News

1. Paddle Georgia 2006 Announced

2. Georgia Water Coalition Updates

3. DNR Strategic Plan Meetings

4. US Fish and Wildlife Critical Habitat Report

5. CAFO Water Permit Application Extended

6. Great Idea – Recycling Lake Trash for Kids

7. Brower Youth Awards

Group Spotlight

8. High Falls Lake Association

Workshops/Conferences/Calendar Items

9. February DNR Board Meetings – Atlanta

10. NALMS SE Lake and Watershed Management Conference - Columbus

11. Stream Restoration Workshops – Clemson

12. National River Rally – New Hampshire

13. Watershed Academy onWater Quality Monitoring – Athens, GA

14. Wonders of Wetlands Educator Training – Decatur

15. Cool Waters Workshop for K-12 Teachers – Cobb County

16. Alliance for Justice Online Workshops

17. Backyard Conservation Webcasts

18. Environmental Leadership Conference - Brunswick

Resources

19. EPA Watershed Management Handbook

20. Why Bad Presentations Happen to Good Causes

21. Resource for Rural Fundraising

22. EPA Report - Protecting Water Resources with Higher-Density Development

Fundraising Deadlines

23. Fundraising Deadlines

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1. Paddle Georgia 2006 Announced

Georgia River Network is proud to present Paddle Georgia 2006, a week-long, 120-mile canoe camping adventure on the Etowah River June 24 - June 30, from Dawsonville to Rome. The Paddle Georgia event will include educational programs on the river’s cultural and natural history, tours of facilities located along the river, a scientific research project, and nightly games and entertainment.

Sponsors include Georgia Power, Goldkist, Earthfare, High Country Outfitters, Patagonia, Go With the Flow, Wenonah Canoe & Current Designs, The Outside World, REI, and Paddler’s Paradise Canoe Shop.

To sign up or learn more, visit: http://www.garivers.org/paddlegeorgia/pghome.html.

2. Georgia Water Coalition Updates

Deadhead Logging

At its January 25 meeting, the Board of Natural Resources took no additional action concerning the price of deadhead logs. In December, the Board approved a price of $1.28 per board foot (pbf) for the logs, and they voted to ask the Attorney General's office whether that price constituted an unconstitutional "gratuity" (meaning whether they were underselling, and thus giving away, valuable state property). The Attorney General returned a letter saying that in order for the price not to constitute a gratuity, it had to both reflect the fair market value of the logs and cover the state's costs in administering the program. The letter did not state whether $1.28 pbf met that requirement, but it suggested that the Board could seek advice from an outside financial expert to ensure they set a price that meets the constitutional requirements. Based on this, the Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) recommended that the Board not discuss changing the price until the agency could secure a third party opinion. WRD also informed the Board that it did not receive any applications for deadhead logging permits. The Board will revisit the price of the deadhead logs at its meeting on February 21.

Statewide Water Planning

25 Partners Serving as Stakeholders! Congratulations to the Coalition’s 25 partners who have been selected to serve as stakeholders on the Statewide Advisory Committee (SAC) and the Basin Advisory Committees (BACs):

Statewide Advisory Committee (SAC)

1. Ms. Jamie Higgins - Georgia Canoeing Association

2. Mr. Jim Stokes, President - Georgia Conservancy

3. Ms. April Ingle, Executive Director - Georgia River Network

4. Mr. Glen Dowling, Georgia Wildlife Federation

Basin Advisory Committees (BACs)

