Ruddie Memorial Youth Foundation Accepting Applications

"The Ruddie Memorial Youth Foundation aims to identify and disseminate innovative and effective programs for helping underprivileged youth reach their full potential.

The foundation supports programs that provide youth (birth to 25 years of age) with new opportunities for health, personal growth, and success in the United States. Applications will be accepted from nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations based in the greater metropolitan areas of Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Madison, Milwaukee, New York City, Philadelphia (new this year), San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

The purpose of the foundation's Evaluation Grants program, the only grant opportunity available to first-time applicants, is to identify innovative methods that are effective.... Evaluation grants range from $5,000 to $25,000 each.

The deadline for online applications to the Evaluation Grants program is July 31, 2009."

LEGO Children's Fund Grants

"The LEGO Children’s Fund will provide quarterly grants for programs, either in part or in total, with a special interest paid to collaborative efforts and in providing matching funds to leverage new dollars into the receiving organization. We will give priority consideration to programs that both meet our goals and are supported in volunteer time and effort by our employees.

The Foundation awards grants to qualified tax-exempt organizations (as determined under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue code) including educational organizations as defined in USC 26 § 170 (C) with specific, identifiable needs primarily in these areas of support:

Early childhood education and development
Technology and communication projects that advance learning opportunities
Sport or athletic programs that concentrate on under-served youth"

Grants for Middle School STEM-Focused Service-Learning Programs

"Contingent on federal funding, Youth Service America plans to implement a service-learning program in twenty-five middle schools in ten states to strengthen students' science, technology, and math skills.

The program will focus on creating a framework for primarily disadvantaged students to work in a semester-of-service model, where each month is devoted to a different aspect of planning and executing a service project in their community in connection to academic standards. The projects will begin on Martin Luther King Day of Service (January 18, 2010) and conclude on Global Youth Service Day (April 23-25, 2010).

Teachers, administrators, and service-learning coordinators in middle schools as well as staff and service-learning coordinators in afterschool programs in the states of Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, and Washington are eligible to apply."

American Legion: Grants for Child Welfare

"American Legion Child Welfare Foundation Grants to Help Children fund proposals that contribute to the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual welfare of children through innovative organizations and/or their programs designed to benefit youth. Maximum award: $70,000. Eligibility: 501(c)3 organizations. Deadline: July 15, 2009."

Disney Minnie Grants Available to Fund Children's Community Improvement Efforts

"Youth Service America and Disney are accepting applications for the Disney Minnie Grants program to fund children's efforts to improve their communities.

The program provides grants of $500 each to children between the ages of 5 and 14, or the organizations that engage them, to implement youth-led service projects that address the issues of poverty, hunger, education, environment, global citizenship, sustainable community development, and disaster prevention and relief.... Applications are accepted from all over the world. Applicants from India, China, and Russia are especially encouraged to apply.

Applications will be accepted in English only. Visit the YSA Web site for complete application guidelines and examples of funded projects."

Deadline: June 15.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Giving Programs

"The Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation supports charities in the United States and Canada through the following special grant programs:

Children's Health & Wellness: Champ-A Champion Fur Kids grants provide direct support for children in the areas of health and wellness.... Grant request deadlines are at the end of April, July, and October....

Literacy and Education: Grants provide support for children in literacy and education programs... Grant request deadlines are at the end of February, May, August, and November.

In addition, organizations seeking unrestricted support for children, families, and animals or for wild animals and the environment are encouraged to apply for grants through the Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation, a nonprofit organization.... Grants range between $1,000 and $10,000 each."

ESA Foundation Offers Funding for Youth Programs

"The ESA (Entertainment Software Association) Foundation is dedicated to supporting positive programs and opportunities that make a difference in the quality of life, health, and welfare of America's youth. The foundation seeks to harness the collective power of the interactive entertainment industry to create positive social impact in our communities. The foundation supports geographically diverse projects and programs that benefit American youth of all races and denominations and both genders.

Applicant organizations must have tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status and must be seeking funding for a specific project or program that is or will be conducted in two or more states in the United States and serves youths between the ages of 7 and 18. Applicant organizations must provide youth programs in one or more of the following areas: skills and personal development, general health and welfare, risk behavior prevention, education, or multimedia arts/technology."

Deadline: April 15, 2009.

Open Society Institute Seeks Proposals for Documentary Photography Distribution Grants

"The Open Society Institute Documentary Photography Project is offering a grant to documentary photographers who have already completed a significant body of work on issues of social justice, to collaborate with a partner organization and propose new ways of using photography as a tool for positive social change.

All applicant photographers must work with another entity (such as a nonprofit, NGO, or community-based organization) to design an innovative distribution strategy that targets specific communities and advocates for social change.

The program will award grants of $5,000 to $30,000 each.

For further information, see the Distribution Grant guidelines at the OSI Web site."

Deadline: June 19, 2009.

Invent Your World Challenge for Young People

"Through the Invent Your World Challenge, Ashoka GenV and the Lemelson Foundation will help fifty young inventors use their creations to address a local or global challenge and create positive change.

Young people are invited to submit their ideas for a new technology or the adaptation of an existing technology that will help make life easier, the planet greener, or the world better. Youth whose ideas are selected for support will receive an action plan so that they can apply for funding... The challenge is open to all individuals between the ages of 12 and 20 in North America and Europe, and 12 and 24 everywhere else... The last day to submit a project idea is March 15, 2009."

Women Helping Others Foundation Invites Applications for Education/Literacy Grants

"The WHO Foundation: Women Helping Others supports grassroots charities serving the overlooked needs of women and children in the United States.

WHO Foundation Education/Literacy grants provide funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the United States and Puerto Rico to support free after school organizations and for the implementation or expansion of education and/or literacy programs for low-income children of all ages...

The maximum request amount per organization is $5,000. Suggested funding requests include healthy snacks, books, educational field trips, etc. The foundation does not provide funding for salaries."

Kohl's Kids Who Care Scholarship Program to Recognize Young Volunteers

"Through the Kohl's Kids Who Care scholarship program, the Kohl's Corporation plans to award a total of over $350,000 in scholarships and prizes this year to more than two thousand kids whose volunteer efforts have made a positive impact on their communities. The program recognizes and rewards young volunteers (ages 6 to 18) who help make their communities a better place.

To be eligible for an award, the young person's efforts should be above and beyond what is normally expected of a child his or her age. Volunteer efforts should have made a positive impact on others and occurred in the last twelve months. The activity cannot be performed solely to benefit a family member. Creativity, initiative, generosity, leadership, and project reach will be evaluated during the judging process... The program will accept nominations from February 1 through March 15, 2009."

Legacy Project: Listen to A Life

"The Legacy Project Listen to A Life Contest connects generations through oral history. To enter, a young person must interview an older person about his or her hopes and goals throughout life, how he/she achieved goals and overcame obstacles, or how his/her dreams may have changed along the way. The young person then writes a 300-word essay based on the interview. Maximum award: a Lenovo ThinkCentre, iPod Classic, and $800 worth of Orchard Software; young person's school receives $25,000 worth of Orchard Software. Eligibility: each team must consist of a young person 8-18 years and a grandparent or grandfriend 50 years or over." Deadline: March 30, 2009.

InvenTeams Grant Initiative

"The Lemelson-MIT Program is currently accepting applications for 2010 InvenTeams, which are teams of high school students, teachers, and mentors that receive grants up to $10,000 each to invent technological solutions to real-world problems. The InvenTeam initiative is designed to excite high school students about invention, empower students through problem solving, and encourage an inventive culture in schools and communities. The deadline to submit is April 24, 2009."

Inspired Visual Learning Awards

"Inspiration Software, Inc. offers an annual educator awards program. Totaling more than $22,000 in cash and technology prizes, the 2008-2009 Inspired Visual Learning Awards will recognize 15 K-12 educators and their students who are creatively using visual learning in their classrooms. Applications are being accepted until February 27, winners will be announced March 31, 2009.

To win an award for their classrooms, educators must submit student-created examples using Inspiration Software's visual learning software tools: Inspiration®, Kidspiration® and InspireData®. Winners will receive technology and funds for professional development and/or new technology purchases that support visual learning in their classrooms."

MTV and Ashoka GenV Invite Young People to Submit Ideas for the Environment

"MTV Switch, MTV Networks International's global climate change campaign, and Ashoka GenV are inviting young people to submit their creative ideas for improving the environment through the 'Dream It. Do It' challenge.

Applicants will be eligible for seed funding awards of up to $1,000 each to make their ideas a reality. Up to twenty-five grants will be awarded through the challenge. The best projects may also be featured in a half-hour MTV documentary scheduled for Earth Day 2009...

The challenge is open to all youth between the ages of 12 and 20 in North America and Europe and 12 and 24 everywhere else...

Ideas and action plans may be submitted in English, Spanish, Portuguese, or French." Deadline: December 31, 2008

Cable in the Classroom: Leaders In Learning Awards

"Cable in the Classroom's Leaders In Learning Awards recognize teachers, administrators, and community leaders who are helping to improve and transform education for children in and out of school, creating 21st-century learning environments that children need in order to succeed in the world that awaits them. Maximum award: $3,000. Eligibility: teachers, administrators, and community leaders. Deadline: Dec. 17, 2008."

Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation: Inclusion of Youth with Disabilities

"The MEAF Inclusion Champion Award honors individuals who have made significant efforts to promote the full inclusion of youth with disabilities in society. The focus of the efforts may include, but is not limited to, helping to create a culture of inclusion within an organization or community, or developing innovative strategies for inclusive programming in school activities, after-school programs, community service, and leadership development.Maximum award: $1,000 for the charity of the recipient's choice. Deadline: Dec. 1, 2008."

Echoing Green Offers Support for Social Entrepreneurs

"Each year, Echoing Green awards twenty two-year fellowships to social entrepreneurs working to create innovative new organizations to help change their communities, countries, or the world for the better.

Echoing Green seeks individuals or partnerships (organizations led by two people) with: innovative solutions to significant social problems; strategies to create high-impact, sustainable change in people's lives; and the ability to grow and lead a new organization.

Organizations must be the original idea of the applicant....

The application process is open to citizens of all nationalities, working in any country. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and must have sufficient English fluency to participate in interviews and Echoing Green events.

Fellows receive up to $90,000 ($60,000 for individuals and $90,000 for partnerships of two people) in seed funding and technical support over two years to turn their innovative ideas into sustainable social change organizations."

