Solutions for Better living has opened up their call for project ideas. They are looking for anyone with a simple, great idea that can be rolled into a sustainable project on its own. SBL provides seed funding, mentoring, and a network of driven and experienced project coordinators to anyone that receives their grant. Check out SBL’s website or read more below about Solutions for Better Living and the grant.

Funding Opportunity!

Mission

The mission of Solutions for Better Living (SBL) is to serve as a catalyst to galvanize and support individuals in taking strategic action to improve the health and well being of those living in their communities. SBL is committed to building upon and strengthening the multisectoral, collaborative partnerships between the corporations, government agencies, public sector organizations, and other not-for-profit organizations throughout Houston.

SBL Services

The SBL project management team assists community project leaders with:

*Initial funding
*Identifying available resources
*Executing goals/deadlines
*Participate in community projects fundraisers and events,
*Conduct educational workshops (e.g. financial planning, grant writing, planning and developing, social entrepreneurship, etc.)
*Marketing and public relation strategies, and
*Securing additional funding

SBL utilizes the knowledge and talents of local, national, and international consultants, educators and community leaders who have multifaceted expertise.

As part of the PSBH network, these leaders are committed to improving the quality of life by fostering creative problem solving and project sustainability at the local and national levels by promoting cooperative partnerships. The SBL project management team is cross trained and works collectively to perform such task as fundraising, grant writing, community workshops/seminars, specialized client support, etc. They are required to have ongoing direct and indirect interaction with donors, project coordinators, community partners, and other entities that have an interest in SBL. The concept is to offer an array of services that will assist in project development, implementation, and sustainability. Community project coordinators receive guided assistance through the resource center, community project workshops, and special services tailored to each particular project. Our services are designed to meet the needs of small community projecats while often impacting the populations about its perimeter.

The Problem Solving for Better Health (PSBH®) methodology is utilized during SBL’s workshops for the development of its community projects. PSBH® is based on the knowledge that health is both a product of, and a vital factor in, community development. The PSBH model was developed in 1988, to be used as a tool to enable individuals in a community to identify solutions to local problems. It is the centerpiece of the Dreyfus Health Foundation mission, the SBL affiliate organization.

SBL Workshop

Our next workshop will be held on September 4 – 5, 2009. If you are interested in attending the workshop, please go to the link and complete the questionnaire. All questionnaires must be completed by August 8, 2009, 11:59 p.m. CST. Workshop participants will be selected on the basis of a specific set of criteria. Projects that are developed during the workshop will be identified and chosen for support based on their probability in becoming fiscally sustainable programs. Selected projects will receive funding as well as additional services that will assist in the development of a viable programs for the community.

Complete the questionnaire at www.sblhouston.com

Anyone can apply. All you need is a great community project idea. For further information you can contact Valerie D. Jackson at (281) 236-3989. You can also visit the website to view previously awarded projects.