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Bringing Dialysis Home with the Tablo® Hemodialysis System

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/Mqq3M7o4YZ8 Living with kidney disease is hard. While the treatment is life-saving, it is also life-changing, forcing patients to fit their lives into their dialysis schedules. For patients like David Rush, it meant going into a dialysis center for five hours, three days a week, forcing him to fit his life around his dialysis schedule. As a touring musician, this rigid schedule didn’t work. Outset Medical, creator of the Tablo® Hemodialysis System, teamed up with David Rush on a nationwide media tour to discuss his kidney health journey and experiences treating in clinic and at home. Dialysis is one of the largest, most expensive, least-changed healthcare sectors, even though half a million Americans depend on dialysis to live. Despite the huge expense and burden on providers and patients, dialysis has seen virtually no innovation over the last 30 years. Until Tablo, an easy-to-learn, all-in-one dialysis device that allows for dialysis to be delivered anytime, anywhere and by virtually anyone. Tablo is FDA-cleared for use in many settings, from hospital to home. The intuitive, interactive touchscreen displays 3-D animations and conversational instructions to simplify system set-up, treatment and alarm resolution. With the help of Tablo, David is dialyzing at home, on his schedule, and has been able to build his life around what matters most to him: his family, music career and kidney disease advocacy efforts. The ease of use has provided David with the flexibility to choose when and how he receives treatment, even when he’s on the road touring. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.TABLOHOMENOW.COM Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

April 13, 2023 10:39 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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In Proxy Memo, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo Are Urged to Stay Out of Divisive Abortion Issue

National Legal & Policy Center

Following last year’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, which overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, advocates have continued their battle for unrestricted abortion access in a new forum: Corporate America. Under the guise of two shareholder proposals that demand reports on “Impacts of Reproductive Healthcare Legislation” as the result of newly enacted state laws that limit or ban abortions, activists seek to bully The Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo Inc. into advocacy for their own policies on the controversial political issue, and for the companies to steer their campaign contributions accordingly. In responses filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission this month, National Legal and Policy Center argue why shareholders of the two multinational soft drink makers should oppose the resolutions sponsored by the radical pro-abortion proponents. NLPC’s reports to the SEC can be viewed at the following links: Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. As NLPC’s filings explain, the proponents of the two shareholder proposals cite biased research, selective data, slanted opinion polls, and preconceived outcomes to make their cases. For example, the sponsors assert that it will be more difficult for the companies to recruit women to their workforces in states where abortion limits or bans have been enacted into law. But the proponents stake their claim based on a “study” that one critic said suffered from “self-selection bias,” using “an unrepresentative, highly biased sample and misleading questions.” The boards of directors for Coca-Cola and PepsiCo also ask shareholders to vote against the proposals on their respective proxy statements, but for reasons that don’t address the misleading and even deceitful claims of the proponents. Coca-Cola, in its opposition, proudly points to its coverage of travel expenses for medical procedures that are “not available in-state.” PepsiCo repeatedly emphasizes its “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” policies that “improve the attraction, retention and advancement of women,” which include “a robust and highly competitive set of flexible benefits” with “reproductive health” coverage. “Although we wish their opposition was stronger, Coca-Cola and Pepsi are right to resist these thinly veiled attempts to push their companies to take a public stance on the divisive issue of abortion, which would undermine their fiduciary responsibility to all their shareholders,” said Paul Chesser, director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project. “We hope the directors and company executives are finally starting to learn that capitulating to aggressive Leftist politics is a long-term loser for the bottom line.” The so-called “Reproductive Healthcare” resolutions that NLPC opposes are Proposal No. 9 on the Coca-Cola proxy statement, and Proposal No. 7 on the PepsiCo proxy statement. Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education, and legal action. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

April 13, 2023 09:16 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Randy Couture Partners with Wise Food Storage and Announces Signature Emergency Product Line