Deadline: December 1, 2008

National Child Labor Committee Invites Nominations for Service to Children Awards

"The National Child Labor Committee, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to defending the rights of children in the workplace and fighting for universal education, invites nominations of individuals for the 2009 Lewis Hine Awards for Service to Children and Youth. These nationally recognized awards, now in their 24th year, are presented annually by NCLC to ten recipients — five professionals and five volunteers — for their unheralded and exceptional service to young people.

The awards seek to identify not the one-time hero, but the individual who has made a commitment to the well-being, growth, and development of youth....

NCLC will bring the awardees to New York City for a media-covered ceremony where their outstanding public service will be recognized and each will receive an award of $1,000."

Deadline: October 23, 2008

Superstar Foundation Direct Service Grants

The Superstar Foundation 2008 Veronica Grants will be awarded to five outstanding direct service professionals, one for each of the following categories: Youth Development, Afterschool/Out-of-School Youth Services, Adult Men's Services, Adult Women's Services, and Family Services. Grant awards are $2000 each. Applications must be postmarked October 31, 2008.

National Education Association Foundation Accepting Grant Applications

"The NEA Foundation supports a variety of efforts by teachers, education support professionals, and higher education faculty and staff to improve student learning in America's public schools, colleges, and universities.

The foundation is accepting applications for the following programs:

Learning & Leadership Grants provide opportunities for teachers, education support professionals, and higher education faculty and staff to engage in high-quality professional development and lead their colleagues in professional growth. The grant amount is $2,000 for individuals and $5,000 for groups engaged in collegial study.

Student Achievement Grants provide grants of $5,000 to improve the academic achievement of students by engaging in critical thinking and problem solving that deepen knowledge of standards-based subject matter. The work should also improve students' habits of inquiry, self-directed learning, and critical reflection."

Knight News Challenge and Garage Announced!

The Knight News Challenge is "giving away around $5 million in 2009 for the development and distribution of neighborhood and community-focused projects, services, and programs."

Additionally, they are launching the brand-new News Challenge Garage, which is a coaching and mentoring site for prospective applicants to talk with mentors and peers, check out previous winners' applications and improve your application before you submit.

Applications for the 2008-09 cycle will be taken starting September 2, 2008 and close on November 1, 2008.

Pay It Forward Foundation Mini-Grants

"Pay It Forward Mini-Grants are designed to fund one-time-only service-oriented projects identified by youth as activities they would like to perform to benefit their school, neighborhood, or greater community. Projects must contain a 'pay it forward' focus - that is, they must be based on the concept of one person doing a favor for others, who in turn do favors for others, with the results growing exponentially - to be considered in the grant making process...
Mini-Grants of up to $500 are available." Deadline: September 15.

William T. Grant Foundation Field-Initiated Grants Program

"The William T. Grant Foundation is accepting Letters of Inquiry for its field-initiated grants program.

The foundation's current research interests are understanding how social settings such as families, schools, peer groups, and organizations work; how they affect youth development; and how they can be improved...

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be employed at a nonprofit 501(c)(3) institution, either in the United States or abroad; submit a project that is consistent with the foundation's current research interests; address issues that have compelling relevance for theory, policies, and/or practices affecting the settings of youth between the ages of 8 and 25 in the United States or a vulnerable sub-population of those youth; reflect high standards of evidence and rigorous methods, commensurate with the proposal's goals.

The deadlines for Letters of Inquiry are September 3, 2008; January 8, 2009; April 1, 2009; and September 9, 2009."

Best Buy Awards for Interactive te@ch Program

"The Best Buy te@ch program rewards schools for successful interactive programs they have launched with available technology. Winning te@ch programs focus on kids using technology to learn a standards-based curriculum, rather than on teaching students to use technology or educators using technology that children aren't able to use hands-on.
Maximum Award: $5,000.
Eligibility: Accredited K-12 public, private, parochial, and nonprofit charter schools in the United States.
Deadline: October 12, 2008."

"Increase Your Green" - Do Something 2008 School Competition

"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. A representative from each group must submit an online report of the school or club's actions to save energy, reduce waste and raise awareness during the competition."

Open to middle and high schools, this competition begins October 13 and closes December 8. Winners receive cash awards and other prizes.

Register your club or school by October 13 in order to participate.

Siemens High School Competition in Math, Science & Technology

The Siemens High School Competition in Math, Science & Technology gives students "an opportunity to achieve national recognition for science research projects that they complete in high school." Funded by the Siemens Foundation, U.S. high school students may enter to win a maximum award of $100,000.

Deadline: October 1, 2008

Disney MinnieGrants for Youth-Led Service Projects

"Youth Service America and Disney have announced the launch of a second round of Disney MinnieGrants to engage children and youth, ages five to 14, as community volunteers.

Selected applicants will receive $500 each to support their youth-led service projects. Projects must take place October 15-November 15, 2008.

Grantees from the first round of Disney awards of 2008 are eligible to apply.

Visit the YSA Web site for complete program guidelines and to review past award recipients from all over the world." Deadline: August 30.

Grants for Projects Led by and Benefiting Women and Girls

"The Open Meadows Foundation funds projects that are led by and benefit women and girls; reflect the diversity of the community served by the project in both its leadership and organization; promote community-building; promote racial, social, economic and environmental justice; and have limited financial access or have encountered obstacles in their search for funding. Maximum Award: $2000. Eligibility: 501(c)3 organizations with an organizational budget no larger than $150,000. Projects must be designed and implemented by women and girls. Deadline: August 15, 2008."

VSA arts Invites Entries From Young Artists With Disabilities for Green Light Awards

"Sponsored by VSA arts with support from Volkswagen of America, Inc., the Green Light Awards program is open to young artists ages 16 to 25 living in the United States who have a physical, cognitive, or mental disability.

The program invites entries of both representational and abstract work... Art must be an original work that has been completed in the last three years." Eligible media include paintings and drawings, fine art prints, photography, computer-generated prints and two-dimensional mixed media. "This year the program also welcomes entries of sculpture and time-based media." 15 cash prizes will be awarded. Deadline: July 11, 2008.

World of Children 2008 Founder's Award for Youth

"World of Children 2008 Founder's Award for Youth recognizes youth that are making extraordinary contributions to the lives of other children. Maximum Award: $25,000. Eligibility: Nominees must be under the age of 21 and have an existing non-profit organization in good standing that can receive grant funds if awarded. Deadline: April 30, 2008."

Entertainment Software Association Foundation Funding

"Entertainment Software Association Foundation offers funding for Youth Programs (DEADLINE: April 15, 2008 ). Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations providing programs in personal development, health awareness, risk behavior prevention, education, and media arts to youth between the ages of 7 and 18. The foundation seeks to harness the collective power of the interactive entertainment industry to create positive social impact in America's communities. The interactive entertainment industry supports geographically diverse projects and programs that benefit American youth of all races and denominations and both genders."

Staples Foundation Education Programs for Disadvantaged Youth

"This fund supports programs that provide job skills and/or education for all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged youth. Deadline: June 16."

Reader's Digest Foundation to Donate to Nonprofits

"The Reader's Digest Foundation has announced that it will donate a total of $1 million to nonprofit organizations through a new initiative called 'Make it Matter.' Grants will be inspired by individuals who are taking action and giving back to their communities in significant ways. Every month, the foundation will select one individual's story of good deeds done and grant $100,000 to a nonprofit organization in honor of that individual. Reader's Digest magazine will then feature that person in its new column, 'Make it Matter.' Submissions for 'Make it Matter' will be accepted by the foundation on a rolling basis throughout 2008."

Share Our Strength Seeks Grant Applications for Great American Bake Sale

"The Great American Bake Sale grants program will support efforts to increase participation among low-income children in summer and afterschool meal programs... Nonprofit organizations that work to increase the number of children that receive nutritious afterschool and summer meals may be eligible to apply for funds raised through the Great American Bake Sale."

There are two types of grants: Grants for Program Sponsors, and Grants for Advocacy. "Grants will only be provided to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools with a valid NCES code, or local government entities that work to ensure children have access to afterschool and summer meal programs."

Youth Invited to Create Short Films for FYI - Film Your Issue Global Competition

"USA Today, the United Nations, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and other organizations and media leaders have joined forces to engage young adults (14-24) in contributing to the public dialogue on pressing social issues using the power of the Internet and user-generated content.

In its 4th year, FYI - Film Your Issue has grown into a global Internet-based competition that invites high school and college students in the United States and around the world to express themselves on pressing contemporary issues by creating and uploading short two-minute films on issues that impact them and their generation."

Deadline: April 14, 2008.

Go Overboard Challenge Grant

"Youth Venture, Burton Snowboards, and Justina Chen Headley are co-sponsoring the Go Overboard Challenge Grant to fund the best youth-led ideas to change the world by giving away 12 grants, $1,000 each to encourage students to become change makers. Eligibility: students ages 12-20 who have an idea as to how to improve their school, neighborhood, city, country or the world. Students need an adult sponsor, such as a teacher, to endorse their grant application. Deadline: May 1, 2008."

Motorola Offers Innovation Generation Grants for Science and Math Education Programs

"In 2008, the Motorola Foundation will provide a total of $4 million in Innovation Generation Grants to organizations that engage K-12 students and teachers in the U.S. in innovation, science, technology, engineering, and math.

Funding priority will be placed on pioneering programs that engage students and teachers in innovative, hands-on activities; teach innovation and creative problem-solving skills; focus on girls and underrepresented minorities.... Any U.S. nonprofit organization may apply. Schools and school districts may apply.

Grant applicants may request up to $100,000 each. Select organizations may be asked to apply for larger grants. Grants will be for one year of project work, starting after June 2008."

Youth Programs Resource Center and Clearinghouse

"To help smaller youth programs, the Finance Project and its partners (including the Forum for Youth Investment) have created a clearninghouse of information and resources related to supporting and sustaining youth programs, initiatives and policies. Here, you'll find data, tools, financing and funding strategies, policy guides and technical assistance."

Cyberbullying Awareness PSA Competition

"Sony Creative Software, the National Crime Prevention Council and the Ad Council are seeking entries from independent producers and academic institutions to help end cyber bullying by creating a Public Service Announcement on the issue. The top submissions may be eligible for national broadcast and their producer or sponsoring academic institution will receive a complete multimedia editing suite for their facility or school. Maximum Award: Sony software applications and hardware valued at $18,000. Eligibility: independent producers and academic institutions (K-12). Deadline: January 11, 2008."