Savannah & Ogeechee

1. Ms. Chandra Brown--Canoochee Riverkeeper, Statesboro

2. Mr. Frank Carl--Savannah Riverkeeper, Augusta

3. Ms. Patty McIntosh--Georgia Conservancy, Savannah

Satilla, Suwanne & St. Marys

1. Mr. David Kyler--Center for Sustainable Coast, St. Simons Island

2. Mr. Gordon Rogers--Satilla Riverkeeper, Waynesville

Oconee, Ocmulgee, & Altamaha

1. Ms. Deborah Sheppard--Altamaha Riverkeeper, Darien

2. Ms. Carol Hassell--Georgia Wildlife Federation, Covington

3. Mr. Robert Phillips--Georgia Bass Federation, Covington

4. Ms. Jessica Sterling--Upper Oconee Watershed Network, Athens

Flint & Ochlockonee

1. Ms. Janet Sheldon--Georgia Conservancy, Moultrie

3. Mr. Tommy Greggors--Georgia Wildlife Federation, Leesburg

Chattahoochee

1. Ms. Dorothy McDaniel--Georgia Conservancy, Columbus

2. Mr. Kent Iglehart--Roswell City Councilman, Atlanta

3. Mr. Dick Timmerberg--West Point Lake Coalition, LaGrange

4. Ms. Alex Adams--Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Atlanta

5. Mr. George Williams--Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Columbus

6. Ms. Jackie Joseph--Lake Lanier Association, Gainesville

Coosa, Tallapoosa, & Tennessee

1. Mr. Joe Cook--Coosa River Basin Initiative, Rome

Metro Overlay

1. Ms. Sally Bethea - Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper

2. Ms. Becky Champion--Oxbow Meadows Learning Center, Columbus

3. Ms. Shana Udvardy--Georgia Conservancy, Atlanta

3. Public Meetings to Discuss DNR Strategic Plan for the Next Decade
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold three public hearings to receive input about its proposed strategic plan. The plan will provide goals, objectives and strategies to guide the development and implementation of department programs and operations during the next decade. The public is asked to provide input on the goals, objectives and strategies in five key operational areas: resource inventory and monitoring; natural and cultural resources management; recreation management; regulatory and non-regulatory programming; and public education, outreach and communications. This information may be reviewed online at www.gadnr.org/strategic/.
Members of the public can provide input into the formulation of the strategic plan at the remaining DNR-sponsored public hearings:

February 22, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. in the DNR Boardroom at 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. S.E., Suite 1252 East, Atlanta, GA 30334
February 23, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the Century Fire/EMS Station located at 934 U.S. Highway 19 South in Leesburg, GA (Albany)

Any participant at the meetings may make comments either orally or in writing. Those unable to attend the meetings may submit written comments prior to close of business on Feb. 25, 2006. Comments may be submitted electronically at www/gadnr.org/strategic/ or mailed to Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Strategic Plan, 7 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. S.W., Suite 450, Atlanta, GA 30334. For more information about the scheduled public meetings, contact DNR at (404) 651-5120.

4. US Fish and Wildlife Critical Habitat Report
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is nearing completion of a draft Critical Habitat Report for the seven species of freshwater mussels that were recently listed as endangered or threatened, primarily in the Chattahoochee-Flint River Basins. The projected date for publication in the Federal Register is June, 2006. To have your name placed on the list of recipients for notification, contact Jerry Ziewitz in the Panama City, Florida, Ecological Services Field Office at 850-769-0552 extension 223. Individuals, or groups, with an interest in the following river systems may want to be placed on the notification list: Chattahoochee River, Flint River, Ochlockonee River and Suwannee Rivers. This includes many of the tributaries to this list of rivers. Several hundred miles of these river systems in Georgia could be listed as Critical Habitat.

5. CAFO Water Permit Application Deadline Extended
Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) will have additional time to seek water permit coverage and implement nutrient management plans (NMPs) as required by EPA's 2003 CAFO rule. Under a final rule, facilities newly defined as CAFOs will have until July 31, 2007, to seek National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit coverage. The 2003 rule required newly defined CAFOs to seek NPDES permit coverage by Feb. 13, 2006, and for all CAFOs to have NMPs in place by Dec. 31, 2006. EPA will be revising the 2003 rule in response to a federal court decision; however, this revision will not be finalized by Feb. 13, 2006. Therefore, EPA is extending the deadlines. In addition, all CAFOs will have until July 31, 2007, to implement NMPs. For additional information on the extension of CAFO compliance dates rulemaking, go to http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/afo/ and click on Program Areas to view more information about animal feeding operations.

6. Great Idea – Recycling Lake Trash for Kids (from Aquascape Environmental)
Each year, in the course of maintaining lakes and ponds in communities around Metro Atlanta, Aquascape Environmental employees retrieve dozens of balls and toys from the water. Up until a few years ago, they treated these items like trash, but a company-wide recycling effort inspired the idea to save the items that were in good condition for donation to youth programs that could make use of them. Everything is cleaned and refurbished before donation. The Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta location in Marietta was selected as this year's recipient of our "collection." Past recipients have included the Devereux Georgia Treatment Network in Kennesaw and the Greenbriar Children's Center in Savannah.