Wise Food Storage

Randy Couture, one of the world's greatest and most decorated MMA fighters, accredited actor, and emergency preparedness enthusiast, has partnered with Wise Food Storage to create a signature emergency line called Prepare With Randy. Wise Food Storage is America's Trusted Emergency Food Supplier helping households prepare before disaster strikes. The partnership will provide high-quality emergency food products and survival backpacks to help people prepare for unexpected situations. As part of the partnership, Randy's exclusive survival line will benefit his non-profit organization, Xtreme Couture GI Foundation, which raises awareness and financially supports wounded veterans. This partnership will provide a unique offering of emergency food products for those who want to be prepared for unexpected situations and, at the same time, contribute to a good cause. This aligns with Randy Couture and Wise Food Storage's commitment to raising awareness about the importance of emergency preparedness and giving back to those that have defended our democracy. The first drop from the Prepare With Randy line will include various products, such as a 60-serving food bucket, 180-serving food bundle, 64-piece survival backpack, and complete two-day backpack. These products are designed to provide essential items and nutrition during emergencies, and the survival backpacks include various tools and supplies to help with survival in emergencies, especially evacuations. "I am excited to partner with Wise Food Storage to provide people with high-quality emergency food products and survival backpacks," said Randy Couture. "As someone passionate about emergency preparedness, it's essential to have the right tools and supplies to be prepared for unexpected situations. I'm proud that Wise Food Storage will be giving back a portion of the product sales to the Xtreme Couture GI Foundation and help assist our Nation' Combat Veterans and their families struggling with financial burdens as they return to civilian life." "We are thrilled to partner with Randy Couture to provide people with the tools they need to be prepared for emergencies," said a representative from Wise Food Storage. "Randy's expertise and values align perfectly with ours, and we are excited to bring his signature line to our customers." Randy's signature line of survival products in partnership with Wise Food Storage will launch on Wednesday, April 12, and will be available at www.preparewithrandy.com Contact Details Tim Lawlor +1 801-383-1356 tlawlor@readywise.com

April 13, 2023 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Alana and Ramon Alvarez Grow Minuteman Press Franchise in Colorado Springs

