With over 150 major subject matter areas available to 4-H members, 4-H is indeed many things to many people. When asked by outsiders to define 4-H, or to provide a clear picture as to what 4-H is all about, there may be well over 150 different answers, depending upon of whom the question is asked.
In order to provide a clearer and consistent answer to such a question, the National 4-H Trust has developed a one sentence definition that clearly states what 4-H is all about. No matter the area of interest, what subject matter being studied, or perspective of the program, the definition fits all. "4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills."
This description should be taught and promoted to 4-H members, volunteers, parents, and stakeholders throughout the state, although we might state, "4-H is a community of young people across Virginia learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills." So, whether your focus in 4-H is on horses, camp, aerospace, or foods and nutrition, the definition fits...learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. Education has always been the major purpose of the 4-H program, and will continue to be so.
Sincerely,
Robert Ray Meadows
Associate Director, 4-H
Input will be sought from all stakeholders after the final draft has been completed. A mailing will be sent to various stakeholders within the next few weeks to secure input, feedback, and ideas that will help shape the future direction of our program. With a new Director of Cooperative Extension being hired soon, as well as new 4-H agents throughout the state, the 4-H Strategic Plan (once adopted) will help determine program focus, direction, and funding emphasis.
So, if you receive a copy of the draft, please respond quickly so that your ideas may be included in the final formulation of our plan. We greatly need your ideas and thoughts.
(Bob Meadows)
"State 4-H Congress was so much fun! Not only were the activities, workshops, and just plain hanging out a blast, but I learned so much there and met so many awesome people. It was definitely the highlight of my summer!"
"State 4-H Congress is on the top of my list when I am looking for a social, educational, and inspirational place to hang out for a few days. You can't ask for better people to hang with then 4-Hers!"
This year's event should be more of the same. Some of the highlights include:
Of course there will be many entertainment and social opportunities including two dances, District Pep rally, Congressional Games, Share-the Fun Show.
(Joe Hunnings)
Each Extension unit is encouraged to nominate a 4-H Volunteer leader that has a record of extraordinary service to Virginia 4-H State Congress. More information can be found on the Congress website http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/congress/
Deadline for nominations is May 28, 2004. Submit your nominations to: State 4-H Office, 107 Hutcheson Hall, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0419
(Joe Hunnings)
(Joe Hunnings)
These respondents included 11 from 4-H After-School Programming and 29 from 4-H Camp Director. Respondents were asked to rate each educational tract on a 1-5 scale, where 1= poor and 5= excellent. The 4-H After-School Programming tract was rated 5.00 and the 4-H Camp Director was rated 4.46.
(Barry Garst)
(Barry Garst)
(Bob Meadows)
With the exception of 4-H Center-specific policies and other unit-specific information, these modules will provide information related to the major required topics for 4-H camp volunteer training identified in the 2004 Virginia 4-H Camping Handbook (Pilot). Training that occurs using these modules (which must include the discussion with the 4-H Extension Agent) can be counted towards the 24-hour training requirement for 4-H camp.
These modules will be available on-line on the 4-H Camping web page at the VCE Intranet some time in late April. Before these modules go "live" they will be reviewed by a team of 4-H Agents and 4-H Center faculty/staff. For more information, contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6372.
(Barry Garst)
Please consider this opportunity to support the 4-H Centers by checking the box marked "4-H educational centers," and indicating the amount that you wish to donate. In addition, please share this information with your 4-H volunteers, 4-H supporters, and friends of 4-H in your unit. For more information, contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6372.
(Barry Garst)
(Bryan Branch)
Dr. Meadows has required that all 4-H agents serve on a curriculum committee. New 4-H agents will participate after their first year or at the discretion of the District Director. Serving as a member for three years is the commitment. Rotating off of the committee after three years and coming back on as needed has been common practice. With the shortage of agents and the need to maintain the momentum of 4-H curricular programming in Virginia; however, Dr. Meadows has requested that all agents step up to the plate and claim a committee to support. Any agent not currently on a committee, please let the committee chairs know by April 15, 2004, which committee interests you.. Priorities are those committees with fewest members.
