on Tobacco or Health, Chicago, IL.

     Twlia Laster, African American Tobacco Education Partnership
                      California Black Health Network
           1330 21 st Street, Suite 205, Sacramento, California

                                916.448.7900
                         tlm_cbhn@sbcglobal.net
                                Abstract
Title: Mini-Grant Program: An effective way to advance project objectives through CBO’s.

Program Area: Comprehensive Tobacco Control Programs

Abstract Summary Objective: To increase tobacco control efforts in the African American
community, the African American Tobacco Education Network (AATEN) conducted a Mini-
Grant program. AATEN awarded Mini-Grants to non-profit organizations to fund short term,
innovative and creative projects. Mini-Grants were awarded for one-time events or a scope of
work over a period of five months. Projects focused on AATEN priority areas and
supplemented the work plan. Priorities included: advocacy campaigns, policy development;
educational and media materials, communities where there were little to no tobacco control
activities, African Immigrant outreach; faith based outreach; programs targeting youth and 18-
24 yr. olds and innovative programs promoting community norm change. Method: Staff
recruited and maintained a Mini-Grant Review Committee. The committee advised the
application and technical assistance manual, established priority areas, funding amounts,
process of funding. and reviewed applications. Applications were solicited through print media
and email lists. Mini-Grants were awarded up to $5,000 and Rapid Action Mini-Grants up to
$1,500. Results: In total, AATEN received 108 applications. Of those, 21 mini-grants and 18
Rapid Action Mini-Grants totaling $97,274 were awarded. Conclusion: The Mini-Grant process
was an integral part of AATEN’s scope of work objectives. Many projects addressed more than
one priority area. The Mini-Grant program served the Network to bring awareness on a local
level for tobacco control issues. The program was evidence of AATEN’s commitment to
engaging the African American and African Immigrant communities throughout California in
campaigns to reduce the use of tobacco products.
                               Objective
To increase tobacco control efforts in the African American and African Immigrant
community, AATEN conducted a Mini-Grant program to fund projects and activities
that helped achieve the Network’s objectives and mission. Funds were available to
non-profit agencies, organizations and programs serving African Americans and
African Immigrants and refugees. Participation was encouraged from agencies
and/or organizations that had not received AATEN fundsin the past, or were not
currently receiving tobacco control funds. Mini-Grant awards did not exceed $5,000
and Rapid Action Mini-Grant awards did not exceed $1,500. Mini-Grants had
specific deadlines and filing dates. Rapid Action Mini-Grant applications were
accepted on a rolling basis, monthly as funding allowed. Project proposals could be
for a one-time event or could involve scopes of work over a period of up to five
months, depending on the type of project. Mini-Grants could not be used to
supplant existing State tobacco control funds or for individual or group cessation
programs. In addition, Mini-Grants could not be used for curricular activities within
public schools, salaries, benefits,overhead expenses or equipment purchases.
                              Method:
    Step 1: Establishing Mini-Grant Program Funding Priorities

Mini-Grant funds were used for a variety of activities. Projects were to address one or
more of the priority areas of Secondhand Smoke exposure, Countering Pro-Tobacco
Influences or Youth Access. Funding priority was given to those applications that
supported and enhanced the Network's Advocacy Campaigns – decreasing exposure to
secondhand smoke in homes and cars, developing policies that prohibit tobacco industry
sponsorship and smoke-free events, media and material development or a suggested
areas of focus:

•         Communities where the tobacco industry has a high presence
•         Young adult populations 18-24 years old, in and out of college
•         Communities where there are little or no tobacco control activities
•         Collaborations with substance abuse programs
•         Development of educational and/or media materials with specific topic areas
•         African immigrant outreach
•         Church based outreach programs
•         Culturally relevant media or material development activities
                          Method:
    Step 2: Capacity Building through Mini-Grant Writing

To assist applicants in submitting and completing the grant application,
Staff conducted six trainings throughout the state between December 2002
and November 2003, which were attended By 70 people. The trainings
were open to any organization or individual that wanted to submit a
proposal. Training topics included:

•       How to apply for a Mini-Grant or a Rapid Action Mini-Grant
•       What reviewers look for in an application
•       The model Mini-Grant
•       Available technical assistance
•       How to document success and barriers
•       Alternative tobacco control funding resources
                              Method:
                    Step 3: Recruitment & Review


A Mini-Grant Review Committee (MGRC) was formed in order to employ a
collaborative review process for Mini-Grant applications. Reviewers were
recruited from around the state to represent the African American and African
Immigrant demographics of the state. Staff provided coordination and training
for the committee and the Mini-Grant review process. Training for the
committee addressed responsibilities, procedures of the review process using
the reviewer score sheet and quick reference guide.

Proposals were evaluated in the areas of purpose, goals, objectives, target
population, timeframe, activities, evaluation, and agency capability. MGRC
members consisted of key opinion leaders, community experts and other long
standing coalition members.