Minuteman Press International Inc

Alana and Ramon Alvarez have owned their Minuteman Press franchise in Colorado Springs since August of 2019. Minuteman Press in Colorado Springs has been operating for 15 years since 2008 and is located at 6870 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80918. After taking over the business nearly 4 years ago, Alana and Ramon have consistently grown their business and increased sales “by nearly 400% since we started,” according to Ramon. Journey to Minuteman Press Alana and Ramon “met at work 31 years ago” and the rest is history, according to Ramon. He shares, “Alana is my forever partner. After leaving the company, we lived throughout the West Coast and South America throughout our time together. I continued to work in the corporate world and Alana managed our household and led the raising of our children.” In 2019, it was time for a change. Ramon says, “Fast forward to August 5, 2019. That is when we began our small business journey, owning our Minuteman Press center in Colorado Springs. Minuteman Press International RVP Jack Panzer was instrumental in helping us acquire this existing location, which has been doing business in Colorado Springs since 2008. Jack helped us throughout the purchasing and on-boarding process, just as he does now in supporting us to grow along with excellent field support talent like Todd Golberg at the time (who is now RVP in New England), and now Sky Hittle.” Operating the Business & Ongoing Support Nearly 4 years after purchasing the business, Ramon remains excited about working with Alana, sharing: “Today, Alana and I continue commuting to our business together, excited to spend quality time with each other while creating outstanding experiences for our clients, just as we did 31 years ago when we first met. We are fortunate to be serving many clients in the Pikes Peak Region, having grown our sales by nearly 400% since we started.” Specifically, Ramon says, “Our small business has evolved into a one-stop shop for our clients, providing design, print, promotional items, direct mail, and more! We are now providing vehicle and window graphics, along with building sign replacements. We won’t stop there, ensuring we continue to listen to our clients, and treating each of them like a VIP. In spite of the digital transformation that marketing has experienced, print is everywhere, and continues to be leveraged by businesses launching or striving for growth. Print simply looks different today, with a critical role in creating an omnichannel experience for clients, like adding QR codes to drive the client’s audience to a website, scheduling form, or otherwise.” As he reflects on what it’s been like to transition from the corporate world to small business owner, Ramon says, “Having led large teams with large budgets in the Americas, I felt that being a small business owner would be relatively easy. It’s actually the hardest role I’ve ever had, yet it’s the most rewarding by far.” Ramon explains how the support he’s received as a Minuteman Press franchise owner has helped him along the way: “Minuteman Press has been supporting us in many ways, setting us up for success. In my career, I was previously an operations executive and so I wanted a proven brand, a proven system, and a proven structure to allow us to succeed as small business owners. Minuteman Press International has given us all of that.” He continues, “The Minuteman Press FLEX software, which allows us to connect with our clients for quoting, invoicing, work orders, marketing, and more, has been invaluable. The support team is also outstanding in urgently reacting to our needs, as they have extensive experience and an aptitude to serve.” Marketing & Being Active in the Community When it comes to marketing the business, Ramon shares, “No silver bullet exists in marketing our small business, and Minuteman Press has supported owners successfully who may not be experts in the industry. We focus on providing outstanding experiences for our clients through our high-performing team, delivering quality, speed, and reliability. Every customer is a VIP. We leverage direct mail, use digital marketing, networking, and other marketing opportunities, just like businesses in all industries do, focusing heavily on our target audiences and key clients.” Being active in the community is also key to Alana and Ramon’s local outreach efforts. Ramon says, “We also engage with our community, advocating for local business growth through various volunteer efforts. I serve as the current Chair of the Board of Directors for the Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC, on the Board of Directors for the Southern Colorado Better Business Bureau, on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Consult for the Pikes Peak Region Small Business Development Center, and help drive economic development in our region for our local businesses any way I can.” Ramon concludes, “By helping our community of businesses prosper, opportunities for prosperity are available for all.” Minuteman Press in Colorado Springs is located at 6870 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80918. For more information, visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/co/colorado-springs20/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

April 10, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Mental Health Provider Shortage Needs Integrated Approach

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

One of two people who need mental health services don’t get it and more than one in three Americans live in a region where there are not enough mental health providers to serve the population.* The average wait time for a medical doctor’s appointment is up to 26 days, up 24 percent since 2004 and there is a projected shortage of 48,000 primary care physicians in the U.S. by 2034.+ “ At a time when the U.S. faces a severe shortage of mental health providers, many people are also finding it increasingly difficult to get the medical care they need,” said Dr. Michele Nealon, Psy.D., President of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. “There is a way for society to address both these problems and that is to integrate the health care system so that primary care and mental health professionals work as a team to treat the whole person more efficiently and effectively,” she said. “We need to take a community-focused, patient-centered, and holistic view approach to mental and physical healthcare,” said Dr. Nealon explained. “Many physical ailments put us at risk for psychological disorders and vice versa, so it makes sense for mental health professionals to work closely with medical doctors to treat the patient when they initially present with symptoms, rather than waiting for a referral later.” “For example, if you have trouble sleeping or your child is experiencing frequent stomach aches, you might turn to your doctor for help. The problem may be physical, yet too often, there are psychological factors such as stress, anxiety or depression that are at play,” Dr. Nealon said. “At The Chicago School, we are always thinking about how to view humans as part of a larger system—how individuals relate to their family, culture and community,” she explained. “That’s why we are dedicated to educating culturally competent psychologists and counselors who get hands-on training in their communities.” The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s seven campuses nationwide educates 6,000 students, 70 percent of whom identify as people of color. *Mental Health America https://mhanational.org/issues/state-mental-health-america +American Academy of Family Physicians https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/wait-times.html About The Chicago School of Professional Psychology: Integrating theory with hands-on experience, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology provides education rooted in a commitment to innovation, service, and community for thousands of diverse students across the United States and globally. Founded in 1979, the nonprofit, regionally accredited university now features campuses in iconic locations across the country (Chicago, Southern California, Washington, D.C., New Orleans, Dallas) and online. To spark positive change in the world where it matters most, The Chicago School has continued to expand its educational offerings beyond the field of psychology to offer more than 30 degrees and certificates in the professional fields of health services, education, counseling, business, and more. Through its engaged professional model of education, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and an extensive network of domestic and international professional partnerships, The Chicago School’s students receive real-world training opportunities that reflect their future careers. The Chicago School is proud to be a part of TCS Education System, a nonprofit, integrated system of colleges and universities that works collaboratively to advance student success and community impact. To learn more, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu. Contact Details Vivien Hao +1 323-893-4743 vhao@thechicagoschool.edu