The committees
Committee Members:
(Kathleen Jamison)
( Kathleen Jamison)
To assist you with the online pre-press ordering process two bulk order forms are available online that show the products in alphabetical order. One form, All Product Bulk Order Form, includes all 4HCCS products - and the second, 2004 New Products Bulk Order Form, includes only the 2004 new and revised products. Simply indicate the number of products and "Add to Cart". Orders may be submitted online directly to the 4HCCS Distribution Center or counties may email their orders to the State Office where the order can be combined into one state order.
Orders may be placed in a variety of ways. One of the following options on the attachment may be the one you have chosen to use for your state this year. A procedure is suggested for each of these options. Additional information may be found by accessing Shop Online from the 4HCCS home page www.n4hccs.org .
Answers to frequently asked questions follow the options. If you have additional questions contact Erik Bremmer at the 4HCCS Distribution Center - 1-800-876-8636 Thomas D. Zurcher, Executive Director
4-H Cooperative Curriculum System
(Kathleen Jamison)
One purpose of 4-H animal projects is to teach young people the subject matter knowledge and skills that are important for the animal science industry. The more important purpose is providing an opportunity for personal growth and development of the young person.
In other words, 4-H animal projects should be more about raising "Blue Ribbon Kids" than about raising blue ribbon animals.
If you are a 4-H Agent or Volunteer leader, you should know that Virginia 4-H not only has resources to help you teach feeding, fitting and showing an animal, it also has resources to help you teach young people how to develop good character.
One resource is the "Showing Character" curriculum. This material is a livestock ethics program developed by the LSU 4-H Program. The Showing Character lessons deal specifically with ethical issues related to our 4-H youth livestock production and exhibiting program. The seven lesson plans, handouts for participants, lesson visuals and posters are based on the six "Pillars of Character" of the CHARACTER COUNTS!sm Coalition. The target audience is livestock families. The intent of the program is that the lessons will be taught in project meetings or livestock club meetings attended by parents and their child/children.
Copies can be found through your 4-H agent at your county or city Extension office
There are also several excellent videos that can borrowed from State Extension specialists. To borrow copies of "Ethics in Livestock Shows contact Dr. Mark Wahlberg. (540/231- 9161 or send an email to wahlberg@vt.edu)
For 4-H Horse clubs, the video, "Horses, Kids and Ethics" is available on loan from Joe Hunnings (540-231-6372; hunnings@vt.edu)
Lastly there some posters that are available from the 4-H Website. Based on the 6 Pillars of Character, these posters can remind livestock participants of the importance of character in the livestock setting. They can be found at: http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/character/adult/varesources.html
(Joe Hunnings)
The contest flyer and entry form are available on-line in color at the following web address: www.dasc.vt.edu/youth/poster.pdf. Please use them to promote the contest locally. To order buttons and ribbons needed for the program in your unit, please complete an on-line request form at the following web address: www.dasc.vt.edu/forms/posterform.html. The deadline for ordering contest supplies is May 15.
Encourage your young people to display their posters in prominent locations to promote June Dairy Month. I look forward to seeing outstanding posters from your unit at 4-H Congress in June. Please let me know if you have any questions.
(David Winston)
(Mark Wahlberg)
(Mark Wahlberg)
(Kathy Beverage)
(Tim Ethredge)
(Jenny Mercer)
Forms - PDF
(Jon Repair for Virginia Cattlewomen's Assoc)
(Curtis Novak)
The NJSA was established in 1998 to provide a network uniting purebred swine enthusiasts through a youth organization that offers competitive opportunities to reward excellence, enhance educational experiences, promote the value of pure genetic lines, and develop leadership skills at both the state and national level.
Our goal in the NJSA is to help you reach your potential in the swine industry and in life. Through leadership conferences, scholarship programs and competitive events, we strive to provide opportunities for youth ages 21 and under to excel in the swine industry.
