Yuma nonprofits meet to try to get share of stimulus

  With about $6 billion from the federal stimulus package coming to Arizona, Yuma nonprofits are trying to learn how they can get some extra funds during the tough economic times.

  About a dozen representatives from local nonprofit organizations attended a webinar, or seminar via the Internet, Friday to learn more about how to access money from the federal stimulus package passed in February.

  The Yuma event, held at the Foothills Library, was short-lived because of technical difficulties. Some parts of the webinar couldn't be seen because of a poor Internet connection, which a library representative said will be fixed with upgrades planned for the Foothills branch.

  Even with the technical difficulties, some participants were able to get some useful information.

  Shanen Aranmor, director of development with the Humane Society of Yuma, said she got several ideas from the webinar and might be able to access stimulus money for projects already in the works.

  Aranmor said she'd like to set up a program where food stamp recipients could receive dog food because some people aren't able to afford to feed a pet. "If we can help hold them over in that small way, that would be a benefit."

  She also said she's interested in finding out about stimulus money for a current program that provides shelter for pets that are in homes with domestic violence and a program to help people manage their pets if they're homeless.

  It wasn't just representatives from nonprofits who attended the webinar.

  Yolanda Galindo, grants administrator for Yuma County Development Services, said she attended to find out how the county can help nonprofits assist residents.

  This isn't the first meeting she's gone to either. Last week she attended a meeting about stimulus money and energy conservation, and next week she'll attend a similar one sponsored by APS.

  "We're just trying to get any money we can to apply it to Yuma County," Galindo said.

  It's a common theme as everyone from nonprofits to government agencies scramble to fill gaps left in ever decreasing budgets.

  Jim Apperson, webinar presenter with the Arizona Governor's Office, said he knows times are tough for everyone.

  "I don't need to describe to you how difficult things are for you in Arizona," Apperson said.

  He said one example of what a nonprofit may be able to qualify for is something such as putting solar panels on the roof of its facility - and some might not think of that when they think of stimulus money.

  He encouraged participants to pay attention to the Web site www.azrecovery.gov to monitor how funds are distributed in Arizona and to find out more information about stimulus money in the state.

  "We need to hear the voices of America's nonprofits," said Tim Delany, CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits. "Arizona, stand up."

  The Yuma event was co-sponsored by the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, Arizona Community Foundation, Arizona Grantmakers Forum, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Frontera Asset Building Network and Community Foundation of Southern Arizona.

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Stephanie A. Wilken can be reached at swilken@yumasun.com or 539-6857.