Featured Grant (a.k.a., Grant of the Week)

The West African Research Association (WARA) is looking for candidates for the summer fellowship opportunity at the West African Research Center (WARC) Library in Dakar, Senegal. Application is open to Library and Information Studies (LIS) and non-LIS students.

"WARA is accepting applications for WARC Library Fellow for the summer of 2009.

"This program is designed to encourage the upcoming generation of Africanist scholars and librarians and to assist in capacity building at the library of the West African Research Center (WARC) in Dakar, Senegal. The WARC Library Fellow will work with the WARC librarian on collection development and management, electronic cataloguing and use of electronic research databases and should have well-developed skills in these areas. Preference will be given to those who are fluent in or have a working knowledge of French.

"This internship will provide round trip travel to Dakar and a stipend of $2500 to cover the cost of living for 6 to 8 weeks. This competition is open to US citizens who are enrolled in a graduate program with Africa content and who have a particular interest in libraries.
Applicants should submit a statement of not more than six double-spaced pages describing their career plan and how this internship would contribute to their professional development. This should indicate particular areas of interest and expertise as well as describing personal and professional goals for the internship.

"A complete application must include the following:

• A WARA grant application cover sheet (downloadable from website)
• A statement (6 double-spaced pages maximum, described above)
• Three (3) letters of reference from professors
• Resumé
• Both undergraduate and graduate transcripts (copies of official ones are acceptable)
  

"An excellent source of suggestions for preparing your application can be found on the SSRC website at http://fellowships.ssrc.org/art_of_writing_proposals/

"Complete applications will consist of one original and three copies of all materials (4 sets total) except letters of reference. Letters should be included in the application packet in envelopes sealed and signed by the referee. Letters of reference sent separately will not be considered.
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED BY February 15, 2009.

"Upon completion of their internships, grantees are required to submit a detailed report of their work and findings. This report will subsequently be published in the biannual WARA newsletter. Please direct inquiries and submit applications to:

"WARA
African Studies Center, Boston University, 270 Bay State Road Boston MA 02215
Tel: 617-353-8902 Fax: 617-353-4975 Email: wara@bu.edu"

Grant of the Week: Boating & Fishing Education Grants

The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation's National Youth Fishing & Boating Initiative is "offering a total of $800,000 in boating and fishing education grants for 2009. Youth-focused boating, fishing and conservation organizations are encouraged to apply by the January 30, 2009 deadline (http://www.rbff.org/page.cfm?pageID=380)."

"Key requirements of RBFF’s grant application guidelines include: introducing boating and fishing to minorities and underserved communities.

While all applications will be considered, RBFF will give special consideration to programs that:

• Offer multiple on-the-water learning opportunities
• Encourage long-term involvement of participants
• Provide training for instructors
• Promote conservation
• Support existing RBFF partnerships"

For complete grant information, visit: http://www.rbff.org/page.cfm?pageID=380.

Grant of the Week: FINRA Investor Education Foundation

This program "funds research and/or educational projects that support its mission of providing underserved Americans with the knowledge, skills and tools necessary for financial success throughout life" (http://www.finrafoundation.org/grants.asp).

In 2009, the Foundation is especially interested in applications that focus on the following areas:

• using behavioral finance to improve saving and investing
• meeting the financial and investor education needs of underserved audiences
• creating new marketing and distribution channels for financial and investor education
• helping Americans manage their finances and investments in retirement

The next deadline for the submission of completed "Project Concept Forms" is February 4, 2009.

For complete grant guidelines and application information, visit: http://www.finrafoundation.org/grants.asp

Grant of the Week: Short-Term Fellowships in African-American Studies

The Black Metropolis Research Consortium is currently accepting applications for a national program of short-term fellowships in African American Studies.

The purpose of these fellowships is to support scholars, artists, and other researchers who wish to conduct research in member institutions' collections relating to African American and African diasporic culture, history, and politics. This fellowship is made possible by the generous support of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Eligibility and application information can be found at: http://www.blackmetropolisresearch.org/shortTerm.html

Source: http://www.blackmetropolisresearch.org/

Grant of the Week: Foreign Language and Area Studies Graduate Fellowships

Funding is available from UW-Madison Area and International Studies Programs for
Summer Intensive Language Study (2009)andAcademic Year Language/Area Studies (2009-10).