Membership in the NJSA is free to all youth who are 21 and under as of Jan. 1. Visit our Web site at www.nationalswine.com. Click on NJSA, then Membership Application. You can join online and enjoy the benefits of membership today. You can also contact the NSR office for information by mail at (765) 463-3594. When you join the NJSA, you will receive our quarterly newsletter, The Pinnacle, and one complimentary youth issue of Seedstock Edge.
The NJSA offers something for everyone. Whether you enjoy the competition of the showing, the challenge of breeding better genetics, or the camaraderie a youth organization offers, we have what you are looking for!
For more information, contact Jennifer Shike, NSR Director of Junior Activities, jennifer@nationalswine.com.
For those of you who are new to 4-H (there are quite a few!) and are unfamiliar with Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) feel free to find out more about it at the following website: http://www.cwf.n4h.org/
CWF is a wonderful learning experience for young people that teach them about leadership, governmental processes and our national government:
Citizenship Washington Focus is a 4-H leadership program for high school youth. Delegations of 15-19 year-olds from across the country attend this program at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center, located just outside Washington, D.C. The program is aimed at enriching young people's lives by broadening their appreciation and respect for themselves and others in the world. Participants attend workshops, committees, field trips and social events, giving them hands-on opportunities to learn and grow. Participants learn and practice skills that will make them better citizens and more successful individuals.
( Jewel E. Hairston).
If not, the 4-H international exchange program can be a fun and exciting way to do so. It is very rewarding for the 4-H member, their family and for the community. A national evaluation of the program this past year demonstrated significant life skill and personal development benefits to members and their families. http://oregon.4h.oregonstate.edu/programs/evaluation/Japanese_Exchange_National_Program_Evaluation.htm
The local 4-H agent has a list that contains the description of the 23 Japanese summer delegates (age 12-16) and one High School, year long delegate (boy -16) assigned to Virginia for 2004. (Two of the summer delegates and one of the HS delegates have already been selected!!!) The information on additional FLEX High School delegates will be available soon.
Excellent summer host family candidates are households where one of the parents or a live-in grand parent is at home during the summer. Teachers with 4-H members make excellent choices since they typically have the summer off. It is not uncommon for families that host, to do so for many additional times because it is such a rewarding experience.
To request a specific child, or for more information about the summer program contact the Summer Program Coordinator, Judy Ann Fray at 888-259-4272 (pin 7916) or by email at jfray@ns.gemlink.com or for the High School Coordinator, Becky Moyer, E-mail: rlbmoyer@yahoo.com ; 540-325-1061 (cell); 540-338-6880 (work).
IFYE delegates are not here as students in the formal sense. They do not attend classes or receive formal training. However, most delegates pursue special interests through self-study and may arrange for academic credit through their home university. The IFYE program is primarily a cultural exchange. During their three or six month stay, IFYE delegates are expected to participate in day-to-day family life. Many of them are studying American agriculture and marketing, and others are primarily interested in methods of youth development, as they are leaders in their home clubs. They often interact with the 4-H programs by attending 4-H camps, fairs, club meetings, competitions, etc. They usually make many presentations to local 4-H and community groups about their country and its culture.
More information will be coming next month. For more information, contact the IFYE State Coordinator, Dottie Nelson at dottieifye@yahoo.com or 304-425-4060 (work).
(Joe Hunnings)
Here is the list of units/agents who have received the training and now can access the materials. Gary Kinsley at the distribution center will have this list. ou can contact him for the publications. In the near future, the leader's guide and evaluation forms will be on the intranet site (I will send the links when that is completed).
If you are interested in using the materials and receiving the training tape, please contact Wes Brusseau at wbrussea@vt.edu or 540-231-8768.