Captain Planet Foundation Environmental Grants

"The Captain Planet Foundation funds hands-on environmental projects to encourage youth around the world to work individually and collectively to solve environmental problems in their neighborhoods and communities. Maximum Award: $2,500. Deadline: December 31, 2007."

Brick Awards to Honor Young People for Community Problem-Solving Projects

"The Brick Awards, an annual program of Do Something, honor young people (age 25 and under) in the United States and Canada for their efforts to address problems in their local or global communities. Nine Brick Award winners will receive a minimum of $10,000 in community grants and scholarships (if applicable). Of those nine winners, one will be selected by a national online vote as a Golden Brick Award winner and will receive a total of $100,000 in community grants. The community grant money is paid directly to the not-for-profit of the winner’s choice. Applicants must be permanent residents or citizens of the U.S. or Canada and must be born on or after June 30, 1982." Deadline: December 31, 2007.

HP Technology for Teaching Grant Initiative

"HP believes that technology, when used effectively in teaching, can have a positive impact on student achievement.

The HP Technology for Teaching Grant Initiative is designed to support the innovative use of mobile technology in K-16 education, and to help identify K-12 public schools and two- and four-year colleges and universities that HP might support with future grants. Based on the outcomes of the projects funded through this initiative in 2008, HP may offer some grant recipients additional, higher-value grants in 2008.

In 2008, HP will award nearly $7 million in cash and equipment to K-12 schools in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and to colleges and universities throughout North America (Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S.)."

The application process opens on January 8, 2008. Deadline is February 14, 2008.

Action For Nature Offers International Young Eco-Hero Awards

"Action For Nature, a nonprofit organization that encourages young people around the world to carry out individual environmental action projects, presents the International Young Eco-Hero Awards to recognize the individual accomplishments of young people (ages 8-16) whose personal actions have significantly improved the environment.

Action For Nature will award cash prizes of up to $500 each to young Eco-Heroes for their outstanding accomplishments in environmental advocacy, environmental health, research, or protection of the natural world."

Deadline: February 28, 2008

Youth Service America and Office of Juvenile Justice Offer Service Replication Grants

"Youth Service America and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in the U.S. Department of Justice are offering grants of $2,000 each to help organizations that have had a successful youth engagement experience replicate their practices in organizations in a broader network or coalition without a youth strategy. Successful applicants will involve youth in addressing the world's most pressing social issues, such as climate change, hunger, disease, nutrition, literacy, disaster relief, poverty, and more."

Deadline: November 30, 2007

General Mills Foundation Invites Applications for Healthy Kids Grant Program

"The General Mills Foundation, in partnership with the American Dietetic Association Foundation and the President's Council on Physical Fitness, is accepting applications for the Champions for Healthy Kids grant program. This national program will award fifty grants of $10,000 each to community-based groups across the United States that develop creative ways to help youth adopt a balanced diet and physically active lifestyle. Applicant organizations must be nonprofit... Local organizations that work with youth are encouraged to apply because their programs are more likely to be sustainable. These may include park districts, health departments, government agencies, Native American tribes, municipal organizations, churches, schools, YMCA’s, Boys & Girls clubs, and so on." Deadline: January 15, 2008

AAUW Accepting Applications for Community Action Grants

"The American Association of University Women Community Action Grants provide seed money to individual women, AAUW branches, and AAUW state organizations, as well as local community-based nonprofit organizations for innovative programs or non-degree research projects that promote education and equity for women and girls. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The program offers one-year grants ($2,000-$7,000 each over one year) to provide seed money for new projects. Topic areas are unrestricted but should include a clearly defined activity that promotes education and equity for women and girls." Deadline: January 15.

AT&T Foundation Wireless Technology Grant Program

"The AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc., has announced a $1.5 million competitive grant program to help nonprofits integrate wireless communications technology into educational outreach projects. Open to 501(c)(3) public charities and government instrumentalities across the United States, the program will help nonprofits deliver educational content and enhance learning opportunities in the communities they serve.

The AT&T Foundation will award one-time, education-focused, wireless technology grants ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 each for wireless applications and hardware." Deadline: October 19, 2007

Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Awards Program

"The Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Awards Program is calling young scientists to enter its 2008 challenge. Now in its 16th season, ExploraVision will award up to $240,000 in Savings Bonds this year, along with a host of other prizes, to student team members for the most innovative ideas that project technology 20 years into the future. Entries in all K-12 grade levels are being accepted now through January 29, 2008. Visit www.exploravision.org now to download your Awards entry kit and competition rules and gain access to participation tips and other resources!"

Grants for Community, Health and Education Projects

"The RGK Foundation is offering grants up to $25,000 for community, education and health projects including youth development, community improvement, abuse prevention and educational enrichment programs." Letters of inquiry are accepted year-round.

State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grants

"With the generous support of the State Farm Companies Foundation, Youth Service America is offering the annual State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grant for youth across the United States and Canada (select provinces). These grants of up to $1,000 support youth (ages 5-25), teachers, or school-based service-learning coordinators in implementing service-learning projects for Global Youth Service Day 2008." Deadline: October 16.

LEGO Children's Fund

"The Foundation awards grants to qualified tax-exempt organizations... with specific, identifiable needs primarily in these areas of support: Early childhood education and development; Technology and communication projects that advance learning opportunities; Sport or athletic programs that concentrate on under-served youth.... There are no restrictions on grant amounts up to the quarterly allocation. Typical awards, however, are between USD $500 and USD $5,000." Next application deadline: November 1.

Grants for Afterschool and Community Projects

"Hamburger Helper is sponsoring My Hometown Helper grants to help fund community projects such as books for literacy programs, playground equipment, and tutoring programs. Awards will be based on the merit of the project as well as its impact and support within the community. Applicants can request a one-time award ranging from $500 to $15,000. The application deadline is September 30."

The Disney Minnie Grants 2007 - 2nd round

"The Walt Disney Company and Youth Service America are pleased to announce grants of up to $500 to support youth-led service projects. These grants support youth (ages 5-14) in planning and implementing service projects in their community. Teachers, older youth (15-25), youth-leaders, and youth-serving organizations are also eligible to apply, provided that they that engage younger youth... Service can take place between October 1 and November 26, 2007. Projects can address themes such as the environment, disaster relief, public health and awareness, community education, hunger, literacy, or any issue that youth identify as a community need.... Applications are welcome from all countries, though applications will only be accepted in English." Receipt deadline: August 30, 2007.

YouthPower Grants

"The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) and Youth Service America (YSA) are pleased to announce YouthPower grants of up to $1,000 to support youth-led service projects. These grants support youth in foster care (ages 5-18) and youth who have recently transitioned out of foster care (ages 19-25) in planning and implementing service projects in their community. Youth-serving organizations that have prior experience in working with youth in the foster care system are eligible to apply, provided that they that engage foster youth in planning and implementing a service project. Service projects will take place as part of Global Youth Service Day on April 25-27, 2008.... Receipt deadline: October 1, 2007."

Best Buy Teach Awards to Schools for Creative Uses of Technology

"Through the Best Buy Teach Award program, Best Buy will present $3.5 million in total awards to more than fifteen hundred schools in the United States. The Best Buy Teach Award program recognizes creative uses of interactive technology in K-12 classrooms. Winning Teach Award programs focus on kids using technology to learn standards-based curriculum rather than on teaching students to use technology or educators using technology that children are not able to use hands-on. The purpose of the Best Buy Teach Award program is to reward schools for the successful interactive programs they have launched using available technology."

Youth Venture Grants

"Socially conscious young people from the United States between the ages of 12 and 20 years old are encouraged to apply for micro-grants of up to US$1,000 from the Youth Service America (YSA) Youth Venture Program to create sustainable social ventures. Ventures must be youth-led and designed to be a lasting, sustainable asset to the community. Example possibilities include: a youth centre designed to keep youth out of trouble with music and art programmes, an anti-peer pressure education campaign, a bike repair shop with a vocational training programme, or an assembly programme touring inner city schools combining music with anti-drug/violence performances."

Make it Your Own Awards for Community Change

"We recognize that improving our communities takes ongoing commitment and persistent action. That's why we're funding people who join together to create innovative ideas and solutions that can lay the groundwork for long-term social change... We're looking for passionate individuals, or individuals working with small, local organizations or groups, who reside in one of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico, to submit an idea for one of these same locations (no international projects)... Twenty finalists will receive a $10,000 grant to help make their idea a reality. The final four (chosen by the votes of our online community) will get an additional $25,000 grant." Brief applications are being accepted online through August 8.

Grant Applications Available for Women Helping Others Foundation

"The WHO Foundation: Women Helping Others supports grassroots charities in the United States and Puerto Rico serving the overlooked needs of women and children.

Specific projects and programs addressing health, education, and social service needs are the foundation's priority. The foundation recognizes the value of new programs created to respond to changing needs and will consider funding projects of an original or pioneering nature within an existing organization.

Visit the foundation's Web site for program guidelines, application materials, and an FAQ." Deadline: September 11, 2007

Do Something Offering Weekly Grants for Young Social Entrepreneurs

"Do Something is a not-for-profit organization that works to inspire, support, and celebrate young social entrepreneurs and community activists. The organization is accepting applications for the following grant programs:

Do Something and GameStop are offering grants of $500 each to young people, age 25 and younger, in the U.S. or Canada who have a great idea for a community-action project... Do Something and Plum TV are offering grants of $500 each to social entrepreneurs, age 25 and younger, in the U.S. who have recently created a sustainable project, program, or organization."

The Big Read

"The Institute of Museum and Library Services, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, have announced the third deadline for the Big Read program. The purpose of the program is to revitalize the role of literature in American popular culture. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 each are available to encourage local communities to inspire literary reading through the program... Approximately 120 organizations of varying sizes across the United States will be selected in this funding cycle. Funded activities should be scheduled to take place between January and June 2008." Deadline: July 31, 2007

Award for schools that act as community centers

Applications for the 2007 Richard Riley Award from the Knowledge Works Foundation and the American Architectural Foundation are due July 9, 2007. Eligibility: Elementary and secondary public school officials, teachers, and students.

"This award recognizes design and educational excellence in 'schools as centers of community,' and the winning school will receive a $10,000 prize. Schools that serve as centers of community provide a rich array of social, civic, recreational, and artistic opportunities to the broader community and to students, often clustering educational and municipal buildings together. These additional services and opportunities often improve student achievement and help maximize local tax dollars."