Fellowship Details:

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
• FLAS awards may be used for either a domestic or overseas academic program of study.
• Language training taken outside of the U.S. must be at an advanced level and requires special approval.
• FLAS recipients must be full-time graduate students.
• Academic Year FLAS recipients who are not dissertators must take at least one area studies course and one language course each semester.
• Summer awards can be used for intensive language study in programs that last for at least
• 6 weeks and provide the equivalent of a full academic year of language study.
• Applications from students in professional fields are encouraged.
• Fellowships cover the cost of tuition and provide a stipend.

Eligible Languages (note that some may only be offered in summer):

Akan/Twi, Arabic, Bashkir, Bengali, Bulgarian, Burmese, Chinese, Chuvash, Czech, Danish, Dutch,Filipino (Tagalog), Finnish, French, German, Gujarati, Hindi, Hmong, Icelandic,Indonesian/Malaysian, Italian, Japanese, Javanese, Kazak, Khmer, Lao, Korean, Kyrgyz, Malayalam, Marathi, Modern Greek, Modern Irish, Nepali, Norwegian, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Quichua, Romanian, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Sinhala, Spanish, Swahili, Swedish, Tajik, Tamil, Tatar, Telugu, Thai, Tibetan, Turkish (Azeri), Turkmen, Tuvan, Uighur, Urdu, Uzbek, Vietnamese, Xhosa, Yakut, Yoruba, and Yucatec Maya.

Fellowships are offered by the following Programs and Centers:
The African Studies Program, Center for East Asian Studies, Center for European Studies, Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies Program, Center for Russia, East Europe and Central Asia, Center for South Asia, Center for South East Asian Studies, and Global Studies.

Application Deadline: February 16, 2009

**Specific requirements may vary depending on the language. Please consult the relevant area studies program or the following website for further details and application forms:
http://www.intl-institute.wisc.edu/fellow

Source: http://www.intl-institute.wisc.edu/fellow/FLAS.htm

Grant of the Week: Congressional Fellowship for Political Scientists

Grant recipients will "gain 'hands on' understanding of the legislative process by serving on congressional staffs. With this unique program the Association aims to contribute to the public understanding of policy-making and improve the quality of scholarship, teaching and reporting on American national politics" (http://www.apsanet.org/content_24889.cfm).

"The purpose of this fellowship is to give early- to mid-career political scientists an opportunity to learn more about Congress and the legislative process through direct participation. A comprehensive orientation begins each year in November. Office assignments as full-time legislative aides in the House of Representatives and/or Senate run from December to August. Fellows receive a stipend of $38,000, plus a small travel allowance" (http://www.apsanet.org/content_3540.cfm).

Deadline for application is December 1st.
For complete rules and application information, see: http://www.apsanet.org/content_3540.cfm

Grant of the Week: Paranormal Research Grant

The National Paranormal Conference, UNIV-CON, has announced that it is accepting applications for its "first paranormal research grant awarded to an outstanding non-profit paranormal organization established within the U.S." (http://www.univcon.org/index.php)

Grant amount: $1,500.

Research proposals can be submitted to manager@univcon.org.

Rules and regulations to be announced. For more information, visit http://www.univcon.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=17&Itemid=23.

Grant of the Week: Marijuana Policy Project

This program gives grants up to $60,000, for projects which "foster measurable changes in U.S. public policy that will lead to marijuana's being regulated similarly to alcohol and to marijuana's availability for medical use" (http://www.mpp.org/grants/).



The next deadline for applications is January 1, 2009. "Potential grant applicants are strongly encouraged to send concise letters of inquiry up to seven days prior to a grant application deadline."



For more information regarding the MPP and its grant program, see http://www.mpp.org/grants/.

Grant of the Week: Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) Grant

The DJ & T Foundation, established by Bob Barker of the Price is Right, funds "low cost spay/neuter clinics and voucher programs as a way to help relieve animal over population across the US."

"[T]he Foundation is most committed to making grants at the grassroots level to deserving organizations that provide low cost or free spay/neuter services or voucher programs" (http://www.djtfoundation.org/1.htm).

These grants may only be used to spay or neuter dogs. (Organizations which spay and neuter cats are eligible, but funds can only be used for dogs.)

Only non-profit organizations with 501 ( c ) 3 tax exempt designations qualify.

For complete application information and guidelines, visit: http://www.djtfoundation.org/2.htm

--------------

P.S. This post is dedicated to Bonnie Kalmbach, an avid animal welfare champion and beloved coworker, who retired last week from Memorial Library at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. We will miss her greatly!

Grant of the Week: Google Roots in Science and Engineering Awards

These awards are "designed to fund, promote and support science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and computer science education" (http://www.google.com/corporate/diversity/rise/index.html).