Cloverbud Nutrition Video Tape and Training Participants 2003-2004
| Name | County |
| Linda Licht | Prince William |
| Carl Thiel-Goin | Middlesex |
| Peggy Kellam | Accomack |
| Cindi Eicher | Jamestown 4-H |
| Devena McLourine | Stafford |
| Linda Eanes | Cumberland |
| Ann Wingen | Fairfax |
| Louise VanHorne | Arlington |
| Susanne Vaughan | Clarke |
| C.J. Conner | Pittsylvania |
| Renee Carter | Newport News |
| Crystal Peek | Washington |
| Cheryl Kincaid | York |
| Staci England | Albermarle |
| Sarah Burkett | Pulaski |
| Dianette Ferguson | Suffolk |
| Selicia Gregory | Chersterfield |
| Patty Collier | Scott |
| Sara Seaman | Powhatan |
| Pam Burnett | Portsmouth |
| Tonya Taylor | Rockingham |
| Sarah Gregory | Chesterfield |
| Kelly Mallory | Madison |
| Kaci Coppedge | Orange |
| Jennifer Unroe | Alleghany |
| Gwen Roy | King Williams |
| Susan Prillaman | Bedford |
| Linda Kind | Manassa |
| Sherry Channell | Lunenburg |
| Brian Hairston | Henry |
| Sarah Cooper | Louisa |
| Jennifer Mercer | Augusta |
| Jennifer Price | Wythe |
| Elizabeth Johnson | Bland |
| Dena Halsey | Grayson |
| Crystal Swain | Carroll |
| Beth Massey | Floyd |
| Marcia Meador | Charles City |
| Karen Lucas | Hampton City |
| Terry Abston | Amelia/Nottoway |
| Michelle Adcock | Montgomery |
(Kathleen Stadler)
Throughout her career Wilhelmenia has sustained excellence in all aspects of her work. She displays a professional manner with co-workers, colleagues, citizens, and community agency partners and program participants.
Wilhelmenia continues to display a genuine concern for the overall health and well-being of her 4-H children and the young families of Chesapeake. Her educational programs have resulted in improved health, increased self-esteem and leadership development of participants. High energy and enthusiasm are an integral part of her teaching style. Wilhelmenia is creative and innovative in delivery strategies. We see this displayed as she engages 4-H youth in nutrition songs and nutrition games and as she teaches young parents in a variety of settings.
Development of collaborative partnerships has been an integral part of Wilhelmenia's career. She has partnered with numerous agencies including Community Services Board, Health Department, Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Public Schools, STOP Organization, homeless shelters, after school programs, Head Start programs, and USDA summer feeding sites. Wilhemenia has worked with 500 young people each year for the past 35 years! What a gift she gave to her community. If there is a potential new or non-traditional audience identified in the community, Wilhelmenia will bring the EFNEP program to them.
Wilhelmenia has excelled in all aspects of her career with EFNEP. She has a unique ability to work well with all people. She is affectionately known as "Miss Sugar" in her community, which reflects the love and respect for her.
(Mary McFerron)
The CC! Training program will prepare participants to implement CC! in the classroom or with youth in other settings. Participants will receive the CC! curriculum notebook for ages K-12 and lunch for a fee of $50.
Potential participants include school teachers, Parks and Recreations Departments, church youth workers, youth organization leaders, community leaders and youth development professionals.
For more information and a registration form contact your local 4-H agent or Joe Hunnings, Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development, 114 Hutcheson Hall, VA Tech, 540-231-6372; hunnings@vt.edu
(Joe Hunnings)
(Bryan Branch)
Information about Holiday Lake Forestry Camp can be viewed at: http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/camp/
(Jeff Kirwan.)
If you have any 4-H members involved in Envirothon, please ask them to complete and return the attached document to me by May 31, 2004. The recognition will be as follows:
Forms - PDF
(Barry Fox)
A poster will be arriving in Extension Office this week via the Distribution Center system. The same poster will also be sent to High School Guidance counselors in the near future.
(Jeff Kirwan)
Projects WET and Underground have been approved 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Education curricula for several years. The K-12 guide books are full of engaging hands on activities appropriate for in-school programs, club meetings, 4-H camp, outdoor adventure and other special interest programs, as well as adult groups. With the new 6th grade science standards devoted to water resources, including groundwater, those trained in Projects WET and Underground will have access to middle school audiences who are often underserved.