Ezra Jack Keats Accepting Applications From Public Schools and Libraries

"The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, created by the children's book author and illustrator, is accepting applications from public schools and libraries anywhere in the United States and its protectorates for program or event mini-grants of $500 each."

Deadline: September 15, 2007

Union Pacific Foundation Offers Funding for Community Programs

"The Union Pacific Foundation accepts grant applications from nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations based in communities served by Union Pacific Railroad. Municipalities located on Union Pacific lines may apply for one-time programs/projects provided the program/project benefits the entire community.

The foundation has a strong interest in promoting organizational effectiveness among nonprofits. To that end, the foundation will dedicate the majority of these grants to help nonprofit organizations build their capacity, increase their impact, and operate more efficiently and effectively. The foundation will be particularly receptive to proposals that fall within the following categories: Community and Civic; Fine Arts; Health and Human Services." Deadline: August 15, 2007

Corning Incorporated Foundation Grants

"Resources are directed almost exclusively toward initiatives which improve the quality of life in and near communities where Corning Incorporated is an active corporate citizen. Currently, the Foundation annually fulfills approximately 175 grants totaling some $3.0 million.

Support goes to institutions that are tax-exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and which are public charities as defined in Section 509(a) of the Code." Funding areas: Educational; Cultural; Community Service;
National Programs; Matching Gifts Program. "Grant seekers are advised to submit a two-to-three page letter of inquiry, signed by the senior administrative officer of the organization."

Legion Child Welfare Foundation Announces Grant Applications

"The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation accepts funding proposals from nonprofit organizations for projects that meet one of the foundation’s two basic purposes: 1) to contribute to the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual welfare of children through the dissemination of knowledge about new and innovative organizations and/or their programs designed to benefit youth; and 2) to contribute to the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual welfare of children through the dissemination of knowledge already possessed by well-established organizations, to the end that such information can be more adequately used by society.

Grants must have the potential of helping American children in a large geographic area... grants have ranged from $1,500 to $70,000, and have averaged about $32,000."

History Channel Save Our History Grant Program

"The History Channel Save Our History Grant Program inspires youth to become the preservationists in their communities. Museums, historic sites, historical societies, preservation organizations, libraries, and archives are invited to partner with a local school or youth group and apply for funding to help preserve the history of their communities. Maximum Award: $10,000. Eligibility: 501(c)(3) history organizations. Deadline: June 1, 2007."

Mattel Offers Grants for Programs Serving Children in Need

"Mattel and the Mattel Children's Foundation have announced the third year of the company's Domestic Grantmaking Program. Through the program, U.S. charitable organizations that can demonstrate they directly serve children in need may be eligible for one-year grants of $5,000 to $20,000 each.... Two types of grants will be considered: 1) program-specific grants for the launch of new programs or the expansion of existing programs; and 2) core operating support." Deadline: June 15.

Young Social Entrepreneurs Invited to Apply for YouthActionNet Awards

"The YouthActionNet Awards offer grants of $500 each to help fund the social change projects of young social entrepreneurs around the world. The awards are supported by a global youth development initiative of the International Youth Foundation and Nokia.

Each year twenty exceptional young social entrepreneurs are selected as YouthActionNet Fellows through a competitive application process. In addition to receiving a $500 grant, YouthActionNet Fellows participate in a week-long capacity building workshop in Washington, D.C.... The contest is open to all young people between the ages of 18 and 29. Applicants should be founders of existing projects/organizations or leading a project within an organization..." Deadline: May 15.

Jordan Fundamentals Announces Restructured Educational Grant Program

"The Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program was established with proceeds from the Jordan Brand, a division of Nike, Inc., to recognize outstanding teaching and instructional creativity in U.S. public schools that serve economically disadvantaged students.

As part of the program's restructuring, grants will be targeted at selected geographic areas and grade levels, and will be made at multi-tier funding levels.... Applicants must be public school teachers or paraprofessionals working with students in grades one through 12. At least 50 percent of the school's student population must be eligible for the free or reduced school lunch program."

AmeriCorps VISTAs for Community Media & Technology Projects

"AmeriCorps*VISTA programs place full-time capacity building volunteers with organizations that are serving low-income communities.

The CTC VISTA Project places its VISTA members (50 a year) with community technology centers and other organizations that are using technology to address the needs of low-income people.

The Project is currently accepting applications from organizations that want a VISTA to work on one of the following types of projects: Community Networking; Technology Assistance to Non-profits; Digital Media; Access and Inclusion.... It takes time to recruit a VISTA so please submit your Intent to Apply as early as possible and by April 13th at the latest."

Grants to Support Education, Child Advocacy, Medical Research & the Arts

"The Charles Lafitte Foundation Grants Program awards funds to help groups and individuals foster lasting improvement on the human condition by providing support to education, children's advocacy, medical research and the arts. Maximum Award: varies. Eligibility: 501c-3 institutions." Letters of inquiy preferred as preliminary step. Applications accepted throughout the year.

Grants to Support Job Skills & Education for Disadvantaged Youth

"Staples Foundation for Learning Grants provide funding to programs that support or provide job skills and/or education for all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged youth. Maximum Award: varies. Eligibility: 501(c)3 organizations. Deadline: April 6, 2007."

Awards for Youth Community Service

"The Hitachi Foundation is sponsoring the Yoshiyama Awards for Exemplary Service to the Community, which honors up to ten high school seniors for their community service. Afterschool providers may nominate students. Those selected will be awarded up to $5,000 each over two years. The deadline is April 2."

NEA Grants - Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth

"This program offers funding for projects that help children and youth acquire knowledge and understanding of and skills in the arts. Projects must provide participatory learning and engage students with skilled artists, teachers, and excellent art. Funded projects apply national or state arts education standards."
Deadline: June 11, 2007

New Voices Community News Grants

"J-Lab: The Institute for Interactive Journalism invites U.S. nonprofit groups and education organizations to apply for funding to launch new community news ventures and to cooperate with J-Lab in spotlighting best practices and lessons learned.

Eligible to apply for funding under the New Voices project are 501(c)3 organizations and education institutions, including civic groups, community organizations, public broadcasters, schools, colleges and universities.

Funding is available for start-up news initiatives only." Deadline: February 20, 2007.

Colin Higgins Foundation Invites Nominations for Youth

"The Colin Higgins Foundation (http://www.colinhiggins.org) annually awards the Colin Higgins Youth Courage Awards for bravery in the face of discrimination, intolerance, and bigotry based on sexual orientation and/or gender."

Deadline: March 2, 2007

MTV TR3s and Youth Venture Present the Tu Voz My Venture Contest

"As part of its mission to provide a voice to young Latinos in the United States, and in response to the alarming rate at which Latinos are dropping out of high school, MTV tr3s formed MTV Tr3s Voces, a campaign that aims to empower Latino youth to graduate high school and prepare for college, work, and life.

In partnership with Youth Venture and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, MTV Tr3s Voces will awards grants of up to $1,000 each to groups of young Latinos that have new and creative ideas for after-school programs, organizations, clubs, or other ventures that encourage and help Latino youth graduate high school and prepare for college.... Venturas grants will be offered every week until June 29, 2007."

Funding for Performance and Live Art on the Internet

"New York City-based Franklin Furnace, whose mission is 'to make the world safe for avant-garde art,' annually awards grants in two categories. The Franklin Furnace Fund for Performance Art supports emerging performance artists, allowing them to produce major works in New York. The Future of the Present funds the creation of live art that engages the Internet as an art medium and/or venue.

Grants from either fund range between $2,000 and $5,000 each. Artists from all areas of the world are encouraged to apply, and applications will automatically be considered for both categories." Deadline: April 1, 2007

Dollar General Literacy and Other Grants

Spring deadlines are coming up for Dollar General's grant programs, including Adult Literacy Grants; Back-to-School Grants [for schools]; Beyond Words: The Dollar General School Library Relief Program [for libraries]; Family Literacy Grants; and Youth Literacy Initiatives. Please note that in order to be eligible, organizations must be in or near a community with a Dollar General store. See applications for details.

Sparkplug Foundation Grants

"The Sparkplug Foundation supports start-up projects primarily in three areas of focus: music, education and grassroots organizing.... In all areas of focus, Sparkplug is interested in making one-time grants for activities which create sustainable organizing and communities."

Eligible applicants: 501c-3 organizations; Organizations with 501c-3 sponsors; Individuals with or without sponsors.
"The first step is to call them for a talk-through of your proposal, to assess whether you should submit an application. Please be aware that they only consider applications that have been discussed with them in advance. Next application deadline: May 16, 2007"

Youth Service America Disney Minnie Grants

"Youth Service America and Disney are offering Disney Minnie Grants to youth across the globe.

These grants of $500 each support youth (ages 5-14) in planning and implementing service projects in their community. Teachers, older youth (15-25), youth-leaders, and youth-serving organizations are also eligible to apply, provided that they engage younger youth (5-14) in planning and implementing the service event.

A significant component of the project must take place on National & Global Youth Service Day, April 20-22, 2007... Applications are welcome from all countries." Deadline: January 24, 2007

Improving Afterschool Neighborhood Improvement Efforts

"Ameriquest Mortgage Company Create Your Legacy grant program encourages young people to develop projects to improve their after-school program and neighborhood. Maximum Award: $15,000. Eligibility: after-school programs with 501(c)(3) status offering youth services that emphasize leadership training, mentoring, community service, academic enrichment, or the arts. Deadline: January 15, 2007." Now taking applications from afterschool programs in Arizona, California, and Illinois.

Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams Grants for High School Invention Projects

"Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams is a national grants initiative of the Lemelson-MIT Program that works to foster inventiveness among high school students. InvenTeams composed of high school students, teachers, and mentors are asked to collaboratively identify a problem that they want to solve, research the problem, and then develop a prototype invention as an in-class or extracurricular project. Up to twenty-three grants of up to $10,000 each will be awarded to selected teams. Applying for an InvenTeams grant is a two-tiered process: the initial application is available online" now and due April 27, 2007.

Tech Savvy Award

"National Center for Family Literacy Verizon Tech Savvy Awards recognizes exemplary programs that demystify technology for parents and enable them to better guide their children in the use of new media. Maximum Award: $25,000. Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, including community-based nonprofits, libraries and schools. Deadline: January 12, 2007."