Eligible entities include: Nonprofit organizations, university computer science faculty, staff, and student organizations.

Applications are submitted online and are due December 1, 2008.

"Special consideration will be given to programs that impact students from communities with longstanding underrepresentation in computing and technology."

For complete award details and an online application form, visit http://www.google.com/corporate/diversity/rise/index.html.

Grant of the Week: American Morgan Horse Institute (AMHI)

Five $3,000 AMHI Educational Scholarships are awarded each year to high school seniors and graduates who have experience with -- and an interest in -- Morgan horses.

While open to any young man or woman who has or will be graduating high school or who holds a GED, the following criteria are "important" to the decision-making process:

1. Involvement in the AMHA Horsemanship Program;
2. Involvement in 4H or FAA;
3. Applicant has received a USA Equestrian or AMHA metal; or
4. Applicant has placed in the top two in the junior division or the top four of the adult division of an open competition program.

Deadline: March 1, 2009

For complete program details see http://www.morganhorse.com/benefits/kids_scholarships.php and http://www.morganhorse.com/pdf/Edscholorship.pdf.

Grant of the Week: William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship for Minority Students

This fellowship, which is based on academic excellence and need allows students to intern at the Nonprofit Sector and Philanthropy Program (NSPP) of the Aspen Institute in Washington, DC. It is open to both graduate and undergraduate students of color.

Specifically...

"Activities: In his or her internship, the Hearst Fellow undertakes general research and program support for the Fund’s grantmaking and outreach efforts.

"Requirements:The ideal candidate for this fellowship is a highly motivated continuing graduate or undergraduate student from an underrepresented community.

"She or he should have an excellent academic record and also have the following:
1. Outstanding research skills;
2. Demonstrated interest or experience in the nonprofit sector;
3. Excellent writing and communication skills;
4. Demonstrated financial need; and5. American citizenship.

"The student must be able to intern for 10-15 weeks at the Washington, DC, office of the Aspen Institute. We generally expect that Fall and Spring internships will be part-time (10-20 hours per week) and Summer internships will be full-time. All travel and housing costs must be covered by the student.

"Fellowship Stipend: A fellowship grant of between $2,500 and $5,000 will be awarded, depending on the recipient’s educational level, financial need, and time commitment" (www.nonprofitresearch.org).

Deadline for spring 2009 internships is December 15, 2008.

For complete information on this opportunity, visit http://www.nonprofitresearch.org/newsletter1530/newsletter_list.htm?section=William%20Randolph%20Hearst%20Endowed%20Fellowship%20for%20Minority%20Students.

Grant of the Week: Queer Youth Fund

The Liberty Hill Foundation is accepting letters of intent now through October 7, 2008, for their annual Queer Youth Fund grants.

"Up to four $100,000 grants will be made to different 501(c)3 organizations (or groups with fiscal sponsors) with specific work that matches the guidelines. The $100,000 grants are payable over three to five years."

These grants are made "to grassroots, local, state or national nonprofit organizations located anywhere in the United States working to improve the quality of life among gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (GLBTQQ) youth."

"The Queer Youth Fund awards grants to innovative and effective leadership development programs or organizing projects that empower GLBTQQ youth to improve societal conditions affecting GLBTQQ youth and that make a long-term difference to their movement."

For complete information regarding this funding opportunities, please see http://www.libertyhill.org/qyf/.

(Source: http://www.libertyhill.org/qyf/)

Grant of the Week: Humanities Exposed

The Center for Humanities at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will once again be accepting applications from UW Graduate Students for their Humanities Exposed (HEX) Grants.

According to their web site, "Drawing its inspiration from the Wisconsin Idea, HEX aims to change the culture of graduate education by providing support to humanists and humanities departments in their efforts to become citizens of the wider community."

Recipients represent "a cross-section of disciplines and frames of reference, use their research to engage diverse members of the public in related kinds of exploration, writing and discussion of ideas. HEX projects identify community needs and form sustainable, ongoing relationships to address those needs" (http://www.humanities.wisc.edu/).

For complete guidelines and application information, visit: http://www.humanities.wisc.edu/outreach1/HEX/Home.html

Grant of the Week: UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation

These "grants provide financial relief for families who have children with medical needs not covered or not fully covered by their commercial health benefit plan. The Foundation aims to fill the gap between what medical services/items your child needs and what your commercial health benefit plan will pay for" (http://www.uhccf.org/apply_applicant.html)

Eligibility:

• Grant applications requesting assistance for dental or orthodontic treatment unrelated to a serious medical condition are excluded from grant consideration.
  