7. Brower Youth Awards for Environmental Leaders
The Brower Youth Award recognizes the efforts of environmental and social justice leaders (ages 13 to 22) living in the U.S. The six winners of the award each receive $3,000 in cash, a trip to California for the award ceremony and Yosemite camping trip and ongoing access to resources and opportunities to further their work at Earth Island Institute. The application deadline is April 15, 2006. Visit the website for application guidelines: http://www.broweryouthawards.org.

8. Group Spotlight: High Falls Lake Association (Full article to appear in Winter 2006 Issue of Confluence)

The High Falls Lake Association (HFLA) was created in the spring of 2004 as an effort to help protect High Falls Lake, the watershed, and community. The mission of the HFLA is to identify and resolve environmental and safety issues; improve and protect High Falls Lake and its watershed; interact with local, state and federal agencies to preserve High Falls Lake and its environs; promote fellowship, education and communication; and to improve the quality of life for the members and area residents. Membership approximates 200 individuals, 60 businesses, and several reciprocating memberships with other associations. The majority of the lake is in Monroe County, with the remainder bordered by Butts and Lamar counties. The prevailing environmental degradation to this five-county watershed is caused by the urban development in the northern most counties and is primarily due to storm water runoff and erosion, chemical and sewage discharges. HFLA performs river cleanups and began water quality monitoring in 2005. Since the Association began in 2004, it has opposed a proposed asphalt plant, C&D landfill, regional airport, rock quarry, “demonstration” hydroelectric plant, as well as a land application system where treated sewage posed a pollution threat to the Towaliga River. The HFLA utilizes quarterly membership meetings to provide a forum for community education and communication. The organization is funded by membership dues and contributions and holds fundraisers throughout the year. To contact HFLA, call 478-994-9610 or email highfallslake@yahoo.com.

9. DNR Board Meetings - Atlanta
For details on DNR Board Meetings, visit http://www.gadnr.org/ (bottom left corner of home page). To view the schedule, visit http://gadnr.org/documents/sched-agenda.html. For an archive of the Georgia Environmental Council’s reports on board meetings, visit www.garivers.org and click on advocacy.

10. NALMS SE Lake and Watershed Management Conference - Columbus
March 8-11. For information, visit www.georigalakes.org.

11. Stream Restoration Workshops – Clemson
April 26-27, 2006. Visit http://www.clemson.edu/extfor/calendar/index.htm.

12. National River Rally Registration Now Open – New Hampshire
May 5-9. Visit http://www.rivernetwork.org/rally to register and get full details.

13. Watershed Academy: Water Quality Monitoring, Planning and Restoration

Participants will learn how to apply water quality and watershed management principles to understand and solve complex water resource problems. The Academy will mix classroom lectures and field work with time to explore Athens, GA. March 28-30, 2006. Visit http://www.aces.edu/waterquality/streams/academy5.htm.

14. Wonders of Wetlands Educator Training - Decatur

March 23, 2006, 5-8 p.m. & March 25, 2006, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. at Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve, Decatur. One PLU is available for certified teachers. The $25.00 registration fee includes the Wonders of Wetlands curriculum guide and numerous resources. The registration deadline is March 14. Contact Susan Meyers at (770) 925-0672 or smmeyers@bellsouth.net.

15. Cool Waters Workshop for K-12 Teachers – Cobb County

The Georgia Water & Pollution Control Association invites Georgia K-12 teachers to attend Cool Waters, a fun-filled, three-day water workshop being held June 6-8, 2006, at the Cobb County Water System’s Water Quality Laboratory. Cool Waters offers educators the opportunity to learn water resource curricula directly from water professionals and to receive information and practical hands-on applications for classroom use about important water quality and water resource issues facing Georgia today. Each day of the workshop will feature a different theme (Drink, Use, Protect) and begin with a field trip. The new water quality curriculum Healthy Water, Healthy People (HWHP) will be featured throughout the workshop. Registration fee is $25.00. Participants will receive the Water Sourcebook CD-Rom, the HWHP Activity Guide and Testing Kit Manual, the Georgia Adopt-A-Stream Educator’s Guide, and numerous other water quality resources. Teachers will also earn two PLU’s. Register online at www.gwpca.org or call 404-730-8006 for more information.