2007 ExploraVision Awards for students K-12

"Now in its 15th year, ExploraVision is a national science competition that encourages K-12 students of all interest, skill and ability levels to create and explore visions of future technology. Each student on four first-place teams will receive a $10,000 U.S. Savings Bond and a trip to Washington, D.C....

Here's the challenge: Pick and research a technology, then explore what it could be 20 years from now. Are there problems modern technology has yet to solve? Are there practical solutions to everyday problems we've yet to consider? The 2007 ExploraVision Awards competition is sponsored by Toshiba and administered by the National Science Teachers Association."

Entries due January 30.

State Farm Youth Advisory Board Service-Learning Grants

"Young people, teachers, schools and districts, and community organizations who believe in the power of service-learning to promote academic achievement and address fundamental community problems don't want to miss this opportunity to secure grant funds of $25,000-$100,000 to support well-designed,
student-led service-learning projects that structurally impact one of the four issues:

* Disaster Preparedness
* Driver Safety
* Financial Responsibility
* Access to Higher Education/Closing the Achievement Gap

The inaugural 30-member State Farm Youth Advisory Board, comprised of 30 students between the ages of 17-20, was established to design and administer a $5 million annual grant fund to support service-learning projects. Applicants may choose between one-and two-year grant options." Deadline: November 15, 2006

Target Launches New Field Trip Grants Program

"As part of the Target commitment to supporting education, the new Target Field Trip Grants program will award U.S. educators grants of $1,000 each to fund a field trip for their students. Target Field Trip Grants may be used to fund trips ranging from visits to art museums and environmental projects to cultural events and civic experiences.

Up to eight hundred grants will be awarded. Grants are awarded to educators, teachers, principals, para-professionals, and/or classified staff. Applications must be submitted electronically between September 1, 2006, and November 1, 2006."

ING Unsung Heroes Program Seeks to Reward Excellence in America's Schools

"Financial services company ING (http://www.ing.com/) seeks to help K-12 educators and their schools fund innovative classroom projects through its annual Unsung Heroes awards program.

All K-12 education professionals, whether or not they are clients of ING, are eligible. However, these individuals must be employed by an accredited K-12 public or private school located in the United States and be a full-time educator, teacher, principal, paraprofessional, or classified staff member with an effective project that improves student learning."

Deadline: April 30, 2007

NEH Announces Digital Humanities Start-Up Grants Program

"Digital Humanities Start-Up Grants is the first new program under the National Endowment for the Humanities' new Digital Humanities Initiative.

NEH's Digital Humanities Start-Up Grants are designed to encourage scholars with bright new ideas and provide the funds to get their projects off the ground. All projects will incorporate new ways of studying the humanities...

Eligible applicants are U.S. nonprofit organizations or institutions; state and local governmental agencies and Native American tribal organizations; and U.S. citizens or foreign nationals who have been living in the United States or its jurisdictions for at least the three years immediately prior to the application deadline."

Deadline: November 15, 2006 and April 3, 2007

NEA Foundation Accepting Applications for Student Achievement Grants

The National Education Association Foundation's Student Achievement Grants "provide $5,000 to improve the academic achievement of students by engaging in critical thinking and problem solving that deepen knowledge of standards-based subject matter. The work should also improve students’ habits of inquiry, self-directed learning, and critical reflection.

Proposals for work resulting in low-income and minority student success with honors, advanced placement, or other challenging curricula are particularly encouraged. The grant amount is $5,000." Deadline: October 15, 2006

Youth Leaders for Literacy to Awards Grants for Student-Led Projects

"Youth Leaders for Literacy is an initiative of the National Education Association and Youth Service America to help youth direct their enthusiasm and creativity into reading-related service projects.

Grant applications should propose youth leadership in developing and implementing a literacy project that begins on NEA's Read Across America Day, March 2, 2007, and culminates on YSA's National Youth Service Days, April 20-22.

The National Education Association will award twenty grants of $500 each to support student-led initiatives." Deadline: November 24, 2006

UPS Foundation Education Grants

"UPS Foundation Education Grants fund high impact philanthropic programs that raise the level of educational instruction, family learning opportunities, and school involvement projects. Maximum Award: varies. Eligibility: 501(c)(3) organizations. Deadline: N/A."

Staples Foundation for Learning Grants

"The mission of Staples Foundation for Learning is to provide funding to programs that support or provide job skills and/or education for all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged youth...

The organization must: Have a nonprofit tax-exempt classification under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Deadline is September 15, 2006"

Young Volunteers Invited to Apply for Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

"The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honor young people in grades 5 through 12 who have demonstrated exemplary voluntary service to their communities. The program was created in 1995 and is sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals... Schools and officially designated organizations [Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross Chapters, YMCAs, etc.] may select one middle level and one high school Local Honoree for every 1,000 students (or portion thereof). Student applications are due back to schools or organizations by October 31, 2006."

YouthRising Grant Program to Support High Risk Youth in Volunteer Service

"Youth Service America and the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention have announced the launch of the YouthRising grant program. This opportunity offers grants of $2,000 for organizations in the United States to engage high risk and/or gang-involved youth (ages 12-25) in volunteer service to their communities. The program seeks projects that are co-led by youth and adult allies such as parents, counselors, coaches, teachers, youth leaders, etc. A significant portion of the project must take place on National and Global Youth Service Day, April 20-22, 2007."

Pay It Forward Mini-Grants for Service Projects

"Pay It Forward Mini-Grants are designed to fund one-time-only service-oriented projects identified by youth as activities they would like to perform to benefit their school, neighborhood, or greater community. Projects must contain a 'pay it forward' focus – that is, they must be based on the concept of one person doing a favor for others, who in turn do favors for others, with the results growing exponentially – to be considered in the grant making process... Application deadlines are January 15, April 15 and October 15 of each year... Mini-Grants of up to $500 are available for projects on a one-time-only basis. Because funding is limited, projects requesting smaller amounts will be given priority."

Best Buy Offers Support for Interactive Technology in K-12

The Best Buy te@ch program recognizes creative uses of interactive technology in K-12 classrooms. The purpose of te@ch is to reward schools for successful interactive programs they have launched using available technology. This year the program will provide more than $3.5 million in total awards to K-12 public, private, and parochial schools in the United States.

Deadline: September 30, 2006

Red, White & Green Youth Action Campaign

"The Red, White & Green Youth Action Campaign, a new joint project of the nonprofit and nonpartisan Civil Society Institute and Youth Service America, announces the availability of 60 grants for young people, ages 15-25, to create community service projects that address climate change. The $500 grants will support younger Americans as they develop their voice and impact public policy on the critical issue of climate change.

The ambitious three-year Red, White & Green Campaign is intended to encourage widespread youth engagement on the issue of climate change leading up to the 2008 national presidential election. Grantees will bring their project results and their public policy recommendations to Washington, DC for a three-day Youth Summit in late 2007." Deadline: September 1, 2006

Development Gateway Award to Honor Empowerment of Youth

"The Development Gateway Foundation is calling for nominations from around the globe for the third annual Development Gateway Award... This year the program is highlighting projects that empower or improve the conditions of youth. The nominated projects must leverage the power of ICT to create fresh opportunities and address development challenges such as health, education, employment, or other areas important to social and economic development. The $100,000 award will help the winning organization expand upon its success and mentor other prospective leaders in the field of ICT for development. In addition to giving a significant cash prize to the award winner, the Development Gateway will highlight the stories of all the finalists" on their website.

$70,000 to improve child welfare

"The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation accept proposals from nonprofit organizations for projects that meet one of the foundation's two basic purposes: to contribute to the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual welfare of children through the dissemination of knowledge about new and innovative organizations and/or their programs designed to benefit youth; and to contribute to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual welfare of children through the dissemination of knowledge already possessed by well-established organizations, to the end that such information can be more adequately used by society." Deadline: July 15, 2006

Schools and Community Groups Invited to Apply for SeaWorld/Busch Gardens/Fujifilm Environmental Excellence Awards

"The 2007 SeaWorld/Busch Gardens/Fujifilm Environmental Excellence Awards will recognize the outstanding efforts of students, teachers, and community groups across the United States who are working at the grassroots level to protect and preserve the environment."

Deadline: November 30, 2006

Google In-Kind Ad Grants

"Google provides a huge in-kind advertising opportunity through its Google Grants by driving web traffic to the sites of featured nonprofits. Consider applying if your agency focuses on science and technology, education, global public health, the environment, youth advocacy, or the arts."

TechSoup Stock Donations and Discounts

"Many of the donation programs at TechSoup Stock allow organizations to receive a fixed quantity of technology donations between July 1 and June 30 of our fiscal year. You may place your donation requests any time before June 30, 2006 and become eligible once more to receive a donation on July 1, 2006.

As June 30 approaches, we'd like to encourage you to maximize the benefits of our donation programs."

AT&T Foundation Launches 2006 AT&T Excelerator Grant Program

"AT&T Excelerator is a major philanthropic initiative that helps nonprofits fully integrate technology into their ongoing operations and community outreach. AT&T Excelerator grants also help nonprofit organizations put technology tools into the hands of the underserved populations they work with... In 2006, the AT&T Excelerator grant program will be open to nonprofit organizations located in the following states: Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin." Deadline: July 5, 2006

Big Read Accepting Applications for Community-Wide Reading Programs

"The Big Read, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aims to revitalize the role of literature in American popular culture and introduce its transformative power into the lives of ordinary Americans. Created by the NEA in cooperation with Arts Midwest, the program will engage libraries and other community and school partners across the United States to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment... Grants will generally range from $10,000 to $20,000 and require a match of at least one-to-one with non-federal funds. Deadline: September 12, 2006"

Open Meadows Grants for Projects

Grants of up to $2,000 will be awarded by the Open Meadows Foundation to fund new or ongoing projects "designed and implemented by women and girls," projects that promote the empowerment of women and girls, and other social change projects. Special funding is available for programs that involve indigenous women or young women activists. Deadline: August 15.

Entries Invited for Technology in Education Essay Contest

Samsung Electronics America launched the "Hope for Education" essay contest in 2004. Hope for Education is a distinctive educational philanthropy program designed to better educate U.S. elementary, middle, and high school students through the delivery of new digital technologies and software.

Teachers, administrators, parents, and students may enter the contest by writing a 100-word essay on why their school and students are in need of digital technology in the classroom.

