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April 15, 2002
Grants, Contests, Etc.
By Susan Brooks-Young
Looking for funds to make an innovative technology project possible? Seeking recognition for outstanding teachers or students in your district? Here's a sampling of some great opportunities.
Are you a teacher, media specialist, History Day coordinator, or parent whose students participate in the National History Day Program? If so, you are eligible to be considered for the Outstanding History Educator Award, co-sponsored by The History Channel and National History Day. Nominees are judged upon four criteria: success in involving students in History Day; service to the History Day program; general service to the discipline of history; and participation in professional development. The winner receives a $3,000 cash prize. Information about the nomination process is available on the National History Day Web site. The deadline for nominations is May 15.
Applications are now being accepted for the 12th annual Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation, presented to a nonprofit organization in recognition of a specific program that makes a difference in the lives of the people it serves. Its purpose is to celebrate innovators, large or small, and to inspire others through positive models. Application materials are available at the Web site. The award includes a $25,000 prize and a short video documentary of the program. The deadline for nominations is June 7.
Current high school and college students are invited to compete in the World Population Film and Video Festival, sponsored by Sopris Foundation, Searchlight Films, and Population Communications International. This worldwide competition is designed to encourage critical thought and self-expression regarding population growth, resource consumption, the environment, and our common global future. Students are free to use any cinematic form-drama, animation, image-montage, documentary, or other-and their pieces can be any length. The deadline for submissions is June 15. A total of $10,000 in prizes will be awarded in five categories. For more information visit the Web site.
Students in grades 3-8 may have their original writing published on the SMART Web site and win a limited edition SMART Board 580 and Floor Stand 570 for their school by entering the SMART Creative Writing Contest sponsored by SMART Technologies. Megastar, Superstar, and Star award winners will be chosen for every grade level. To enter, students must envision and write about a futuristic learning tool. A story starter prompt and application materials are available at the Web site. Submissions are due June 30.
Are you trying to bring Internet access to individual classrooms? Do you have the infrastructure in place, but lack the appliances to complete the connection? A Help Us Help Grant, sponsored by the Oracle Help Us Help Foundation, may be the answer, if yours is a K-12 public school where 50 percent or more of the students qualify for the federal lunch program. The grants provide Internet appliances and laser printers to outfit five, six, or 10 classrooms (five appliances and one printer per classroom). The school is responsible for all infrastructure needs, including adequate networks, electrical, and workspace. Grants are made quarterly and deadlines are the last day of May, August, November, and February. For additional information, visit the Web site.
Disadvantaged Youth Grants are available to schools and other nonprofit organizations through the Public Welfare Foundation. Approximately 450 grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 are funded annually. Grants are approved for several kinds of programs, including employment training and alternative education; early intervention; youth empowerment and leadership development; and violence prevention. Initial requests need to be made in the form of a letter of inquiry. All application process information is on the Web site. Proposals are accepted on an ongoing basis; some previously funded grants may be renewed.
 Visit the Grants Database to search through the extensive listings of grants and contests.
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