Those who complete the facilitator training program,(which will include a short research assignment on a local water issue, the 2 day session and working with an experienced facilitator as a mentor for a brief period)will be able to conduct workshops and distribute materials by the 04-05 school year. There is a particular need for facilitators in Southwest Virginia but all 4-H professionals and experienced volunteers are welcome to participate. Those who simply wish to obtain their own copy of the materials can contact the appropriate coordinator and monitor the calendar of events at www.vanaturally.com for the next one day (introductory level) workshop in their region of the state.
To register for the Project WET and Underground facilitator training program being conducted this spring, contact Kris Jarvis, State Project WET Trainer at kdjarvis@deq.state.va.us or 540-672-5408 or Carol Zokaites, Project Underground Coordinator at czokaites@dcr.state.va.us or 540-831-4057 (to receive an application form) no later than April 16, 2004. Those interested in becoming a facilitator who can not make the two-day meeting, should respond as well so they will be notified of future training programs.
(Kris Jarvis)
(Barry Fox)
For more information please see http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/forjudging/
(Jeff Kirwan)
Old Field Succession and Tree Identification (The Tree Detective) are the first two completed interactive modules in 4-H Virtual Forest. To join in the fun go to http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/virtualforest/
(Joe Hunnings)
(Barry Fox)
(Barry Fox)
For more information, contact Barry Fox at 804-524-5848 or bfox@vsu.edu.
Training session information - PDF
(Barry Fox)
(Barry Fox)
(Jeff Kirwan)
Virginia has been competing in the National WHEP event for at least ten years and has been treated to impeccably planned events that have had the support of many state and regional agencies, as well as the community at large. We have gone to states like, Kansas, Idaho, Wyoming, Tennessee, Texas, Ohio and New Mexico. In each locale, our teams have learned about diversity in environment and customs.
Our event has been in the planning stages since 2001. It will attract senior age, state level 4-H champions from twenty-five to thirty states. We would like to reciprocate the generosity of states who have invited us to participate in their National contests. We have been successful in our fundraising, and have almost met our goals. To put us over the top, we are asking for the help of 4-H'ers from across the Commonwealth.
Here is our proposal to you:
4-H'ers Connecting Counties for Wildlife
By having 4-H members from across the state help sponsor the event, we will be showing the nation how much 4-H'ers care about not only 4-H programs, but also their environment.
This event is a great way for Virginia to showcase its 4-H program. Please help us reach our goal of putting on the best 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Contest ever! Visit our website http://www.ext.vt.edu/2004whep/ to find out more about the contest and its sponsors.
(Ann Gallus, Co-chair, Volunteer 4-H Leader, Loudoun County )
This is a great opportunity to get national exposure for your programs!
The National JMG office is now soliciting nominations for national groups of the month. If you are interested in nominating a group here is what we need:
(Joe Hunnings)
(Cindy Barnett)
The 4-H Foundation Board is awarding each 4-H Educational Center $1,000. Therefore Educational Centers may not apply for mini-grants.
Should your project be awarded a mini-grant, it is requested that you submit the Evaluation Report as soon as you complete your project (I will email that to you with your winning notification). Unless you have a June project, all Evaluation Reports are due at the VA 4-H Foundation office by May 30, 2005. Remember to include pictures (digital are best) with your Evaluation reports. The Board of Trustees truly enjoys seeing our youth in action. They also love to receive "thank you's" from youths who receive gifts from the 4-H Foundation (congress scholarships, camping scholarships, mini-grants, etc.). Keep them rolling!
(Alma D. deLeon-Daughtry)
Todd Kesner, Gallatin County 4-H Extension agent, first contacted Jay Moore, owner of World Boards, Inc., a Bozeman snowboard and skateboard shop, after Jay was inte viewed about the plight of local skateboarders with no place to skate. Jay put Todd in touch with the right people, and soon, with a few dedicated volunteers, an army of willing skateboarders, and the concrete floors of the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, the 4 -H Skateboarding Club came to life.
Jeremy Adamich, a 23-year-old World Boards employee, and his roommate, 22-year -old Travis Bos, were key figures in forming the club. Both were avid skaters, and like many of the new skateboard club members, knew nothing about 4-H. Todd gave the two a crash course in 4-H history, tradition and policies, and they started signing up members. "We're getting a lot of kids involved in 4-H who never would have known about it," said Adamich.