GRANTS FOR YOUTH AND SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION

"The American Honda Foundation Grants Program awards $40,000-$80,000 to organizations working in science education and with young people. The proposal is deadline May 1."

Scholarships Available for TechSoup NetSquared Conference

"TechSoup, the nonprofit technology Web site, has announced that the Philanthropy and Volunteerism Program of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation will provide a limited number of scholarships to attendees of the TechSoup NetSquared Conference, May 30-31, 2006, in San Jose, California.... Scholarships will be provided to people at NGOs and nonprofit organizations who are already using blogs, podcasts, or other new-generation Internet technologies, and to nonprofit staffers who would like to learn how using these tools can help extend their organization's reach and impact.

Scholarships will cover travel, lodging, and conference registration for individuals representing a nonprofit organization."

After School Advantage Program

"GTECH provides community organizations with state-of-the-art, Internet-ready computer centers. Computer centers are designed to provide inner-city children aged 5-15 with a meaningful learning experience in a safe environment during the critical after-school hours. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations. There is no deadline date for applications."

Grants for Education, Health and Human Service-Focused Programs

"The Liberty Mutual Foundation is accepting grant applications on a rolling basis for projects that focus on education, health and human services and is giving priority to mentoring and afterschool programs. Grants are awarded to programs that encourage disadvantaged youth to excel in education, programs that improve quality of life or promote safe communities, programs that support arts and culture, or community development initiatives."

Books for Children

"The Libri Books for Children Grants donate new, quality, hardcover children’s books for small, rural, public libraries across the country. Eligibility: Libraries should be in a rural area, have a limited operating budget, and an active children's department. The average total operating budget of a Books for Children grant recipient is less than $40,000. Deadline: April 15, 2006."

Grants for Youth-Led Community Projects

"To encourage and promote crime prevention, community service, and civic responsibility, the National Crime Prevention Council is offering grants of up to $500 for young people’s service learning projects in their schools and communities. Deadlines for spring and summer programs are April 1 and June 1, respectively."

Nominations of Young Community Volunteers Invited for Kohl's Kids Who Care Program

"A philanthropic program of the Kohl's Corporation, the Kohl's Kids Who Care program provides Kohl's an annual opportunity to recognize and reward young volunteers who transform their communities for the better.

Any individual 21 years of age and older may nominate children and youth who are 6 to 18 years old and have not yet graduated from high school by March 15, 2006. Nominators will be asked to describe a young community volunteer's actions in detail and document efforts that are above and beyond what is normally expected. The volunteer's efforts should have resulted in a positive community outcome and must have occurred within the last twelve months." Deadline: March 15.

Funding Exchange Invites Proposals for Paul Robeson Fund for Independent Media

"Named to honor singer, actor, and civil rights activist Paul Robeson, the Funding Exchange's Paul Robeson Fund for Independent Media supports media activism and grassroots organizing by funding the pre-production and distribution of social issue film and video projects, as well as the production and distribution of radio projects made by local, state, national, or international organizations and individual media producers... The maximum grant award is $20,000, and most grants will range between $5,000 and $15,000." Deadline: May 15.

Be the Change! Programme - Small Scale grants for Youth-led Projects

"Peace Child International has created the "Be the Change!" Programme (BTC!) to support young people to get involved in local community action and development projects. Peace Child encourages young people to BE THE CHANGE they want to see in their communities and to make it possible we created a small scale grant programme for youth-led projects...If you are below 25 years old and have a project that concentrates on the development of your community at a local level, take a deep look in the requirements for the grant programme and submit your proposal to Peace Child International... The deadline for applications to the Be the Change! Grants is on Friday March 31st."

HP Technology for Community Grant Initiative

"The HP Technology for Community Grant Initiative is designed to provide technology tools to nonprofit organizations to enhance their effectiveness and to support the innovative use of mobile technology. In 2006, HP will award up to 100 organizations in the United States and Puerto Rico an HP wireless technology package valued at approximately $17,000." Application available: Feb. 27, 2006. Deadline: March 22, 2006.

Learning in the Arts Grants

"National Endowment for the Arts 'Learning in the Arts Grants' Program offers funding for projects that help children and youth acquire appreciation, knowledge, and understanding of and skills in the arts. Projects must provide participatory learning and engagement of students with skilled artists, teachers, and excellent art, and ensure the application of national, state, or local arts education standards. Maximum Award: $5,000-$150,000. Eligibility: school-based or community based projects. Deadline: June 12, 2006."

Hitachi Foundation Opens Youth Community Service Awards

Deadline: April 1, 2006

"The Hitachi Foundation presents the Yoshiyama Award for Exemplary Service to the Community each year to ten high school seniors from around the United States on the basis of their community-service activities.

The award is accompanied by a gift of $5,000, dispensed over two years. Recipients may use the award at their discretion."

ING GRANTS FOR INNOVATIVE TEACHERS

DEADLINE: 5/1/06

"Financial services company ING gives Unsung Heroes awards to K-12 educators pioneering in new methods and techniques that improve student learning. Educators submit applications describing projects they have initiated or would like to create. Applications are judged on their innovative teaching methods, creative educational projects, and ability to make a positive influence on the children they teach. Awards range from $2000 to $25,000. Deadline: May 1, 2006."

Grants for In-school Music Projects

"The Mockingbird Foundation is offering grants for in-school music projects that promote creative expression through music, encouraging applications associated with diverse or unusual musical styles, genres, forms, and philosophies. Maximum Award: $5,000. Eligibility: non-profit organizations, public schools. Deadline: February 1, 2006."

J-Lab: The Institute for Interactive Journalism Invites Applications for New Voices Community News Program

"J-Lab: The Institute for Interactive Journalism invites U.S. nonprofit groups and education organizations to apply for funding to launch new community news ventures and to cooperate with J-Lab in spotlighting best practices and lessons learned.

Under the New Voices project, funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, J-Lab will select ten projects a year for two years to receive as much as $17,000. Grant funds may be used for equipment, software, rent, phones, training, marketing, production, stipends, freelance payments, and contracted services."

Coming Up Taller Awards to Honor Arts and Humanities Programs for Young People

"Each year the Coming Up Taller Awards recognize and reward outstanding after-school and out-of-school arts and humanities programs for underserved children and youth. Award recipients receive $10,000 each, an individualized plaque, and an invitation to attend the annual Coming Up Taller Leadership Enhancement Conference. Programs initiated by museums, libraries, performing arts organizations, universities, colleges, arts centers, community service organizations, schools, businesses, and eligible government entities are encouraged to participate."

U.S. Dept. of Education Talent Search Program

"This program helps to identify qualified youths with potential for education at the postsecondary level and encourage them to complete secondary school and undertake a program of postsecondary education. Maximum Award: $220,000-$3,600,000. Eligibility: Institutions of higher education; public or private agencies or organizations; combinations of institutions, agencies, and organizations; and secondary schools under exceptional circumstances. Deadline: January 6, 2006."

Christopher Columbus Awards Program Invites Middle School Children to Apply

"Deadline: February 13, 2006. Sponsored by the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation in cooperation with the National Science Foundation, the Christopher Columbus Awards program is a national competition for middle-school-age children that combines science and technology with community problem-solving in a real-world setting.

With the help of an adult coach, participating students work in teams to identify an issue they care about and, using science and technology, work with experts, conduct research, and put their ideas to the test to develop an innovative solution to that problem."

Funding for Hands-on Environmental Projects

"The Captain Planet Foundation funds hands-on environmental projects to encourage youth around the world to work individually and collectively to solve environmental problems in their neighborhoods and communities. Maximum Award: $2500. Eligibility: Schools and non-profits. Deadline: December 31, 2005."

Digital Imaging & Visual Learning Grants

"Olympus America, Inc. & Tool Factory, Inc. sponsor a classroom grants program designed to strengthen education through digital imaging and the power of visual learning. Maximum Award: $3,500. Eligibility: K12 and special education schools in the US, its territories, and Canada."
Deadline: December 30, 2006.

2006 EDS Technology Grant Program

Get money for computers, digital cameras, technology training,
and more for your K-12 classroom with the Electronic Data
Systems grant; successful applicants must be able to demonstrate
how they will innovatively use this equipment for class projects
and activities.

Service-Learning Funding Opportunities for Afterschool

"The Corporation for National and Community Service announced its 2006 Learn and Serve America grant competition to support high quality service-learning projects that engage students in community service projects linked to academic studies.

Approximately $40 million in grant funds will be available, subject to congressional appropriation, to support service-learning projects in a variety of settings. The grant funds will be divided between school-based, community-based, higher education, and tribal and U.S. territory programs." Technical assistance calls for prospective applicants are scheduled starting this week. See the website for more information.

VSA arts and MetLife Foundation Invite Applications for Arts

Deadline: December 16, 2005

"VSA arts and the MetLife Foundation have announced their 2nd annual Arts Connect All funding opportunity for arts organizations. Arts Connect All was developed to encourage arts organizations to create or enhance inclusive, accessible education programming that strengthens partnerships with local public schools." Eligibility is restricted to certain metropolitan areas in the U.S. See guidelines for details.

Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership Accepting Applications

Deadline: December 1, 2005

"The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership is a grantmaking organization that works to promote mutual understanding between the United States and Japan on contemporary social issues.

CGP's Grassroots Exchange Program provides support for exchange projects that involve issue-oriented cooperation and learning among youth, nonprofit organizations, and members of the general public in both the U.S. and Japan.
Examples of issue areas are disaster awareness, homelessness, HIV/AIDS, volunteerism, environment, disability, labor practices, domestic violence, aging, and social services."

Information Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers

Deadline: November 2, 2005

"ITEST is designed to increase the opportunities for students and teachers to learn about, experience, and use information technologies within the context of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), including Information Technology (IT) courses. It is in direct response to the concern about shortages of information technology workers in the United States.
Supported projects are intended to provide opportunities for both school-age children and for teachers to build the skills and knowledge needed to advance their study, and to function and contribute in a technologically rich society. ITEST has two components: (a) youth-based projects with strong emphases on career and educational paths; and (b) comprehensive projects for students and teachers."

Grants for Teaching and Learning Resources and Curriculum Development

"National Endowment for the Humanities supports projects that improve specific areas of humanities education and serve as national models of excellence. Projects must draw upon scholarship in the humanities and use scholars and teachers as advisers. Deadline: October 14, 2005."

