NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS
The National Endowment for the Arts will make 600 grants of $5,000-$150,000 each to schools, nonprofits and localities for its Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth program. These projects help children and youth acquire knowledge and understanding of and skills in the arts. Community-based projects will generally serve children and youth between ages 5 and 18 in settings outside of the school system and the regular school day. Activities may be offered by arts organizations or by other community-based organizations in partnership with artists and arts groups. Deadline for application in June 11, 2009; earliest start date for project periods is June 2010. NEA Web Site Announcement

Link: http://www.arts.gov/grants/apply/GAP10/LITA.html

GRANTS FOR TEEN-LED COMMUNITY PROJECTS USING MUSIC
DoSomething.org and the GRAMMY Foundation have teamed up to award $25,000 in community action grants to fund teen-led projects that use music to make a difference. Grants are for $500 each, and applicants must be 19 or under. All projects should demonstrate the theme of using music to make a difference in local and/or global communities. Projects should strive toward measurable impact and can be a one-time event or an ongoing program that implements an original idea for solving problems and creating change in local communities.

Link: http://www.dosomething.org/programs/apply-a-key-change-grant

OPEN MEADOWS FOUNDATION
The Open Meadows Foundation supports projects that are designed and implemented by women and girls; reflect the diversity of the community served by the project; promote building community power; and encourage racial, social, economic, and environmental justice. Applicants' annual budgets should not exceed $150,000. Priority is given to small or start-up organizations that have encountered obstacles in their search for funding. The Foundation provides grants of up to $2,000 to cover start-up expenses or to support ongoing projects. Deadline is Feb. 15.

Link: http://www.openmeadows.org/

OJJDP GANG PREVENTION GRANTS
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention will make 12 awards of up to $200,000 each under its FY 09 Gang Prevention Coordination and Assistance Program. The program's goal is to strengthen coordination of existing anti-gang strategies, thereby reducing gang activity in targeted communities. Awards will support coordination of initiatives that involve law enforcement as an essential partner. Other partners may include schools, social services, faith- and community-based organizations, and businesses. Successful applicants will demonstrate that they are implementing community-based anti-gang activities consistent with two or more of the anti-gang strategies described in this announcement. Deadline is March 4.

Link: http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/grants/solicitations/FY2009/GangPrevention.pdf

SAMHSA DRUG-FREE COMMUNITIES GRANTS
The Office of National Drug Control Policy and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will make 130 grants of approximately $125,000 per year for up to five years to applicants to the Drug-Free Communities Program. The program supports community-based coalitions working to reduce substance abuse among youth and, over time, among adults by addressing the factors in a community that affect the risks of substance abuse. Alcohol, tobacco, inhalants and illegal drugs are included under 'substances.' Deadline is March 20.

Link: http://www.ondcp.gov/dfc/files/fy09_dfc_final_rfa.pdf

15th ANNUAL POLAR PLUNGE FOR CHILDREN
NEN's annual Polar Plunge for Children is scheduled for Feb. 8, 2009, at the Curley Recreation Center in South Boston, MA. Plungers raise funds to support education and services for children in New England who have been abused or neglected, have special needs, and/or physical or mental disabilities. It’s fun, exciting, and memorable, and last year, plunging teams from NEN member agencies raised thousands of dollars for their own programs. NEN member agencies take home 75% of the money they raise and NEN takes care of all of the logistics. Plungers all who raise at least $50 receive a 5x7" Polar Plunge Silver Wave Frame indicating the date, your achievement, and a group photograph. Other prizes and recognition are provided and you get bragging rights for the rest of the year! All ages are welcome (under 18 with guardian permission) and last year our youngest plunger was a seven year old girl! Come enjoy hot cocoa, funny costumes, and a frigid dip in the Atlantic — all for a great cause. See last year's slideshow and wrap-up press release.

RGK FOUNDATION GRANTS
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. Deadlines are rolling.

Link: http://www.rgkfoundation.org/guidelines.php

AGNES M. LINDSAY TRUST GRANTS
The Agnes M. Lindsay Trust makes grants for capital campaigns, renovation and equipment for nonprofits in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. The trust awards grants of $1,000 to $15,000 to health projects, youth organizations, children's homes, summer camps, and services for the blind, deaf and learning disabled. Proposals are reviewed monthly. Deadlines are rolling.

Link: http://www.lindsaytrust.org/

WAL-MART FOUNDATION STATE GIVING PROGRAM
The Wal-Mart Foundation's State Giving Program awards grants at the state and regional level to programs that have an impact within the communities the company serves. The priority funding categories include: education, targeting the needs of underserved young people ages 12-30; job skills training and support services; 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 is $5,000. Deadlines are Sept. 25 and Dec. 19.

Link: http://walmartstores.com/CommunityGiving/8168.aspx

TONY HAWK FOUNDATION
The Tony Hawk Foundation goal is to facilitate the design, development, construction, and operation of new, quality skateboard parks located in low-income communities throughout the United States. The foundation looks for projects that can demonstrate a strong grassroots commitment, particularly in the form of fundraising by local skateboarders and other community groups. Priority is given to projects that are designed and built by qualified and experienced skateboard park contractors and include local skaters in the design process. Upcoming application deadlines are Oct. 1, 2008, and March 2, 2009.

Link: http://www.tonyhawkfoundation.org/grant_application.asp