Sunshine Family Outreach is leveraging grants to fuel their bookmobile initiative, bringing resources and hope to communities in need. In this episode of GrantTalk, hosted by Libby Hikind, founder and CEO of GrantWatch and author of The Queen of Grants, we are introduced to an inspiring story of dedication to literacy. Bobbi Donovan, a retired teacher and founder of the Sunshine Family Outreach Center in California, shares her journey from teaching to starting a nonprofit dedicated to promoting literacy among children.
A Vision Became Reality
After retiring in 2020, Bobbi Donovan embarked on a mission to address the literacy needs of children in the Sacramento area. She founded the Sunshine Family Outreach Center, with its flagship project, the Sunshine Family Bookmobile. This mobile library serves over 300 children, many of whom are newly arrived immigrants. She recognized the need for such a service in her community since the nearest public library branch is over four miles away. This distance is often too great for families without reliable transportation. If children can’t come to the books, then the books will come to the children!
From Teacher to Nonprofit Leader
Bobbi’s transition from teaching to leading a nonprofit was fueled by her passion for literacy and her firsthand experience of the challenges faced by children in underserved communities. “I would send home bags of books with my students every week,” Bobbi recalls, emphasizing the critical role of access to books in improving reading skills.
The Power of Grants
Securing funding is a critical aspect of running any nonprofit. Bobbi, who had never been a grant writer before, discovered GrantWatch and found it to be just the tool she needed. “GrantWatch has made all the difference,” she says. Through the platform, she secured her first grant from the Lisa Libraries in New York, which provided a substantial number of books to kickstart the bookmobile project. To date, the Sunshine Family Outreach Center has secured $90,000 in grants, with more applications pending.
Grant Writing and AI
Bobbi is beginning to explore the potential of AI in grant writing. While she values the personalized touch and passion that comes from writing her own proposals, she acknowledges that AI can help enhance and refine her work. Libby emphasizes that the key to successful grant writing is maintaining personal passion and authenticity, even when leveraging technology.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, the Sunshine Family Outreach Center plans to expand its services. Bobbi envisions a brick-and-mortar tutoring center that offers free tutoring, art, dance, music, and ESL classes for parents. Additionally, she hopes to acquire another bookmobile to reach more communities in need. The center relies heavily on volunteers, many of whom are retired librarians and teachers dedicated to making a difference.
Community Support and Volunteerism
The strength of the Sunshine Family Outreach Center lies in its strong community support and volunteer base. This community-driven approach not only reduces operational costs but also builds trust and credibility. As Bobbi continues to apply for grants, she highlights the importance of showcasing this community support to potential funders.
Stay Connected
To learn more about the Sunshine Family Outreach Center or to make a donation, visit their website at Sunshine Family Outreach Center. Although they are not currently active on social media, their website provides comprehensive information about their programs and donation options.
The Wrap Up
The episode concludes with a heartfelt message from Libby Hikind, encouraging listeners to support the Sunshine Family Outreach Center’s mission. Bobbi Donovan’s journey is a shining example of the power of passion, dedication, and community support.
Tune in to GrantTalk for more inspiring stories and insights into the world of grants. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the GrantWatch channel for updates on future episodes.
About GrantWatch
With close to 8,000 grants currently available, GrantWatch.com is the leading grant listing directory. Upgrade to a MemberPlus+ subscription to view the full grant details, including eligibility criteria and application information. For more information, you can also visit the GrantWatch FAQ page. To see the great value of all 20 of the top GrantWatch features, click here. To conclude, see the latest episode of GrantTalk, powered by GrantWatch, with host Libby Hikind. You don’t want to miss this. Visit us on YouTube weekly. Don’t forget to get your copy of The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, by Libby Hikind.
