Service-Learning Funding Opportunities

Kids in Need Teacher Grants

2008-08-20T08:42:00.000-07:00

Deadline: September 30

The Kids In Need Foundation seeks to engage students in the learning process by supporting creative teachers from across the United States. Kids in Need Teacher Grants, sponsored by retailers and credit unions, provide K-12 educators with funding to develop innovative learning opportunities for their students. The purpose of the grant program is to provide funds for classroom teachers who have meritorious ideas but lack the budget to bring them to life. Projects qualify for funding if they make creative use of common teaching aids, approach the curriculum from an imaginative angle, or tie nontraditional concepts together for the purpose of illustrating commonalities. Typically, 200 to 300 grants from $100 to $500 are awarded each year. The application deadline is September 30, 2008. Visit the Foundation's website to submit the appropriate online application for your geographic region: www.kidsinneed.net/grants/index.php

Wal-Mart Foundation State Giving Program

2008-08-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

Deadline:September 25

The Wal-Mart Foundation's State Giving Program awards grants at the state and regional level to programs that have a strong impact within the communities the company serves. Advisory Councils in all 50 states and the District of Columbia will determine how best to distribute State Giving Program funds. The program's priority funding categories include: Education, targeting the needs of underserved young people ages 12-30; Job Skills Training, specifically support services to help people improve their work-related skills; Health, with a focus on access to healthcare and the promotion of healthy lifestyles; and Environmental Sustainability, including recycling programs, outdoor classrooms, etc. The minimum grant size for this program is $5,000. The remaining application deadlines for this year are September 25 and December 19. To submit an online application, visit: walmartstores.com/CommunityGiving/8168.aspx

Innovations in American Government Award

2008-08-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

The Innovations in American Government Program is a significant force in recognizing and promoting excellence and creativity in the public sector. Through its annual awards competition, the Program provides concrete evidence that government can work to improve the quality of life for citizens and that it deserves greater public trust. By highlighting exemplary models of government’s innovative performance, the Program serves as a catalyst for continued progress in addressing the nation’s most pressing public concerns. Innovations Award winners receive national press attention, serve as examples of model programs worthy of replication, and spark research and teaching cases at Harvard University and other schools across the country.

Please click the following links to read an invitation from David Gergen, the Awards Cycle, information on our eligibility requirements, selection criteria, and review tips and samples from previous winners of the Innovations Awards: www.innovationsaward.harvard.edu/Introduction.cfm

Do Something Increase Your Green Competition

2008-08-14T09:46:00.000-07:00

Register by September 15, Submit Applications from October 13 through December 8

Do Something is calling on you to green your school. Reduce the carbon footprint of your school this fall and you could win up to $1,500 to further your efforts. Middle and high schools are eligible for a first-place prize of a $1,500 grant, banner, plaque and eco-friendly gift bags (up to thirty), and a chance to be visited by the biotour bus. Do Something will also give out three $500 second place prizes. Participants must make concrete efforts towards reducing the environmental impact of their school during the eight week competition. All initiatives must be youth designed and led. For more information, visit: www.dosomething.org/increase_your_green

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

2008-08-14T09:45:00.001-07:00

Deadline: October 31

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial and administered by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, recognize middle and high school students for volunteer community service. Eligible applicants include any young person in the United States who is in grades 5-12 and has engaged in a volunteer activity that occurred at least partly during the 12 months prior to the date of application. Local honorees are selected in November, and from these winners two state honorees are chosen in each state and the District of Columbia. Out of the state honorees, ten national honorees are selected and announced at a ceremony in Washington, DC, in May of 2009. State Honorees receive an award of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, DC, for national recognition events. National Honorees receive an additional award of $5,000. For more details, visit: www.prudential.com/spirit/

Pay It Forward Mini-Grants for Youth

2008-08-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

Deadline: September 15

These funds go to one-time-only, service-oriented activities that young people would like to perform to benefit their school, neighborhood or greater community. Projects must contain a "pay it forward" focus. They are based on one person doing a favor for others, who in turn do favors for others and so on for exponential results. Eligibility: K-12 youths. Submit applications between August 1 - September 15 for a Fall grant at
payitforwardfounda tion.org/educators/grant.html

K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Awards

2008-08-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

Deadline: October 6, 2008

The K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award recognizes graduate students who show exemplary promise as future leaders of higher education; whose work reflects a strong emphasis on teaching and learning; and who demonstrate a commitment to developing academic and civic responsibility in themselves and others. The awards are sponsored by K. Patricia Cross, Professor Emerita of Higher Education at the University of California-Berkeley. All doctoral level graduate students who are planning a career in higher education are eligible, regardless of academic department.