The club is for all skateboarders, from beginners to experts. Members pay 4-H dues, attend regular meetings and promise to uphold the 4-H pledge. As the club progresses, Jeremy says, the educational component of 4-H will be stressed more. "This can't just be an open skateboard jam," he laughs. Future meetings will include lessons on skateboard techniques, history and safety, followed by practice and skills assessment. Travis and Jeremy recently created a skate boarding curriculum book filled with facts, vocabulary and profiles of famous skate boarders.
Both Jeremy and Travis emphasize that the most important part of the experience has been creating a way to help younger skateboarders. "I never had anything like this,"
To order this book, send $5 plus $2 shipping to Todd Kesner, Gallatin County Extension Office, 901 N. Black, Bozeman, MT 59717 or e-mail Todd for more information: acxtk@montana.edu
(Joseph R. Hunnings)
Research Associates has written over 140 large Federal and state government, foundation, and corporate grants totaling over $200 million with an approval rating of nearly 90 percent. For more information, visit our website at www.grantexperts.com or call (803) 750-9759.
(c) Copyright 2004, Mike DuBose, Research Associates. All Rights Reserved. The Copyright Law of 1976 prohibits the reproduction, photocopying, optical scanning, or other duplication of any part of this publication without prior written permission of Research Associates. Thank you for honoring our work and financial investments.
US Department of Education
Creating and expanding community technology centers is the goal of the Community Technology Centers Program. Funding will provide disadvantaged residents of economically distressed urban and rural communities with access to information technology and the training to use it.
Deadline(s): The deadline has been tentatively set for July 2004.
Eligibility: Community and faith based organizations, local education agencies, state education agencies, and institutions of higher education, as well as entities such as libraries, foundations, museums, public and private nonprofits, and for-profit businesses, or a consortia thereof with the capacity to significantly expand access to technology.
Contact: Gisela Harkin, US Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202, (202)205-9037; E-mail: Gisela.harkin@ed.gov; Internet: www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/AdultEd/CTC/2003apppack2.doc.
Barnes & Noble
Funding provided by this corporate giver is on a local, regional, and national level. For local and regional funding, visit their website to find a store in your area. Stores may be found through a zip code search. Local and regional funding must show a connection to literacy, arts, or K-12 education, plan to promote the program with Barnes & Noble, and be willing to work with the local store(s) on in-store programming. National funding is provided for projects that will reach a wide audience, make allotments for in-store events, and work with the store and other sponsors on program promotion and administration. Sponsorships are also available on a national level. They are literacy based, foster community growth, and promote the Barnes & Noble brand.
Deadline(s): None
Eligibility: Nonprofits supporting the arts, literacy or K-12 education.
Contact: Local and regional funding - contact a store manager in your area; national funding - Mary Ellen Keating, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Barnes & Noble, 122 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011; Fax: (212)807-6033; E-mail: mkeating@bn.com; national sponsorships - Mary Carlomagno, Director of Sponsorships & Affiliate Relationships, Barnes & Noble, 122 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011; Fax: (212)645-6071; E-mail: mcarlomagno@bn.com; Internet: www.barnesandnobleinc.com/company/codonation/co_donation.html
Coca-Cola Foundation
This grantmaker focuses on addressing educational challenges and increasing access to quality education, teacher training programs, and global education intitiatives. They seek to provide youth with the educational opportunities and support systems they need to become knowledgeable and productive citizens.
Deadline(s): None
Eligibility: K-12 public schools, universities and colleges, and nonprofits administering global educational exchange programs.
Contact: Coca-Cola Foundation, Grants Administration, PO Box 1734, Atlanta, GA 30301; Internet: www2.coca-cola.com/citizenship/foundation_guidelines_include.html
Dreyer's Foundation
This ice cream maker provides support for youth and K-12 public education programs. Projects should promote excellence in young people and establish high expectations.
Deadline(s): Requests in excess of $1,000 should be submitted prior to April 15, 2004. Requests for less than $1,000, for ice cream products and gift certificates or auction items are reviewed monthly.