Youth Garden Grants Program

"The National Gardening Association and the Home Depot will award Youth Garden Grants to schools and community organizations with child-centered, outdoor garden programs. In 2006, 150 programs will receive Home Depot gift cards for the purchase of gardening materials and supplies particular to the needs of their program, and an activity package from NGA. Fifty first-place winners will receive $500 gift cards; 100 second-place winners will receive $250 gift cards. Deadline: November 30, 2005."

Promoting Critical Collaboration Between Teachers and Media Specialists

"The Thomson Gale TEAMS Award recognizes and encourages the critical collaboration between the teacher and media specialist to promote learning and increase student achievement. Maximum Award: $2,500. Eligibility: All
K-12 public and private schools in the United States and Canada. Deadline: September 9, 2005."

Call for participation: UNESCO Digital Arts Award 2005

Young artists from around the world are invited to take part in this year’s award devoted to the theme of “City and creative media”. Organized in collaboration with Art Center Nabi (Seoul, Republic of Korea), the Award would be delivered to non-realized project proposals in order to embrace a wider audience of creators, who have the innovative artistic ideas but not necessarily the means.

Starbucks Foundation Offers Funding for Youth Literacy Programs

"Through its Giving Voice program, the Starbucks Foundation (http://www.starbucks.com/foundation), a philanthropic vehicle of the Starbucks Coffee Company, will fund programs for youth, ages 6-18, that integrate literacy with personal and civic action in the communities where they live."

Mattel Children's Foundation Seeks Applications for Second Round

"Deadline: September 30, 2005. The Mattel Children's Foundation, a philanthropic program of Mattel, Inc., has announced the recipients of its first round of domestic grants... Applications for the second round of grants are now being accepted. Charitable organizations in the U.S. that directly serve children in need are eligible for grants ranging between $5,000 and $25,000."

Best Buy School Technology Program

"Best Buy's ( http://www.bestbuy.com/ ) te@ch (teach) program is a national effort to reward K-12 schools that are using interactive technology to make learning fun for kids. In the past two years, more than two thousand schools have been awarded nearly $6 million through the te@ch program to help them expand or enhance existing programs that use the school's available technology to make learning more enjoyable for children."

Do Something Invites Applications for Fall 2005 Grants

"Deadline: September 2, 2005

Do Something awards $500 grants to change-makers and potential community leaders age 18 and under who identify problems in their communities and then create game plans to do something to change their world.

Grants are awarded in three areas: community building, health, and the environment. Young people can apply on their own, or on behalf of a group or team."

Kids In Need Foundation Teacher Grants

"The 2005-06 Kids In Need Teacher Grant applications will become available July 15. This year more than $105,000 is being offered in grants to certified K-12 teachers at any public, private, or parochial school in the U.S. The grants are from $100 to $500 for innovative classroom projects... The deadline to submit applications, which can be completed and submitted online, is September 30, 2005."

Mini-Grant Program for Service-Learning

"Constitutional Rights Foundation's Robinson Mini-Grant Program for service learning projects designed to address serious community issues."

Maximum Award: $500. Eligibility: K-12. Deadline: October 14, 2005.

The Milagro Foundation

"The Milagro Foundation, started by Deborah and Carlos Santana to support underprivileged youth in the areas of the arts, education and health, seeks grant applications from community-based, grassroots organizations working with children at-risk due to poor health, illiteracy, or insufficient educational and cultural opportunities."

Toshiba America Foundation technology grants for project-based math/ science learning

Captain Planet Foundation funding for Environmental Projects

Make every day National Youth Service Day with Youth Venture and Youth Service America

"Turn your NYSD 2005 project into a sustainable community service venture or create new sustainable projects for NYSD 2006, April 21st-23rd. YSA and Youth Venture are offering funding to enable young people to engage in community service and make a difference in their world. Twenty awards of up to $1,000 in start-up funds will be available to young people (ages 12-20) who want to create sustainable new, civic-minded organizations, clubs or businesses (“Ventures”). These Ventures must be youth-led and designed to be a lasting asset to the community. YSA Youth Venturers are required to host a NYSD event.

Applications must be received by 12:00 noon on June 13, 2005."

SBC Foundation Launches 2005 SBC Excelerator Technology Grant Program

"The SBC Foundation, the philanthropic arm of SBC Communications, Inc., has announced the opening of its 2005 SBC Excelerator technology grants program, which will award $6 million in competitive technology-related grants to enable nonprofit organizations in SBC's operating areas to integrate technology into their ongoing operations and community outreach. SBC Excelerator grants will help nonprofit organizations improve their operations and build stronger communities through: Internet Access... Online Outreach... Data Networking... Staff Development... One-year grants will range from $2,500 to $25,000. Collaborations by two or more organizations will be considered for one-year grants of up to $50,000. Grants will not be awarded for projects outside SBC operating areas."

NEA Foundation Grants

"Awards of $2000 to $5000 help teachers with professional development or project-based learning opportunities. Deadline: June 1, 2005"

Applying for Grants at Grants.gov

Are you "ready to apply for a grant at Grants.gov?... Let the Federal Government help! See the Spring Succeed Newsletter article titled, 'Why Apply for Grants at Grants.gov?' with instructions and tips to share with potential applicants including a step-by-step guide to getting started and some common mistakes to watch out for when applying for Federal support.

Learn more about these and other developments in the latest issue of the Grants.gov Succeed quarterly newsletter [see link below]."

2005 Community Grants Program: The Beaumont Foundation

"The Beaumont Foundation of America is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals by providing technology to historically underserved schools and communities. The 2005 Areas of Focus include: affordable housing; children's hospitals; college and university scholarship programs; faith-based initiatives; foster care and mentoring programs for children; homeless persons; people with disabilities; restart programs for released offenders; and senior citizens. Eligible applicants include city or township governments, county governments, independent school districts, special district governments, state governments, public, private, parochial, and charter schools, as well as hospitals, and nonprofit organizations."

Mattel Launches New Domestic Grants Program

"Mattel and the Mattel Children's Foundation have announced the launch of a new Domestic Grants Program. The program will accept grant applications from charitable organizations throughout the United States that directly serve children in need. Grant awards will range between $5,000 and $25,000, depending on program, organization, and individual community need.... Applicant organizations must have 501(c)(3) public charity status. Funding priority is given to organizations or programs that creatively address a locally defined need directly impacting children in need and that align with Mattel's philanthropic priorities, which include health, education, and girls empowerment.... Grant applications will be accepted online during two funding cycles: Cycle I, January 1 - April 8, 2005; and Cycle II, July 1 - September 30, 2005."

American Honda Foundation

"The American Honda Foundation makes grants to K-12 schools, colleges, universities, trade schools, and other youth-focused nonprofit organizations for programs that benefit youth and scientific education. Maximum Award: $10,000 -$100,000. Eligibility: Schools and youth-focused nonprofit organizations. Deadline: Grant applications are accepted four times per year: Nov. 1, Feb. 1, May 1, and Aug. 1."

Funding resource: Specific State Opportunities to Provide Academic Help to Children In Need

"Please find information from the Department of Labor on supplemental educational services grant opportunities, which may be relevant for your afterschool work. Specific states mentioned in this announcement are: Massachusetts, Missouri, California and Oregon."

Corning Foundation Grants

"The Corning Inc. Foundation, established in 1952, develops and administers projects in support of educational, cultural, and community organizations. Over the years, the foundation has contributed more than $83 million through its grant programs. Each year, the foundation fulfills approximately 225 grants totaling some $2.25 million. Corning's areas of involvement have included community service programs for students, curriculum enrichment, student scholarships, facility improvement, and instructional technology projects for the classroom. The foundation also supports youth centers, YMCAs, and local chapters of Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America. All requests for support must be made in writing."

New Voices Seeks Proposals for Citizen Media Ventures

"New Voices, a program to seed innovative citizen media ventures around the United States, has issued a call for its first round of grant proposals. New Voices is funded with a $1 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and is administered by J-Lab: The Institute for Interactive Journalism, part of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland. New Voices will help fund the start-up of twenty hyper- local news ventures over the next two years and will support them with an educational Web site.... Nonprofit and educational institutions are eligible to apply. Funding is available for start-up news initiatives only. Ongoing efforts are not eligible to apply unless they are proposing a new venture. Funding is available for print or electronic news initiatives, including online, cable, broadcast, narrowcast, satellite, and mobile efforts. Each project may receive as much as $17,000 in grants."

GETTING STARTED: TWELVE STEPS TO WRITING A WINNING PROPOSAL

"Tracks to Success - A Weekly Primer on Grants Development. The best way to get started writing a grant proposal is to collect information often used in writing grant requests, and then set up files for each of these items. This 12-part series on "Getting Started" will walk you through the process of deciding what information you need to collect, how and where you need to store it, and how to best use it in your grant requests. Beginning this week, the current week's issue of Tracks to Success will be available for everyone - you no longer need a username and password to access this valuable information. To read the third article in the "Getting Started" series, which addresses the organization's structure, visit the GrantStation website."

Hasbro Children's Foundation Announces Funding Guidelines

"In making funding decisions, the foundation is guided by three values: Caring, programs that work to ensure that all children have safe and caring environments where they can grow and thrive; Opportunity, programs that provide healthcare, education, and social services that give young children the help they need to join their peers in learning and achieving; and Joy, opportunities for the most vulnerable children to experience joyful moments as part of their everyday life.... Local grants for model community programs typically range from $500 to $35,000. For multi-site expansions, awards are from $35,000 up, and are granted over a period of one to three years. The largest grants are awarded to programs that are national in potential impact and scope.... Requests for funding are reviewed on a rolling basis."

FUNDS TO HELP UNDERSERVED CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

"The Tiger Woods Foundation focuses on providing opportunities to children and families who are underserved. The Foundation primarily funds nonprofit organizations, programs and projects that are based in urban American cities. Areas of interest include education, youth development, parenting, and family health and welfare. The next application deadline is February 1, 2005."