April 07, 2023 11:59 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Gateway Classic Cars to Celebrate the Grand Opening of Their Tulsa Oklahoma Showroom

Gateway Classic Cars

[Gateway Classic Cars of St. Louis]: Gateway Classic Cars of Tulsa is excited to host its Grand Opening on Saturday, April 29 th from 9am-1pm. Two days before, the Tulsa Regional Chamber will hold their ribbon cutting ceremony on, Thursday, April 27 th at 4:00pm. Come out and celebrate the next chapter in the company’s 24-year history with Gateway Classic Cars. The Grand Opening is open to the public and has no admission or registration fee. Attendees are encouraged to cruise in with all makes and models and bring their appetite. The first 100 guests will receive a free Gateway Classic Cars T-shirt. Special giveaways will be announced throughout the day as guests listen to music and indulge in delicious cuisine. Gateway Classic Cars continues to remain the leader in global marketing for classic and exotic vehicles. Their new launched auction platform has only strengthened their position as the largest classic and exotic car sales network in the world. Since 1999, Gateway Classic Cars has specialized in selling classic and exotic vehicles for private sellers, collectors, and estates by improving their success in passing along the passion for their treasured vehicles. Plus, no other company is more reputable and eager to assist fellow classic car enthusiasts around the world with the opportunity to get behind the wheel of their dreams. Every Gateway Classic Cars’ showroom is open to the public from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday. The Charlotte showroom showcases classic, collector, exotic cars, and trucks. The last Saturday of the month is Caffeine and Chrome, our version of cars and coffee, from 9am-Noon. Event Details: Title: Gateway Classic Cars Grand Opening Date: Saturday, April 29, 2023 Start Time: 9am End Time: 1pm Cost: FREE St. Louis, MO (HQ); Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, SC; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Houston, TX; Indianapolis, IN; Kansas City, KS; Las Vegas, NV; Louisville, KY; Milwaukee, WI; Nashville, TN; Orlando, FL; Philadelphia, PA; Scottsdale, AZ; Tampa, FL; San Antonio, Austin, TX; Tulsa, OK Phone: (866) 383-1416 https://news.gatewayclassiccars.com Gateway Classic Cars Where Dreams Are Driven (#dreamsdriven) Corporate Offices 1237 Central Park Drive O’Fallon, IL 62269 (618) 271-3000 https://hub.gatewayclassiccars.com Contact Details Gateway Classic Cars +1 866-383-1416 marketing@gatewayclassiccars.com Company Website https://news.gatewayclassiccars.com

April 06, 2023 03:45 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Study: Are Digital Content Creators Corporate America’s New Superpower?

