Grants available for community improvement projects |
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Wednesday, 23 June 2010 00:00 |
NAPA VALLEY, Calif.—The Napa Valley winery Markham Vineyards is accepting submissions for its third annual Mark of Distinction grants initiative, offering two $25,000 grants to individuals or organizations committed to the betterment of their communities.
Candidates with a project intended to make a positive, lasting difference can submit their proposals at www.MarkhamMarkofDistinction.com from now until July 19th. Submissions can range from repairing dilapidated parks, to funding research, to creating a community center. To enter, submit a proposal of no more than 300 words that describes the initiative, rationale and inspiration. A brief budget and timeline detailing how and when project funds will be used must also be provided.
Beginning Aug. 10, 10 finalists and their projects will be selected and posted on the website. The public will then vote to determine two grant recipients, who will each be awarded $25,000 to make a lasting change — a “Mark of Distinction” — in their communities.
“Each year, the Mark of Distinction community grants have been awarded to truly impressive and worthy causes,” said Markham Vineyards president and Napa Valley native Bryan Del Bondio. “I’ve been touched and humbled to see these passionate, inspiring recipients effectively use the funds to help others. It’s our honor to be able to assist with their causes, and this program has become a tradition we hope to continue for many years to come.”
In 2009, the Mark of Distinction program awarded $25,000 grants to Long Island Sled Hockey and the Paul Ruby Foundation.
Long Island Sled Hockey, a New York organization for mentally and physically handicapped athletes, is the largest and most inclusive program of its kind. It consists of young boys and girls afflicted with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and spina bifida, and aims to foster teamwork, pride and self-esteem through participation in the sport. The Markham Mark of Distinction grant helped finance the team’s expenses for ice rink time, sleds, protective equipment and insurance.
The Paul Ruby Foundation, based in Geneva, Ill., was established after Paul Ruby was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease. Funds covered expenses for its annual Concert for a Cure, the organization’s main fundraiser. The remaining grant money was donated to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for a Parkinson’s research project.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 23 June 2010 00:00 |
