Candlestick: Free money for non profits

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Matthew 5:15


___________________________

Anyone who spends much time blogging understands that the online world is teeming with more fascinating content than anyone could possibly consume. From personal blogs to corporate soapboxes and everywhere in between, interesting people everywhere are having their say, and then some.

Of special interest is the excellent work produced by non-profit organizations all across the spectrum here in North Carolina. From think tanks and educational organizations to community groups, charities, and more, someone somewhere is writing and filming and posting something important every minute of every day. And much of it's going unseen.

Beginning on February 1st, we'll be setting a total of $5000 aside for small grants to non-profit organizations who take the time to cross-post their ideas and content here at BlueNC. The guidelines may evolve as the experiment progresses, but here's the starting point.

Regarding posts

• Should be substantive, not just self-promotional, with a direct connection to North Carolina
• No more than one post per day per non-profit
• Posts should be written for your own blogs or websites and cross-posted here. This is not about original content
• Please include at least one link (which can be your own website
• Posts should be at least 250 100 words with no grammar or spelling errors. Video of any length is an acceptable alternative to text.
• Should be respectful
• No profanity

Logistics

Grants will likely be made at the end of each month based on a simple summary report generated by the non-profit. For each post made, the non-profit will receive a $10 grant. Reports can be made via email by the 5th of the month, with the following information:

• Name of non-profit
• Number of posts made this month
• Whom a check should be made out to and a mailing address

Restrictions

• This experiment is intended to run until $5000 in grants have been made. If it blows up and needs to end it sooner, we'll do so.
• Posts may be made by private individuals on behalf of non-profits, however, the restriction of one daily post applies to the non-profit, not to the individual. The maximum amount any non-profit would receive each week is $70.
• BlueNC reserves the right to rewrite headlines, delete inappropriate posts, and move material on and off the front page.

Why this, why now?

The progressive movement in North Carolina has the potential to help make our state a better place to live and work. To do that, we need to engage more people in the conversation. That's the only way to influence the agenda and win the war of ideas.

Will this experiment make any difference? We'll see, and we'll learn.

Disclaimer

The intention is not to create new work for busy non-profits, but rather to provide easy, broader exposure for content that's already being developed. We're hoping non-profits will use links creatively to pull readers back to their websites, to other related content, to their fundraising pages, action pages, whatever.

Candlestick is being made up on the fly. Any and all suggestions for improving this experiment are welcome. If you see that we're doing something stupid, please say so.