Eligibility: Youth-serving organizations and K-12 public education in communities Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Inc. has operating facilities.
Contact: Dreyer's Foundation, 5929 College Avenue, Oakland, CA 94618, (510)450-4586; Fax: (510)601-4400; Internet: www.dreyersinc.com/dreyersfoundation
Charles Lafitte Foundation
This foundation's Education Program seeks to encourage the attainment of knowledge and skills and the practice of responsible citizenship through access to effective learning opportunities. Support will be provided for innovative programs aimed at assisting students with learning disabilities, providing technology and computer based education, creating access to education of the arts, supporting at-risk children, and providing learning enhancement.
Deadline(s): None
Eligibility: Nonprofits. Preference is given to projects that make a noticeable difference to an individual's critical needs over a project that will make a small difference to many individual's minor needs.
Contact: Jennifer Vertetis, President, The Charles Lafitte Foundation, 25920 2nd Avenue, Southwest, Federal Way, WA 98023; Internet: www.charleslafitte.org
National Education Association Foundation for the Improvement of Education(NFIE)
Collaborative efforts will be supported through the Innovation Grants program. Awards are provided for the development and implementation of creative and unique ideas that result in high student achievement. The goal of this program is to engage students in critical thinking and problem solving that deepens their knowledge of standards-based subject matter, as well as improves their habits of inquiry, self-directed learning, and critical reflection.
Deadline(s): None
Eligibility: US public, K-12 school teachers, public school support professionals, and higher education faculty and staff at US public colleges and universities.
Contact: The NEA Foundation, Attn: Innovation Grants, 1201 Sixteenth Street, NW, Suite 416, Washington, DC 20036-3207. For criteria and program guidelines visit www.nfie.org/programs/grantguides.htm
National Weather Foundation
Funds of $500 are available to help improve the education of students in meteorology. Funds may be used for teachers to take accredited courses in atmospheric sciences, attend a relevant workshop or conference, or purchase scientific materials or equipment for the classroom.
Deadline(s): August 1, 2004
Eligibility: Contact funder for details.
Contact: NWA Education Committee, P.O. Box 15011, Baltimore, MD 21282-5011; Internet: www.nwas.org/solhirsch.html.
Anderson-Rogers Foundation
Support is provided in the areas of child welfare (with special preference for initiatives working to reduce child abuse), improving parent knowledge and practices, adult literacy, and environmental education and activism, with emphasis on projects working to restore and preserve land and water habitats. Preference is given to innovative projects or general operating support for small, hands-on organizations that may be lacking financial support from other organizations. Only letters of inquiry will be accepted from applicants. If interested, the foundation will invite full proposals.
Deadlines(s): None
Eligibility: Nonprofits
Contact: Anderson-Rogers Foundation, Inc., 327 West 19th Street, New York, NY 10011.
Mckenzie Foundation
Grantmaking provided by this foundation focuses on early childhood development, education, the environment, and the arts and crafts culture. Preference is given to efforts that inspire excellence and encourage personal development. Projects should be creative and serve as actionable and replicable models.
Deadline(s): None for letters of inquiry, which may be submitted online. If interested the Foundation will invite a full proposal.
Eligibility: Organizations classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)3 of the IRS code.
Contact: Kathryn H. Smith, Executive Director, McKenzie Foundation, 114 John Street, Greenwich, CT 06831, (203)861-7525; Fax: (203)861-8526; Internet: www.mckenziefoundation.us.
Symbol Technologies
This corporate giver is dedicated to serving those in need. Grants are provided in four areas: Partners in Education, Strength and Diversity, Symbol and the Arts, and A Helping Hand. When available, the corporation also donates surplus technology equipment. A letter of inquiry should be submitted on organizational letterhead.
Deadline(s): None
Eligibility: Nonprofits
Contact: Community Affairs/Human Resources Department, Symbol Technologies, Inc., One Symbol Plaza, Mail Stop A-12, Holtsville, NY 11742; Internet: www.symbol.com/about/overview/overview_community_affairs.html.
