Find Out About the 2008 Make a Difference Day Grant Competition

Notice: Attendance at an information session is required in order to be eligible to apply for this grant. Sessions are scheduled for Thursday, July 17, 2008 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm; Wednesday, July 23, 2008 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm and Tuesday, August 5, 2008 from 5:30 pm to 7 pm at One Judiciary Square 441 4th Street, NW, Conference Room 1112.

Summary: Serve DC, is offering grants to support community service projects organized for 2008 Make a Difference Day, October 25, 2008, the most encompassing national day of helping others. Three grants worth up to $3,700 each will be awarded.

Known as the "national day of doing good," Make a Difference Day is a national effort designed to mobilize citizens in communities across the country in volunteer service. Make a Difference Day is cosponsored by USA Weekend Magazine and the Points of Light Foundation with the support of Paul Newman and Newman's Own, in collaboration with celebrities, government, nonprofits and businesses. This year, Serve DC will focus its attention on this day to engage persons of all backgrounds regardless of disability, race, national origin or religion. On this day, DC residents will “do good” and engage hundreds of volunteers.

Awards will be made to nonprofits, schools or universities, community groups, faith-based organizations, government agencies, or public organizations to support service projects based on community needs and a culminating celebration to rejoice in the contribution to the community. These activities will enable communities to meet critical needs that include environmental, educational, public safety, homeland security and other community needs. Additionally, applicants must propose to institute a reflection and celebration activity to promote long term service commitment.

Criteria for eligible applicants: Eligible applicants are local nonprofit organizations and state and local units of government (other than state education agencies). Programs applying to Serve DC for funding must conduct the project only within the District of Columbia. An organization described in Section 501 c (4) of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 USC 501 c (4), that engages in lobbying activities is not eligible to apply, serve as a host site for the project, or act in any type of supervisory role in the program. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

All eligible applicants must meet all of the applicable requirements contained in the application guidelines and instructions. The Make a Difference Day Grant Application will be released on July 11, 2008 at 9 am. The deadline is August 25, 2008 at noon.

The schedule for information sessions is as follows: One Judiciary Square, 441 4th St, NW, Conference Room 1112, Thursday, July 17, 2008 and Wednesday, July 23, 2008 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm, and Tuesday, August 5, 2008 from 5:30 pm to 7 pm.

All interested applicants must register and attend one technical assistance session in order to apply for funds. To RSVP for a training session, please contact Natasha M. Ballentine, director, strategic planning at (202) 727-7928.

Serve DC anticipates awarding grants of up to $3,700 for Make a Difference Day grants. The actual number and dollar amount of the awards will depend upon the number of approved applications received and requested dollar amount.

Applications can be obtained from 441 4th Street, NW, Suite 1140 N, or downloaded and printed from the Serve DC website. For additional information, please call Natasha M. Ballentine at (202) 727-7928.