• The applicant must be 16 years old or younger and live in the United States and receive and pay for care/items in the United States.
  
• The applicant must be covered by a commercial health benefit plan and limits for the requested service are either exceeded, or no coverage is available and/or the copayments are a serious financial burden on the family. The UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation requires a commercial health benefit plan.

(Source: http://www.uhccf.org/criteria_new.html)

For complete guidelines and application information, visit http://www.uhccf.org/apply.html.

Grant of the Week: Fellowships for New Americans

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans are grants for up to two years of graduate study in the United States.

"Under the terms of the program, a "New American" is an individual who 1) is a resident alien (i.e., holds a Green Card); or 2) has been naturalized as a U.S. citizen; or 3) is the child of two parents who are both naturalized citizens" (http://www.pdsoros.org/requirements.html#question2).

"A fellow may pursue a graduate degree in any professional field (e.g., engineering, medicine, law, social work, etc.) or scholarly discipline in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. The fine and performing arts are included" (http://www.pdsoros.org/requirements.html#question5).

Deadline to apply is November 1, 2008.

For complete eligibility info, requirements, and application information, see http://www.pdsoros.org/index.html.

Grant of the Week: Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation

Grants for Youth Educational and Cultural Programs should:

"* Target K-12 and college students
* Expose students to career opportunities
* Develop skills in new technologies
* Leverage teacher/administrator, parental, and community involvement
* Include hands-on program activities
* Lead to comprehensive, systemic change on a regional and/or national basis
* Involve collaborative partnerships
* Demonstrate capacity to gain continuing support
* Will result in dissemination and replication of lessons learned
* Have broad and positive impact on diverse populations with a special emphasis on women, minorities, and at-risk students" (http://www.tommy.com/opencms/opencms/corporate/foundation/aboutthefoundation.html/)

Proposals are due by October 1, 2008 to be eligible for funding January 15.

Grant amounts range between $10,000 - $25,000.

For complete details and application information, visit http://www.tommy.com/opencms/opencms/corporate/foundation/applicationprocess.html/.

Grant of the Week: American Hiking Society's National Trails Fund

"The National Trails Fund is the only privately funded, national grants program dedicated solely to building and protecting hiking trails.

"American Hiking will be awarding two different types of National Trail Fund grants in 2009: 1) American Hiking Society Trail Grants, which will range from $500-$4,999 each; and 2) Nature Valley Trail Grants, which will be for $5,000 each. Twenty applicant organizations for the Nature Valley Trail Grants will be selected as prospective grant recipients and will be featured on Nature Valley's Web site ( http://www.wheresyours.com/ ). Nature Valley Trail Grant award winners will be chosen by public vote from October 1 through 31, 2008. The top ten projects will each receive $5,000" (http://www.americanhiking.org/ntf/pdfs/2009NTFGuid.pdf).

Eligible organizations: Must be 501(c)(3).
Deadline for application: August 15, 2008.

For complete program details and application information, please see http://www.americanhiking.org/NTFApp.aspx.

Grant of the Week: Shade Structure Program

The American Academy of Dermatology's Shade Structure Program will award grants of up to $8,000 each for "the purchase of permanent shade structures designed to provide shade and ultraviolet (UV) ray protection for outdoor areas."

Eligible Applicants:

* 501(c)(3) organizations that serve children and teenagers, ages 18 and younger.
* Organizations with a demonstrated "commitment to "sun safety."

Application Deadline: April 10, 2009

For complete details and application information, visit http://www.aad.org/public/sun/grants.html.

Grant of the Week: NEH Summer Stipends for 2009

The National Endowment for the Humanities will be accepting applications for Summer Stipends between August 1 and the October 1, 2008, deadline.

"Summer Stipends support individuals pursuing advanced research that is of value to scholars and general audiences in the humanities.

Recipients usually produce articles, monographs, books, digital materials, archaeological site reports, translations, editions, and other scholarly tools.

Summer Stipends support full-time work on a humanities project for a period of two months.

Summer Stipends support projects at any stage of development.

Summer Stipends are awarded to individual scholars. Organizations are not eligible to apply" (http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/stipends.html).

Stipends consist of "$6,000 for two consecutive months of full-time research and writing. Recipients must work full-time on their projects for these two months, and may hold other research grants supporting the same project during this time."

Questions can be directed to the Summer Stipends staff at stipends@neh.gov.

For complete details and application information, visit http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/stipends.html.