The MGRC completed six review cycles from May 2002 to January 2004.
                          Results: Funded Projects


Funding amounts ranged between $400 and $5,000. Project activities varied
dramatically from material development of comic novels and brochures to
media projects such as live radio broadcasts. Events were larger to small scale:
Juneteenth celebration, Children’s Health and Arts Festival, sports tournaments and a
youth focused talent show. Projects were held in a variety of locales throughout the
community at community centers, parks, parking lots, health centers, churches, colleges,
and radio or television stations.

Grantees completed Evaluation Forms for their completed projects. Evaluation
information included: priority area of the project; educational materials used; number of
individuals targeted, reached and in which population; media involvement and/or public
recognition of the project; outcome of objectives; challenges and barriers; if their
organization will continue the activity; an assessment of the application process and any
technical assistance they might have received.
                    Results: Challenges and Barriers


Although applicants stayed within the criteria of the application, many did not adequately
answer questions, some budgets and projects were too ambitious or ambiguous and not
justifiable based on their project and staffing of the organization. Several applications had
poorly written objectives and bad budgets, or they copied from the sample. One
suggestion to address these problems is to conduct the technical assistance trainings in
two parts; one that focuses on basic writing skills and an advanced course for applicants
with prior grant writing experience to improve chances for more successful grant
applications.

An additional concern was the lack of applicants representing all geographic areas of the
state that had a significant population of African American and African Immigrants. In
AATEN staff advertised in various communities via press releases to newspapers and
through tobacco control community partners in an attempt to increase the amount of
applications submitted. However, deliberate marketing and networking to increase
partnerships with African American organizations in these areas would remedy this
barrier.
                            Conclusion


AATEN received 67 applications for Mini-Grants and 34 applications for
Rapid Action Mini-Grants. Of those, 21 Mini-Grants and 18 Rapid
Action Mini-Grants were funded for a total of $97,274.14.

The Mini-Grant process was integral to AATEN’s efforts to engage
African American and African Immigrant communities throughout
California in campaigns to reduce the use of tobacco products .

The Mini-Grant process brought awareness on a local and state level of
the need for tobacco control in African American and African Immigrant
communities. In addition, the Mini-Grant process was evidence of
AATEN’s involvement with and service to the community.
Examples of Awarded Projects
                         Southern Sudanese Community Center
Agency Name: Southern Sudanese Community Center
Funded Amount: $2,984
Project Name: Los Boys of Sudan/Sudanese Youth and Young Adult Tobacco-Free Soccer Camp
Target Population: Sudanese youth, young adults parents and grandparents
Funding Period: 10/02 – 01/03
Area: San Diego, CA

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
To counter pro-tobacco influences in the San Diego Sudanese community by producing language specific brochures to
be distributed in classes and at soccer matches. Tobacco education brochures were translated in Nuer, Dinka and Arabic.
Additionally, SSCC recruited 30 youth and parent/grandparents to participate in tobacco education classes while training for
soccer matches. By encouraging involvement by parents and grandparents, this project was able to encourage smoke-free
homes, community meetings, and social activities.

NEED
Sudanese refugees are faced with limited English language skills. Community norms encourage smoking and use of other
tobacco products. Under pressure to adjust to life in the United States, most become frustrated and overwhelmed when
bombarded by pro-tobacco influences in the media promoting an appealing lifestyle. With limited education on health risks
associated with tobacco use, this community may easily give in to the deception without a well planned and managed preventive
effort.

CHALLENGE/BARRIER
Hard to “break” the community norm of smoking especially among the youth and adults. It was stated many times that “Sudanese
smoke because it relieves the urgent need of food and reduces stress”. Instructors educated the group on the “myths and facts” of
tobacco use especially related to stress which was well received. However some still feel that if you do not smoke – and you do
not take away your hunger - you will be judged as greedy when you need to eat more than one portion of food.

SUCCESS
Two brochures, the “Hey Girlfriend, Lets talk about smoking and you” brochure from the California Department of Health Services
“For you and Your Family Project” and the “How tobacco Effects the Body” brochures from Journey Works were converted into
Nuer, Dinka and Arabic. Once these brochures and other educational materials were converted, language barriers were
eliminated and education on health risks associated with tobacco use was successful. Parents and grandparents were especially
receptive to the benefits of smoke-free homes and community events since secondhand smoke was a concern. Once the parents
and grandparents of the youth were educated, and found receptive to change the youth followed their example. The Southern
Sudanese Community Center has ongoing tobacco education programs to continue this project.
                      Metropolitan Community Development Corp.

Funded Amount: $1,500
Project Name: World No Tobacco Day Postcard
Target Population: African Americans
Funding Period: 5/03 – 06/03
Area: Los Angeles, CA

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
To heighten the African American community’s awareness of the dangers of smoking and counter the glamorization of smoking by Hollywood, the
Metropolitan Community Development Corporation (MCDC) created a compelling anti-tobacco “post card” for the 2003 World No Tobacco Day theme
“Tobacco Free Film, Tobacco Free Fashion”. The postcard included helpful reminders, supporting statements and resources to help those who
wantto quit to take action. A graphic designer and writer designed and developed the postcard in collaboration with the Metropolitan Community
Development Corporation.