National Education Association Foundation for the Improvement of Education(NFIE)
Learning and Leadership Grants will fund the recipients' participation in high-quality professional development experiences. Awards may be used for collegial study, including study groups, action research, lesson study, or mentoring experiences for faculty or staff new to an assignment. All professional development must improve practice, curriculum, and student achievement. Grants range from $2,000 to $5,000 each.
Deadline(s): None. Applications are reviewed three times a year.
Eligibility: US public school teachers in grades K-12, public school education support professionals, and higher education faculty and staff at US public colleges and universities.
Contact: The NEA Foundation, Attn: Learning & Leadership Grants, 1201 Sixteenth Street, NW, Suite 416, Washington, DC 20036-3207. For criteria and program guidelines, visit www.nfie.org/programs/grantguides.htm
National Council for the Social Studies
Grants of $7,500 are available to teacher teams that implement innovative history curriculum through its CvicConnections: Constructing the Past, Creating the Future program. Projects will investigate a current issue of concern or need in a local community and develop service learning activities to address the problem.
Deadline(s): April 30, 2004.
Eligibility: Teams must include three teachers from grades 3‹12 in the same school district who are NCSS members or agree to join if their application is chosen. They must also partner with at least one community agency and involve 25 students in at least 20 hours of service.
Contact: Trevi Brown-Thomas, National Council for the Social Studies, 8555 Sixteenth Street, Suite 500, Silver Springs, MD 20910, (301)588-1800, extension 106; E-mail: civiconnections@ncss.org. An application may be obtained by visiting www.ncss.org/civiconnections/CiviConnectionsApp.pdf
Microsoft Corporation
The Unlimited Potential grants program focuses on providing technology skills for disadvantaged individuals through community-based technology and learning centers. Schools are not eligible for funding for programs during school hours but may qualify for support through programs run by a nonprofit during non-school hours.
Deadline(s): None
Eligibility: Community centers, schools, libraries, housing facilities, or other locations that can offer the following: public access on a walk-in, low or no fee basis; an informal, welcoming environment; strong leadership; friendly, knowledgeable staff or volunteers; a social benefit focus/mission; relevant curriculum driven by local demand; and well-maintained, reliable computer equipment, peripherals, and connectivity.
Contact: Internet: www.microsoft.com/mscorp/citizenship/giving/apply/guidelines.asp
Open Meadows
Projects designed and implemented by women and girls, projects that have limited financial access and reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of our society and promote the empowerment of women and girls, and projects for social change that have encountered obstacles in their search for funding may be eligible for $2,000 grants provided by this foundation. Awards cover start-up expenses or support ongoing projects.
Deadline(s): August 15, 2004
Eligibility: Contact foundation for specifics
Contact: Open Meadows Foundation, PO Box 150-607, Van Brunt Station, Brooklyn, NY 11215-607; E-mail: openmeadows@igc.org; Internet: www.openmeadows.org
American Honda Foundation
The philanthropic arm of this automobile manufacturer will provide funding to assist youth oriented programs, including education and minority programs.
Deadline(s): May 1, August 1, and November 1, 2004
Eligibility: Organizations that have an IRS designation as a nonprofit, tax-exempt charity.
Contact: American Honda Foundation, 1919 Torrance Boulevard, Mail Stop 100-1W-5A, Torrance, CA 90501; Internet: www.hondacorporate.com/community/AHF_brochure.pdf
Janus Foundation
Support is provided for at-risk youth education and community service and volunteerism. Projects should demonstrate the capacity to make a long-term impact on the constituents they serve. Funding is not provided for court advocacy, teen pregnancy, health education or counseling, alcohol and substance abuse, child abuse, or developmental disability programs.
Deadline(s): None. Applicants will receive a response in writing within 90 days of application receipt.
Eligibility: Nonprofits
Contact: Janus Foundation, 100 Fillmore Street, Denver, CO 80206; (303)333-3863; E-mail: janusfoundation@janus.com; Internet: ww4.janus.com/Janus/Retail/StaticPage?jsp=Janushome/JanusFoundation.j
Director's Letter
Calendar of Events
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