FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Deadline: September 25
The Wal-Mart Foundation's State Giving Program awards grants at the state and regional level to programs that have a strong impact within the communities the company serves. Advisory Councils in all 50 states and the District of Columbia will determine how best to distribute State Giving Program funds. The program's priority funding categories include: Education, targeting the needs of underserved young people ages 12-30; Job Skills Training, specifically support services to help people improve their work-related skills; Health, with a focus on access to healthcare and the promotion of healthy lifestyles; and Environmental Sustainability, including recycling programs, outdoor classrooms, etc. The minimum grant size for this program is $5,000. The remaining application deadlines for this year are September 25 and December 19. To submit an online application, visit: http://walmartstores.com/CommunityGiving/8168.aspx
Deadline: September 30
The Kids In Need Foundation seeks to engage students in the learning process by supporting creative teachers from across the United States. Kids in Need Teacher Grants, sponsored b y retailers and credit unions, provide K-12 educators with funding to develop innovative learning opportunities for their students. The purpose of the grant program is to provide funds for classroom teachers who have meritorious ideas but lack the budget to bring them to life. Projects qualify for funding if they make creative use of common teaching aids, approach the curriculum from an imaginative angle, or tie nontraditional concepts together for the purpose of illustrating commonalities. Typically, 200 to 300 grants from $100 to $500 are awarded each year. The application deadline is September 30, 2008. Visit the Foundation's website to submit the appropriate online application for your geographic region: http://www.kidsinneed.net/grants/index.php
Deadline: October 3
Youth Advisory Board grants are currently available! Grants range from $25,000 to $100,000 and are evaluated by the youth advisory board for how well they utilize service-learning to address:
• Driver Safety
• Environmental Responsibility
• Financial Literacy
• Access to Higher Education
• Disaster Preparedness
Schools and non-profit organizations can complete applications at www.statefarmyab.com. The Youth Advisory Board was established in 2006 to create and oversee a $5 million-a-year service-learning initiative. Grants are awarded by youth board members. State Farm supports school-based service-learning to promote excellence in public schools.
Deadline: November 15
For years Wild Ones® members and chapters have worked with schools and nature centers to plant and maintain natural landscapes in these centers of learning. Wild Ones is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the use of natural landscaping with native plant species as an ecologically better alternative to traditional landscaping practices. Schools, nature centers and other nonprofit organizations may apply for a grant annually. Projects must emphasize involvement of students and volunteers and increase the educational value of the site. 0; Creativity in design is encouraged, but must show complete and thoughtful planning. The use of and teaching about native plants and the native plant community is mandatory. Funds will be provided only for the purchase of native plants and seed. For additional guidelines, visit http://www.for-wild.org/sfecvr.html
Deadline: Rolling
The Windward Youth Leadership Fund (WYLF) is a way for youth to apply for and "earn" up to $5,000 for their club or group activities by doing something positive for the community. You can apply if you are 18 or younger, your club or group is based in Windward Oahu, and you have at least three members. You also need a public school or nonprofit organization to sponsor your application. In addition to engaging youth in community service, one of the primary goals of this small grants program is to help youth build their leadership skills. Although adults provide guidance, the projects must be youth-driven. Go to the Castle Foundation website for more information.
Deadline: Grants Awarded on a Rolling Basis through May 23
Up to $1000 for a youth-led and managed community service project. The project must be incorporated into an on-going entity such as a club, business or new or existing community organization. To learn more, visit http://www.genv.net/en-us/starbucks/process
Deadline: Rolling
Conscious Lifestyle fulfills its mission of “empowering students and schools to be socially responsible” by providing support to social innovators on high school and college campuses across the country. Social Innovators are leaders who display high levels of integrity while designing and managing venture organizations. These ventures must fulfill the following criteria: involve a strong team with clear and attainable goals, follow a credible plan and budget, be structured for future generations of leadership, and create positive change in their communities. To learn more, visit http://consciouslifestyle.org/ventures