MBO Partners

A new study from ​ MBO Partners® reveals that corporate America may be overlooking a growing and significant source of hidden internal talent: digital content creators. According to MBO Partners’ 2023 Creator Economy report, part of its State of Independence research series, independent digital content creators are among the fastest growing self-employment work segment infiltrating the traditional workforce. The study found that almost six out of ten (57%) have content side gigs, along with traditional jobs. However, a stunning 41% said they definitely (15%) or probably (26%) will leave their traditional job and start a business full time in the next 24 months. The MBO Partners study also found that 8.1 million U.S. independent creators earned money in the creator economy in 2022, a 14% increase since 2021. “The creator economy is huge and growing in steadfastness day by day – with a rising majority working in stealth mode in large and mid-sized companies,” said Miles Everson, CEO of MBO Partners. “In fact, enterprises may be sitting on a gold mine of untapped talent and not even know it. These employees are not only highly creative and fast-moving, but they are entrepreneurial and extremely tech savvy. They have the potential to be an enterprise’s ultimate ally. But to win, employers need to first put out the welcome mat and show independents that they value modern ways of working and specialized skill sets. Next, they need to recreate their workforce models where independents are a critical component of their total talent strategy and teams.” This year’s study showed six key insights about the independent creator workforce, including: Owned media offers WOO (window of opportunity) to make more money. MBO’s data shows that while 73,000 US independent creators (the 1%) report annual income over $1 million, most creators report modest earnings, with the majority (44%) earning $10,000 or less last year as a creator. However, as companies shift their marketing strategies to focus on owned media as more affordable alternatives to paid advertising this year, there will be plenty of lucrative opportunities for creators to make extra money. There’s no “I” in team. About half of all independent creators (48%) report teaming up with other content creators on projects, versus only 23% of independent workers who aren't content creators. Looking forward, 68% of content creators plan to partner with other independent workers over the next year. That means that for companies, you are no longer just hiring a creator, you’ll be hiring a larger set of skills. Black creators are building their entrepreneurial footprint. The study revealed that in terms of ethnic and racial groups, Black Americans are more robustly represented in the creator economy (18%) compared with their U.S. population share overall (13%). As companies look to create more inclusive workplaces, there is an emerging pipeline of black entrepreneurial creative talent that exists. Make no mistake, creators will quickly adapt to ChatGPT. Eighty-seven of creators report being early adopters of technology, so this is an early indication that they are already learning how to embrace the opportunity of ChatGPT. This compares to only 34% of traditional employees and 37% of independent workers as early technology adopters. By tapping into creators, companies can leverage emerging trends and quickly respond to market demands. Digital nomadism is the new manifesto for mental health. While traditional workers are quiet quitting and hush tripping, take a page from the creators whose job burnout and mental health issues have been widely documented. Over eight in ten independent creators (84%) prefer a location-independent lifestyle that allows them to work and travel at the same time. So, it comes as no surprise that almost two-thirds (63%) report they are currently a digital nomad and over 90% report feeling highly satisfied (83%) or satisfied (9%) with their work. At last, a new era of creative renegades has arrived. While only 1 in 10 creators makes more than $100,000 per year, 83% plan to continue as an independent creator (57%) or build a bigger creator business (26%) over the next 2-3 years. Seventy-nine percent report being optimistic about the future. To obtain a copy of the 2023 MBO Partners Creator Economy research report, please visit https://www.mbopartners.com/state-of-independence/creator-economy-report/. About MBO Partners® ​ MBO Partners is a direct sourcing platform that enables enterprises and independents to work efficiently together. Its unmatched experience and industry leadership enable it to operate on the forefront of the independent economy and consistently advance the next way of working. For more information, visit​ ​mbopartners.com. About MBO Partners®​ MBO Partners is a direct sourcing platform that enables enterprises and independents to work efficiently together. Its unmatched experience and industry leadership enable it to operate on the forefront of the independent economy and consistently advance the next way of working. For more information, visit​ ​mbopartners.com​ Contact Details Words For Hire for MBO Partners Karen Swim +1 586-461-2103 karen@wordsforhirellc.com Company Website https://mbopartners.com

April 05, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Innersense Organic Beauty Launches Harmonic Hair Renew Scalp Collection