NEED
Hollywood and the tobacco industry have joined in an unhealthy partnership to promote the glamorization of smoking through “A” list celebrities.
To counter these subtle tobacco influences , the MCDC wanted to get the word out through a “post card” on World No Tobacco Day, when theentire
country is focused on this event. This post card was passed to loved ones, mailed to family and friends, or used as a personal “bookmark”. African
Americans in Los Angeles are celebrity emulators and the tobacco industry knows this because they follow trends. The challenge and barriers arise
when African Americans see stars either smoking or in “pro-smoking movies”. Additionally, closer to home, neighborhood liquor marts Display poster-
size advertisements from national cigarette makers, at adult and child eye level.

CHALLENGE/BARRIER
Designers needed to be sensitive to copyright and estate issues where using celebrity names and images. Copyright licenses were obtained from the
graphic designer, writer and grantee. California Department of Health Services, Tobacco Control Section Media Unit held licenses for use of celebrity
images.

SUCCESS
Metropolitan Community Development Corporation joined with a consortium of churches and connected with the African Firefighters’ African Market
Place for distribution. The success was in the distribution, because these two venues provided outreach to people from all over Los Angeles, from
children to senor citizens. In addition, post cards were given to Heddi Anderson Breast Cancer Foundation, Ward A.M.E. Church and the Los Angeles
Sentinel Newspaper. This postcard was revised and re-printed by the Watts Healthcare Corporation in 2004 for a community education project.
                               Joyner Payne Youth Service Agency
Funded Amount: $1,500
Project Name: “Being Blunt About Blunts” Brochure
Target Population: African
American youth, young adults and tobacco control advocates
Funding Period: 3/04 – 5/04
Area: Northern California

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Joyner Payne Youth Service Agency created a brochure called “Being Blunt About Blunts”. This brochure takes a look at the problem with
smoking blunts. A Blunts is marijuana rolled into a cigar skin(such as Phillies Blunt ®, Swisher Sweet ®, Royal Blunts®, etc) or other tobacco
wrapper. This brochure was developed to influence African American youth and young
adults to stop using Blunt-cigar.

NEED
Education materials for African American youth are very limited or do not exist. Additionally, no materials has been developed on this combined
subject. Both tobacco and marijuana cause many serious health effects. Combining the two into Blunts can cause many more serious problems.
African American youth and young adults view smoking Blunts as harmless and a more “natural” alternative to smoking tobacco. This brochure
takes a look at these issues by informing the reader of possible side effects related to smoking Blunts.

CHALLENGE/BARRIER
Blunts are a new phase in smoking marijuana and tobacco. Many hip-hop stars have glamorized smoking blunts, making it “the thing to do”. As
a result, marijuana/tobacco use via blunts is wide-spread among all teens and young adults. The latest trend of the tobacco industry is to use
youthful images and language in ads and on products to attract the hip-hop generation.

SUCCESS
This brochure has been distributed with the Santa Clara County Juvenile Detention Centers, the San Francisco Juvenile Detention Centers and
the NAACP of the Silicon Valley to name a few. It has been revised by the Tobacco Education Clearinghouse of California (TECC) and is
currently available in their catalog for public distribution.
                                     Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP


Funded Amount: $5,000
Project Name: “Dying to Smoke” Comic Novel
Target Population: African American Youth
Funding Period: 9/02 – 3/03
Area: Los Angeles, CA

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
To counter pro-tobacco influences and heighten awareness of the dangers and health consequences of tobacco use among African American
youth, The Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP Youth Coalition developed and distributed an anti-smoking graphic novel (comic book) that through
its content de-glamorizes tobacco use and emphasizes the serious health effects. An experienced graphic artist and health professional worked
with youth focus groups on story development and producing this education tool.

NEED
Education materials for African American youth are very limited or do not exist. Story content made a variety of points for the case against
smoking, including de-glamorizing of its usage, the health consequences of secondhand smoke and the ravages of smoking. Through story
content a young reader will learn how to take an advocacy role, making the case for how peer pressure can spiral into tobacco use.

CHALLENGE/BARRIER
Limited timeline and budget. Grantee was very creative in developing an effective and professional looking graphic novel with a limited budget.
Grantee also would have liked to have more workshops with youth and teens to further develop the novel.

SUCCESS
This brochure has been distributed with the ACT-SO (Afro-Academic CulturalTechnological Scientific Olympics), local Los Angeles chapters of
the NAACP, African American churches, expos and the community at large. It has been revised by the Tobacco Education Clearinghouse of
California and is currently available in their catalog for public distribution.
African American Tobacco Education Partnership (AATEP)
                   Sacramento Office
               1330 21st Street, Suite 205
                 Sacramento, CA 95814
                     916.448.7900

        California Black Health Network (CBHN)
                     Executive Office
          7840 Mission Center Court, Suite 200
                  San Diego, CA 92108
                      619.295.5413

         Denise Adams-Simms, Executive Director
                   cbhn@pacbell.net
                     www.cbhn.org
If you are interested in purchasing any of the materials produced by the
African American Tobacco Education Partnership (AATEP), please call
The Tobacco Education Clearinghouse of California (TECC) @
831.438.4822 ext. 230 or 103. Also check out the TECC catalog online
at www.tecc.org/public.