For more information see campaign.aacu.org:81/CT00012901MjMwODM0.HTML.

CVS Community Grants Target Youth with Disabilities

2008-08-06T08:43:00.000-07:00

Deadline: October 31

CVS Pharmacy Community Grants are currently accepting proposals for programs targeting children under age 18 with disabilities that address: health and rehabilitation services; a greater level of inclusion in student activities and extracurricular programs; opportunities or facilities that give greater access to physical movement; and play. Maximum Award: varies. Eligibility: Public schools with programs for children under age 18 with disabilities. Visit www.cvscaremark.com/community/our-impact/community-grants

Best Buy Teach Award Recognizes K-12 Interactive Technology Programs

2008-08-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

Deadline: October 12

The Best Buy Teach Award program recognizes creative uses of interactive technology in K-12 classrooms throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. The program rewards schools that integrate interactive technology into the curriculum in order to engage students and make learning fun. Awards are provided to schools that have launched successful programs using available technology; schools that don't have the most current equipment should not be discouraged from applying. Awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 in the form of Best Buy Gift Cards will be granted to accredited K-12 public, private, parochial, magnet and charter schools. To receive a Teach Award, the program must have been in use for at least one full school year. Applications must be submitted online by October 12, 2008 at: www.musserfund.org/harmony.php

Intercultural Harmony Program: Support for Cross-Cultural Projects

2008-08-06T08:40:00.000-07:00

Deadline: October 1

The Intercultural Harmony Program, an initiative of the Laura Jane MusserFund, promotes mutual understanding and cooperation between groups and itizens of different cultural backgrounds within defined geographical areas through collaborative, cross-cultural projects. Support isprovided to nonprofit organizations throughout the United States that initiate programs that increase the level of interaction between the targeted groups. Funded projects can be carried out in a number of areas, including the arts, community service, and youth activities.Planning or implementation grants averaging from $7,500 to $20,000 are provided for new projects within their first three years of operation.The application deadline is October 1, 2008. Detailed application guidelines are available on the Foundation's website: 209.68.13.147/community_relations/teach_awards.htm

Grants Available to Institutions of Higher Education to Promote MLK Day of Service 2009

2008-08-04T08:07:00.000-07:00

NC Campus Compact, one of seven national lead agencies selected by the Corporation for National and Community Service to promote the 2009 MLK Day of Service, is now accepting applications from out-of-network institutions of higher education. This includes institutions in states that do not have a Campus Compact state office, or did not have an office prior to May 2008. Grants are available in increments of $1,000 and $2,500 to institutions in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Virginia and Wyoming. We strongly encourage applications on behalf of a group/coalition of institutions, but please note that only one institution can serve as the subgrantee.

To learn more and download an application visit org.elon.edu/nccc/resources/OutofNetworkMLK.html

For information about the national MLK Day of Service visit www.mlkday.gov

State Farm Youth Advisory Board Grants

2008-07-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

Applications are due online October 3,2008.

A great opportunity to build a strong STEM Service-learning proposal.

The State Farm Youth Advisory Board is a diverse group of 30 students aged 17-20 who have been selected from nearly 650 applicants. They play a leadership role in creating and overseeing a $5 million-a-year State Farm funded service-learning initiative. The Youth Advisory Board grants funds for student-led service-learning projects in the United States and in the Alberta, New Brunswick and Ontario provinces of Canada. These grants address in a structural way the issues of disaster preparedness, driver safety, accessing higher education/closing the achievement gap, and financial education. The minimum grant amount is $25,000 and the maximum grant amount is $100,000.

For more information go to www.statefarmyab.com/Youthboard%20Application.doc

Mentoring Programs for At-Risk Tribal Youth

2008-07-28T09:17:00.001-07:00

All applications are due by 8:00 p.m. E.T., on August 4, 2008.

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, is pleased to announce that it is seeking applications for funding under its Mentoring Programs for At-Risk Tribal Youth. This program will provide support to programs that have a national scope and impact on combating juvenile delinquency, reducing the victimization of children, or improving the juvenile justice system through mentoring related activities in Native American and Alaskan Native communities. This solicitation invites applicants to propose the continuation, expansion or enhancement of initiatives that will assist in the development and maturity of community programs to provide mentoring services to populations that are underserved due to locations, shortage of mentors, or emotional behavioral challenges of the targeted population, or other such situations identified by the community in need of mentoring services.

For more information see ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/grants/solicitations/FY2008/TribalMentoring.pdf

Merck Family Fund Grants

2008-07-28T09:13:00.000-07:00

Deadline for full proposals will be March 1 and August 1, 2008.