Innersense Organic Beauty

Award-winning clean beauty brand Innersense Organic Beauty launches Harmonic Hair Renew Collection, a targeted set designed to create a balanced scalp environment. The three-step ritual helps to exfoliate, soothe and massage the scalp to noticeably reduce flaking, relieve dryness and encourage a balanced environment for the hair. Hair Renew Pre Wash Treatment is a treatment product that purifies and nourishes the scalp for healthy hair. Clean, skin-loving ingredients Zinc Gluconate and Magnesium Oil refresh the scalp by removing product buildup, balancing natural oils and restoring a harmonious environment for optimal hair growth. Micro Hyaluronic Acid replenishes hydration to reduce flakes and itch-causing dryness. Hair Renew Daily Active Scalp Serum is a calming serum that restores harmony to scalps in distress. Its clean, calming formula features Celery Seed and Hemp Seed Oil to address common scalp conditions such as flaking, itching, and dryness caused irritation. Antioxidant rich Pea Sprout Extract helps fortify hair follicles to revitalize roots. The third part of the collection includes a natural clear quartz Scalp Massager to help improve circulation, and release tension. The Harmonic Hair Renew collection was clinically tested, in which 97% of consumers agreed their scalp appears to be healthier, 91% agreed their scalp is less itchy and 91% agreed their scalp feels more hydrated and moisturized. Overall, 100% of consumers saw a reduction in flaking. “Our products are formulated to promote holistic wellness, and treat not only the hair, but also the skin and scalp,” says Greg Starkman, CEO and Founder of Innersense Organic Beauty. "The new Harmonic Hair Renew collection starts at the source by creating an optimal environment for the scalp through a combination of conscious formulas and mindful rituals. When the scalp is in perfect harmony, hair becomes healthier and more resilient.” Harmonic Hair Renew Set retails for $80 ($102 value) and includes the full collection. Hair Renew Pre Wash Treatment retails for $38 and Hair Renew Daily Active Scalp Serum retails for $42. All products will be available online at innersensebeauty.com, in select salons, and in-store at specialty retailers such as Credo Beauty and The Detox Market. About Innersense Organic Beauty Beauty professionals Greg and Joanne Starkman founded Innersense Organic Beauty to bring clean, pure and toxin free hair care to salons, stylists and consumers. The clean hair care brand’s products include shampoos, conditioners, scalp scrub, styling and treatment products for all hair types. For more information, visit innersensebeauty.com. Contact Details Archita Patel +1 281-725-2121 archita@bpcm.com Company Website https://innersensebeauty.com/

April 04, 2023 12:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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More than $10 million awarded to 671 Washington State arts and culture organizations through the Community Accelerator Grant program

