CALL FOR PROPOSALS: Improving Lives of Vulnerable Americans Through Social Security

With support from the Ford Foundation, the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI) is awarding funds to projects designed to educate Americans most reliant on Social Security about its role in their economic security. The purpose of the project is to support constituency building, education outside of the beltway, and the development of user-friendly, research-based information on the adequacy of Social Security benefits and how these could be strengthened for vulnerable groups, including communities of color, women, people with disabilities, low-wage workers and children. In light of rising out-of-pocket medical costs, declining asset values and job losses, it is more important than ever that groups most reliant on Social Security have their voices heard in policy debates about its future.

NASI anticipates approving several project applications up to a maximum of $100,000. Targeted projects of smaller amounts (e.g., $20,000 to $35,000) are encouraged and will be given special consideration. The application deadline is February 15, 2011. Interested organizations are encouraged to send a notice of intent to apply by January 15, 2011, to Elizabeth Lamme (elamme@nasi.org).

Organizations that were funded by NASI for projects starting in October 2010 may not receive over $100,000 total, including this new grant and the October 2010 grant. Funding for projects that started prior to October 2010 will not count toward the $100,000 limit.

Successful projects will translate existing knowledge about Social Security, including the relevant research and analyses of the National Academy of Social Insurance, into messages that empower constituencies most reliant on Social Security. They will also develop innovative outreach strategies to more effectively communicate such messages, and/or build practical knowledge about how Social Security could better meet constituency needs. Finally, they will include a credible strategy to encourage and support constituencies in making their voices heard in the public debate on Social Security. Successful projects will commit to producing at least one educational deliverable (e.g., pamphlet, YouTube video, PowerPoint presentation) to be made publicly available for educational purposes. Preference will be given to applications involving organizations with a grass-roots base in vulnerable communities. Proposals involving collaboration among outreach and research organizations are welcome. Applications from large, well-established national organizations will be considered, although substantial cash participation by the organization will be expected. The initiative will seek to fund a balanced mix of projects, which (across all projects) focus on a range of activities, strategies and target constituencies.

Project funds may not be used in any way that violates tax exempt status under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Moreover, funds cannot be used for political campaign activities or to lobby policymakers about specific legislation that may be or has been introduced. It is permissible to educate policymakers and the media about the need for policies to address a particular issue, such as improvements in Social Security. Organizations may conduct educational meetings, prepare and distribute educational materials, or otherwise consider public policy issues in an educational manner.
Full Grant Announcement