The Merck Family Fund was established in 1954 by George W. Merck, President of Merck & Co. The goals of the Merck Family Fund are to restore and protect the natural environment and ensure a healthy planet for generations to come; and to strengthen the social fabric and the physical landscape of the urban community.

New requests for support to the Merck Family Fund should be made by a letter of inquiry rather than with a full proposal or a request for a personal meeting. The letter should not exceed two pages and should concisely describe the project, its purpose, its likely impact, and the amount being requested. The letter should also briefly describe the organization and the overall budget. The Fund's staff will review the letter and decide whether to invite a full proposal. Letters of inquiry are acknowledged as soon as possible.

For more information go to www.merckff.org

PepsiCo Foundation Grants

2008-07-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

Deadline: September 15

The PepsiCo Foundation primarily supports nonprofit organizations located in U.S. communities where company employees live and work. The Foundation's Health and Wellness grant category encourages healthy lifestyles and positive behavior changes. Through the Diversity and Inclusion category support is provided to organizations that focus on minority-owned businesses, workplace equality, or skill development for low-income high school students. The emphasis of the Environment category is water resource management in developing nations. The Thought Leadership category supports research initiatives that address issues critical to the betterment of society. Grant requests of up to $100,000 may be submitted throughout the year. The next deadline for grant requests over $100,000 is September 15, 2008. Visit this website to take an eligibility quiz and submit an online application. www.pepsico.com/PEP_Citizenship/Contributions/GrantGuidelines/index.cfm

Mini-Grants for Public Schools and Public Libraries

2008-07-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

Deadline: Sept. 15

Ezra Jack Keats Mini-grant Program for Public Schools and Public Libraries supports educators, parents and children in their efforts to spread literacy and love of learning. Maximum Award: $500. Eligibility: public schools and libraries anywhere in the United States and its protectorates.
www.ezra-jack-keats.org/programs/minigrant.html

Open Meadows Foundation Grants

2008-07-16T08:56:00.001-07:00

Deadline: August 15

Open Meadows Foundation is a grant-making organization for projects that are led by and benefit women and girls. It offers grants up to $2,000 to projects that: are designed and implemented by women and girls; reflect the diversity of the co mmunity served by the project in both its leadership and organization; promote building community power; promote racial, social, economic and environmental justice; have limited financial access or have encountered obstacles in their search for funding. Organizational budget should not exceed $150,000. For more information please visit Open Meadows Foundation at: www.openmeadows.org

RESIST Funds Progressive Grassroots Groups

2008-07-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

Deadline: August 1

RESIST provides grants and loans to grassroots groups engaged in activist organizing and educational work within movements for social change. RESIST supports strategies that build community, encourage collaborations with other organizations, increase skills and access to resources, and produce leadership from the constituency being most directly affected. High priority is given to groups that fall outside of mainstream funding sources. A sample of RESIST's interests include: community organizing and anti-racism projects, economic and environmental justice, civil rights, progressive media, and p eace/anti-militarism. The upcoming application deadlines for general support grants, accessibility grants, and loans are August 1 and October 3, 2008. Emergency grant requests may be submitted at any time. Visit the RESIST website for details on each of RESIST's grant programs: www.resistinc.org

Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) Outstanding Commitments Awards

2008-07-11T09:58:00.000-07:00

Deadline: July 28, 2008

Later this year, we will distribute 35 awards totaling $150,000. Students can apply for a grant of up to $10,000 for each project. CGI U is a new project of the Clinton Global Initiative seeking to create a community of university students taking action to address the world's most pressing issues. The CGI U Outstanding Commitments Awards will provide recognition and financial support for a select number of CGI U commitments.

Commitments to Action will be judged on the following criteria:

Sustainability: How well does the commitment integrate principles of sustainability? CGI U assumes a broad approach to sustainability that incorporates economic, social, and environmental components.

Innovation: Does the commitment approach social issues in novel and interesting ways?

Replication: Can the project be replicated in different locations by new groups?

Impact: Does this commitment demonstrate a real and lasting impact in addressing global and/or local challenges? During the selection process both depth and scale of impact will be considered.

Leveraging Available Resources: Can this project effectively capitalize on the specific resources available to students?
We would welcome your assistance in sharing this information with students in your network.

For additional information, please visit our website at www.cgiu.org.

Grants for California Schools to Become Ocean Guardians

2008-07-11T09:23:00.000-07:00

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has announced it is offering "Ocean Guardian” grants of up to $6,000 to a number of California schools whose students create a school or community-based conservation project that protects their local watershed and the ocean. Kindergarten through high schools are eligible in the California counties of Marin, San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. A total of $100,000 is being made available through the grant program.