Youth Service America Announces Grant Programs Supporting National Youth Service Day

"Youth Service America has announced the availability of a variety of grants to implement community service projects surrounding National Youth Service Day, April 15-17, 2005. Organizations sponsoring grant programs for National Youth Service Day 2005 include:"
+ National Youth Court Center at the America Probation and Parole Association Mini-Grants (sixty mini-grants of $250 each)
+ Phi Alpha Delta Public Service Center Mini-Grants (twenty-five mini-grants of $200 each)
+ The Constitutional Rights Foundation and Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago Mini-Grants (one-hundred and fifty grants of $150 each)
+ Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Mini-Grants (one hundred and twenty-five grants of $200 each)
+ DisneyHand Minnie Grants (grants of $500 each)
+ YSA Youth Venture Funding (ten awards of up to $1,000 in start-up funds)

International Awards Program to Honor Achievements of Children With Disabilities

"The Foundation for Exceptional Children established the Yes I Can! International Awards Program in 1981 to acknowledge the achievements of children and youth with disabilities; to overcome barriers caused by public misconceptions; to encourage children and youth with disabilities to seek their highest potential; and to increase public awareness of the abilities, aspirations, and personal qualities of people with disabilities.
Each year children and youth with disabilities are recognized for their accomplishments through the Yes I Can! International Awards Program. Three Yes I Can! International Awards Nominees will be recognized in nine categories."

Start-Up Funds for Sustainable National Youth Service Day Projects

"Youth Service America and Youth Venture are teaming up again to further strengthen the youth service movement. In conjunction with National Youth Service Day, funding will be offered to enable young people to engage in community service and make a difference in their world every day. Ten awards of up to $1,000 in start-up funds will be available to young people (ages 12-20) who want to create sustainable new, civic-minded organizations, clubs, or businesses. Applications must be received by 12:00 Noon on November 22, 2004."

SUPPORT FOR SOCIAL CHANGE ACTIVITIES

"The Abelard Foundation, a member of the Common Counsel consortium of foundations and donors, is committed to social change activities that reflect the communities in which they are based; expand community control over economic, social and environmental decisions affecting the communities' well-being; and build a strong informed voice on public policy issues. The Common Counsel reviews proposals submitted to the Abelard Foundation West from nonprofit organizations located in the Northern Rockies, the Great Basin, the Northwest, the Southwest and California. The next application deadline for these areas is January 15, 2005. The Foundation's eastern office reviews applications for organizations east of the Mississippi. The eastern office accepts proposals throughout the year."

Disneyhand Minnie Grants to Support Youth Service Day Efforts

"Youth Service America has announced the availability of the DisneyHand Minnie Grant to help youth, teachers, and organizations Implement service projects for National Youth Service Day, April 15-17, 2005.... The program offers grants of $500 each to engage young people between the ages of 5 and 14 to plan and carry out service projects for National and Global Youth Service Day 2005 that respond to community needs. The program encourages projects in which children and youth work with adults (parents, coaches, teachers, youth leaders, etc.) to help address community issues."

SUPPORT FOR ALLSTATE

"The Allstate Foundation provides support to nonprofit organizations for national programs and for local programs in company communities throughout the United States. The Foundation focuses its support on three areas: tolerance, inclusion, and diversity, including teaching tolerance to youth, alleviating discrimination, and ending hate crimes; safe and vital communities, including catastrophe response and mitigation, youth anti-violence, and neighborhood revitalization; and economic empowerment, including financial and insurance education, economic literacy, and entrepreneurial business skill development. Applications are accepted throughout the year."

SUPPORT FOR FINANCIAL EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE INITIATIVES

"The Key Foundation's objective is to improve the quality of life and economic vibrancy of the places where KeyCorp customers, employees, and shareholders live and work. Support is provided to organizations and institutions that promote economic self-sufficiency through financial education and workforce initiatives. Nonprofit organizations in communities where the company operates, including communities in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, are eligible to apply. Applications are accepted throughout the year."

FOCUS ON CHILD CARE AND EARLY EDUCATION

"Rosie's For All Kids Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. that provide childcare, early education, and other essential programs to economically disadvantaged and at-risk children. The Foundation's primary mission is to support center-based, licensed childcare and preschool programs for children growing up in low-income, urban neighborhoods. Other areas of support include education, after-school programs, and literacy programs. To a lesser extent the Foundation funds emergency assistance, crisis intervention, and cultural development programs. Applications are accepted throughout the year."

2005 Youth Visions Grant Opportunity

CTCNet has announced the 2005 Youth Visions for Stronger Neighborhoods Grants program!

"Youth Visions Grants, www.ctcnet.org/youthvisions, are designed to give youth and community technology programs the opportunity to use multimedia tools and training to engage in community decision-making to strengthen their neighborhoods. Organizations that serve at-risk youth (ages 14-18) and who have experience providing video and other multimedia training are eligible."

BFA 2005 Education Grant Process

"The Beaumont Foundation of America (BFA) is pleased to announce its 2005 Education grant process. The Foundation will award state-of-the-art Toshiba-branded technology equipment to public, private, parochial, and charter schools that meet eligibility criteria as noted at www.bmtfoundation.com/grants/.

The Foundation will accept "letters of Interest" from eligible schools from October 4 through 22, 2004. Successful submissions will be invited to apply."

Best Buy Te@ch Program to Reward Schools for Use of Interactive Technology

"Best Buy and the Best Buy Children's Foundation are seeking applications from teachers for the second annual "te@ch" program. The program is designed to reward schools for successfully integrating interactive technology into classrooms.

The te@ch program will provide a $2,500 Best Buy Gift Card to schools in recognition of programs or projects that creatively integrate interactive technology into the curriculum. This year $3,000,000 will be awarded nationwide to 1,200 schools located within 25 miles of a Best Buy store." Deadline: October 1

Awards for Middle School Students Solving Community Problems

"The Christopher Columbus Awards Program challenges teams of students grades 6 to 8, led by an adult coach, to identify a community problem and develop a solution using science and technology. Eight finalist teams win a $200 grant to develop their ideas further and an all-expense-paid trip to National Championship Week at Walt Disney World. Additionally, the two Gold Medal winning teams will receive $2,000 U.S. Savings Bond for each team member and one team will win $25,000 to develop its idea in the community. Student teams (3-4 students each) in grades 6-8 throughout the United States are eligible to apply. The deadline for submitting applications is February 14, 2005."

RadioShack Announces New Grants Program for Child and Family Safety Efforts

"RadioShack Corporation, the Fort Worth, Texas-based consumer electronics retailer, is now accepting applications for its Neighborhood Answers Grant program. The program, which began this year, is designed to fund worthy causes that help families protect children from abduction, violence, and abuse." Deadline: September 15, December 15

Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grant Program Offered by State Farm Companies Foundation and Youth Service America

"Youth Service America and State Farm have partnered to present the State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grant. The grant is available to teachers/professors, youth (ages 5-25), and school-based service-learning coordinators to implement service-learning projects for National Youth Service Day 2005, April 15-17." Deadline: October 18, 2004

Cingular Community-based Programs

"Cingular supports community-based programs and organizations that address educational, cultural, and social issues that affect the quality of life in the communities where we work and live. Our philanthropic endeavors include: Assisting victims of domestic abuse; Helping in times of disaster; Offering financial support to several national organizations and many local non-profits in our communities, as well as our employees' volunteering with these organizations."

November 1st Deadline for Support for the Disabled

"The ELA Foundation funds programs that are led by, or support, people with disabilities. The Foundation is interested in programs that are supported by the local community and meet the needs of people with disabilities in the areas of arts, advocacy, or education. Emphasis is given to programs focusing on women. Nonprofit organizations across the United States are eligible to apply. The next deadline for submitting proposals is November 1, 2004."

Youth Leaders for Literacy Grants

"The National Education Association & Youth Service America will award twenty $500 Youth Leaders for Literacy grants to encourage and celebrate literacy service by American youth ages 5-21, and honor them for doing reading-related
activities that benefit others. Applications must be postmarked by October 22, 2004."

Grants for Youth Social Change Projects

"YouthActionNet awards small grants to youth leaders and their emerging projects that promote social change and connect youth with local communities throughout the world. These youth-led projects should have clearly defined goals and have potential for growth or further replication. Award recipients will receive $500 and are eligible to participate in an international capacity-building workshop. Individuals ages 18 to 29 with a leadership role in youth-led initiatives that work to create positive change in their communities are eligible to apply. The next application deadline is October 1, 2004."

Technology and Media Services for Individuals With Disabilities

"The purpose of the Technology and Media Services for Individuals With Disabilities--Television Access competition is to: (1) Improve results for children with disabilities by promoting the development, demonstration, and use of technology; (2) support educational media activities designed to be of educational value to children with disabilities; (3) provide support for some captioning and video description; and (4) provide cultural experiences through appropriate nonprofit organizations. Deadline: September 09, 2004"

Beaumont Foundation Announces New Technology Grant Program

"The Beaumont Foundation of America (http://bmtfoundation.com/) is a nonprofit philanthropic organization dedicated to providing technology to historically underserved schools and communities. Established with funds from the settlement of a class action lawsuit, the foundation provides Toshiba branded equipment for programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia." Deadline: July 30, 2004

Ezra Jack Keats Foundation Grants

"The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation offers 'mini-grants' of $350 to school and public libraries for programs that encourage literacy and creativity in children." Application Deadline: 9/15/04.

Staples Foundation for Learning Grants

"The Staples Foundation for Learning will award public schools and other community non-profits individual grants of $5,000 to $25,000 to fund a broad range of job training and education programs for disadvantaged youth and/or students with disabilities." Application Deadlines: 8/2/2004, 9/30/2004.

Nickelodeon to Award Half-Million Dollars in Grants to Schools and After-School Programs

"New York, NY - June 4, 2004 - Nickelodeon's pro-social 'Let's Just Play' campaign, which celebrates active, healthy lifestyles for kids, is announcing its first call for entries for a newly established 'Let's Just Play' grants program, offering a half-million dollars in awards to schools and after-school programs to provide resources to create and expand opportunities for physical play." Deadlines: Let's Just Play (participation required for eligibility) Oct. 2, 2004; Grant submission - Nov 1, 2004

Opportunities for First Time Federal Grantees

"The Institute for Youth Development posts federal funding requests for proposals (RFPs) on its website three times per year. Most awards are in the $50,000 range and are available to community and faith-based organizations that run local programs for teens, the elderly, and other disadvantaged groups and have never received federal funds."

Safe and Drug-Free Schools-Mentoring Programs

"The Safe and Drug-Free Schools-Mentoring Programs grant provides assistance to promote mentoring programs for children with greatest need that: (1) assist these children in receiving support and guidance from a mentor; (2) improve the academic performance of the children; (3) improve interpersonal relationships between the children and their peers, teachers, other adults, and family members; (4) reduce the dropout rate of the children; and (5) reduce juvenile delinquency and involvement in gangs by the children." Deadline: July 7, 2004