Paul G. Allen Family Foundation

Today, ArtsFund and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation announced the 671 grantees of the Community Accelerator Grant, a historic investment in Washington’s arts and culture sector. Administered by Arts Fund and funded by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, the program provides just over $10M in $2,500 to $25,000 grants across Washington state. The distribution comes just six months after the partnership was announced, in response to the continued sector need. Funding will provide essential resources to Washington organizations whose primary mission is to produce or support arts and culture activities. The unrestricted funding will boost arts organizations’ ability to invest in their missions and essential roles serving communities across the state. “We are so proud to highlight the breadth and depth of Washington’s rich cultural landscape and celebrate the leadership and vision of the Paul G Allen Family Foundation in funding this program,” said ArtsFund CEO and President, Michael Greer. “Our hope is that their philanthropy inspires others to continue to invest in this sector and see how possible it is to make an investment that is meaningful, equitable, and expeditious.” Grants were awarded to every eligible organization that applied, with an average award of $14,909. The total funding pool of $10M responds to approximately two-thirds of total requested funds. Nearly 70% of the grantees reported annual budgets of less than $500,000. Organizations in 35 of Washington’s 39 countries are included. “This community-driven model distributes urgently needed capital quickly, equitably, and efficiently to arts and culture organizations that are so important to a vibrant, healthy community,” said Lara Littlefield, executive director on behalf of the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. “We are heartened by the diversity and geographic reach of this program as well as the speed and efficiency in which it was administered thanks to ArtsFund and the Community Advisory Panel.” The Community Accelerator Grant program prioritized funding to communities that are underrepresented in other funding programs – specifically, in rural communities, and for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities. The application was designed to be low-barrier, with the goal that no organizations would find it too complicated, or that the information requested was too cumbersome. All eligible applicants received a grant. Applicants were asked to what degree they felt that this grant might positively impact their ability to build capacity and increase their sustainability. Organizations reported anticipating an additional $2 raised for every $1 of their grant. Representation of priority populations was an important consideration for the program. More than half of the grants are to organizations with a minimum 25% BIPOC representation on both Board and staff. See the complete list of grant recipients HERE. Community Advisory Panel The program was informed by a Community Advisory Panel who advised ArtsFund on the application design, outreach, evaluation and outcome. Panelists included: Beth Takekawa, Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience (retired) Ginger Ewing, Terrain Jane Broom, Microsoft Corporation Karen Hanan, ArtsWA (Washington State Arts Commission) Katie Carter, Pride Foundation Lorin Schmit Dunlop, M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust Manny Cawaling, Inspire Washington Michael Greer, ArtsFund Molly Sanchez, Innovia Foundation Shelly Wynecoop, Spokane Arts Stephanie Ellis-Smith, Phila Engaged Giving Troy Coalman, Wellspring Family Services ArtsFund considered applications based on representation of and centering of BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and people with disabilities, geographic location, and on the reported potential impact of the grant on organizations’ fundraising. Grant funds are unrestricted and may be used as each organization self-determines. Grant recipients cite the top uses for funding, in order of priority, include salaries and labor; programming; rent, mortgage and facility upgrades; personal protective equipment and COVID preparedness; and communications and marketing, with more than 80% of organizations citing salaries and labor, and programming as their top needs. The initiative follows two and a half years of pandemic impacts on the arts and culture sector, which experienced drops in revenue, challenges with reopening logistics, audience hesitation to return to pre-pandemic levels of cultural participation, and workforce impacts, as detailed in ArtsFund’s COVID Cultural Impact Study: ArtsFund.org/CCIS that was partially funded by the foundation. This $10 million investment in the sector responds directly to the study’s recommendations to expand and sustain support for arts and culture organizations as a strategy for social impact, and to provide unrestricted funding in support of the long-term adaptation of the industry. To receive updates from ArtsFund and find out about future opportunities, please sign up for ArtsFund Newsletter | ArtsFund About ArtsFund About ArtsFund ArtsFund supports the arts through leadership, advocacy, and grantmaking in order to build a healthy, equitable, and creative Washington. Founded in 1969, the Seattle-based nonprofit has been building community through the arts for more than 50 years. ArtsFund was originally founded to bring corporate and civic leaders together to help establish and sustain our region’s arts and cultural institutions. Over its grantmaking history, ArtsFund has supported more than 650 arts organizations with more than $100 million in grants, and provided valuable leadership and advocacy. Learn more at www.artsfund.org About Paul G. Allen Family Foundation Founded in 1988 by philanthropists Jody Allen and the late Paul G. Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, the foundation invests in communities across the Pacific Northwest to enhance the human experience of arts & culture, center under-served populations, and mobilize young people to make impact. In addition, the foundation supports a global portfolio of nonprofit partners working across science and technology solutions to protect wildlife, preserve ocean health, and create lasting change. The foundation also funds the Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group, which works to advance cutting-edge research in all areas of bioscience. Learn more at www.pgafamilyfoundation.org. Contact Details Calandra Childers, VP of Strategic Initiatives & Communications ArtsFund +1 206-788-3051 calandrachilders@artsfund.org Company Website http://www.artsfund.org/accelerator

April 04, 2023 07:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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