Interested schools can contact Seaberry Nachbar by e-mail at seaberry.nachbar@noaa.gov to receive an application and guidelines on how to create an action plan for implementing an Ocean Guardian School. You can find additional information on the Ocean Guardian School Web page sanctuaries.noaa.gov/education/ocean_guardian/become.html

Northeast Utilities Offers Environmental Community Grant Program (CT, NH, & MA only)

2008-07-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

Deadline: October 15, 2008

The Environmental Community Grant Program provides community based groups with funding for local projects that benefit the environment. Northeast Utilities' goal is to sponsor local grassroots-type efforts that are frequently overlooked by large grant programs.

The program awards grants of between $250 and $1,000 each in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Grant applications must be from organizations served by Connecticut Light and Power, Western Massachusetts Electric Company, or Public Service of New Hampshire.

Eligible projects protect or preserve the environment or teach others the value of doing so. Examples include providing education on environmental issues of local interest to adults or children, improving the environment through organized cleanup projects (such as cleaning up a park, part of a stream, or a vacant lot) or by reclaiming and rehabilitating damaged environments; improving a local wildlife habitat; and starting and maintaining a recycling program.

Complete program guidelines and application are available at the Northeast Utilities Web site: www.nu.com/environmental/grant.asp

Caring Institute Accepting Nominations for the Caring Award

2008-07-09T15:38:00.000-07:00

Deadline: September 28, 2008

The Caring Institute is now accepting nominations of individuals of all ages for the Caring Award. Nominations should describe, in at least 500 words, individuals who personify caring, and would be a worthy role model to be emulated by others. Letters of recommendation should be included to give testimony to a long-standing commitment to public service.

Nominations should give consideration to: length of service; scope and impact of work; degree of difficulty and obstacles encountered; and imagination and innovation. Award recipients are flown to Washington, D.C., and honored at a special ceremony. Young adult recipients receive educational monies for college tuition.

Complete award program information and nomination form are available at the Caring Institute Web site: www.caringinstitute.org/caringawards.html

U.S. Cellular Grants

2008-07-09T10:46:00.000-07:00

Deadline: August 15

U.S. Cellular's corporate giving program, Connecting with Our Communities, is currently accepting applications from nonprofit organizations in company communities. U.S. Cellular focuses its charitable contributions on programs that serve economically disadvantaged youth, families, and seniors. Company communities are located in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma City, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Grants generally range between $5,000 and $35,000. The upcoming application deadline is August 15, 2008. The final 2008 deadline is November 1. For additional information, including a list of company communities, visit: www.uscc.com/uscellular/SilverStream/Pages/x_page.html?p=a_charitable

Gannett Foundation Grants

2008-07-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

Deadline: August 15

The Gannett Foundation provides support to nonprofit organizations that serve the communities across the United States where Gannett Co., Inc., owns a newspaper or broadcast station. (For a list of Gannett communities go to www.gannettfoundation.org/contacts.htm.) The Foundation generally supports projects that take a creative approach to such fundamental issues as education and neighborhood improvement, economic development, youth development, community problem-solving, assistance to disadvantaged people, environmental conservation, and cultural enrichment. However, each local Gannett operation establishes its own funding priorities, depending upon local needs. Applications should be submitted to the local newspaper publisher or TV station general manager by August 15, 2008. Application FAQs and forms are available on the Foundation's website at:
www.gannettfoundation.org/

National Service Agency to Award $3.5 Million in Funding to Serve Disadvantaged Youth

2008-06-26T09:29:00.000-07:00

Deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Eastern Time, July 29.

The Corporation for National and Community Service is seeking organizations to apply for $3.5 million in funding to support youth from disadvantaged circumstances in achieving better outcomes. The Corporation anticipates making two awards. The first award, for approximately $2.5 million, will be made to a nonprofit organization that can best advance a national agenda for helping children and youth by mobilizing volunteers and identifying resources to support other youth serving organizations. The second award, for approximately $1 million, will go to a national nonprofit that can implement a high-quality, innovative, direct-service program that brings volunteers and other community resources into local schools on a national scale. The term of both grants is three years. Depending on the number and quality of applications received, the Corporation may make more than two awards.

The competition is open to national nonprofit organizations that have ongoing, demonstrable relationships with youth-serving organizations or public school systems in at least 10 states. To create and submit an application, access e-Grants at www.nationalservice.gov/egrants/. To read the full text of this announcement, visit www.nationalservice.gov.