16. Alliance for Justice Online Workshops: Election Activity by Non-Profits and Lobbying Rules for Non-Profits
Being a Player: Lobbying Rules for Nonprofits

Want to know what your 501(c)(3) organizations can accomplish but don't have time to attend a training outside of the office? Sit at your desktop in your office or home and join the Alliance for Justice for a virtual lobbying training. This one-hour web-based training will cover the rules for 501(c)(3) lobbying activity, including lobbying limits, definitions of lobbying, and some notable lobbying exceptions. Tuesday, February 28th, 2:00 pm. You will need a computer with internet access and working computer speakers in order to participate.

The Rules of the Game: Election Activity by Nonprofits

This one-hour web-based training will cover the rules for election-related activity including candidate elections, voter guides, voting records, and candidate debates and forums. Wednesday February 22nd at 2:00 pm

Register with Robin Powers at rpowers@afj.org or 202/822-6070. Cost: $30/workshop

17. Backyard Wetland Conservation Webcasts
The Izaak Walton League of America is broadcasting two live webcasts that will help you conserve wetlands and provide a home for wildlife near your home, office, or schoolyard. The Wetland-Friendly Lawn and Garden webcast will air on March 28, 8:00-10:00pm and Wet Spots into Wonderlands will air on April 25, 8:00-10:00pm. The webcasts will teach you simple techniques that will attract wildlife to your property, reduce stormwater runoff, and help to improve the water quality in your neighborhood. These programs will also be broadcast on television stations in North Carolina and may also be broadcast on other stations across the country. Visit http://www.iwla.org/ and click on the Wetland Webcast link to register and learn more, or contact Suzanne Zanelli at 301-548-0150 ext. 223 or email szanelli@iwla.org.

18. Environmental Leadership Conference Featuring Lois Gibbs – Brunswick
Long-time environmental activist Lois Gibbs, who became famous in the late 1970's for her fight to rescue her Love Canal, NY, neighborhood from toxic contamination, is bringing the organizational expertise of her 24-year-old Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ), to southeast Georgia for an Environmental Leadership Conference at the Coastal Georgia Community College Conference Center on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2006. The event is being co-sponsored by the College and the Glynn Environmental Coalition. Visit www.glynnenvironmental.org.

19. Check Out EPA’s New Watershed Management Handbook
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently released a draft Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans. The guide is designed for communities, watershed groups, and local, state, tribal, and federal environmental agencies. It is meant to help in designing and implementing watershed plans by walking users through the entire watershed planning process including monitoring and assessment, community outreach, best management practices, data bases, implementation, feedback, and plan adjustment. The draft handbook is available online at: www.epa.gov/owow/nps/watershed_handbook. You can also order a free copy from the National Service Center for Environmental Publications by calling 800-490-9198 or e-mail ncepimal@one.net. When ordering, refer to EPA document number EPA 841-B-05-005.

20. Why Bad Presentations Happen to Good Causes
A new book has been released by author Andy Goodman and was designed and published by Cause Communications. Based on unprecedented research across the public interest sector and incorporating the advice of twenty highly regarded public speaking experts, “Why Bad Presentations Happen to Good Causes” offers tips to help design and deliver presentations that avoid common pitfalls as nonprofits work to engage, inspire and motivate the audiences they need to reach. Why Bad Presentations Happen to Good Causes is available at no cost to full-time staff of nonprofits, foundations and government agencies. To order a copy visit, http://www.causecommunications.org.

21. A Virtual Manual on Fundraising in Rural Communities
The National office of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) commissioned Kim Klein to put together a manual on fundraising in rural communities to be used by their rural programs. CASA has offered to share this information. To link to this resource, visit www.garivers.org and click on "What's New".

22. EPA Report - Protecting Water Resources with Higher-Density Development
The U.S. Census Bureau projects that the U.S. population will grow by 50 million people between 2000 and 2020. Many communities are asking where and how they can accommodate this growth while maintaining and improving their water resources. This report helps guide communities through this debate to better understand the impacts of high- and low-density development on water resources. For free hard copies of any of these publications, please send an e-mail to ncepimal@one.net or call (800) 490-9198. Electronic versions of these publications are available at www.epa.gov/smartgrowth.

23. Fundraising Deadlines
The following foundations are either new to our list of grants or have upcoming deadlines to submit proposals. To view grant makers that give throughout the year, visit our website at www.garivers.org and click on “Grants”.

The American Honda Foundation supports projects in the areas of youth and scientific education. The Foundation defines "youth" as prenatal through 21 years of age. "Scientific education" encompasses the physical and life sciences, mathematics, and the environmental sciences. The Foundation provides grants for K-12 education, higher education, and other nonprofit organizations that focus on youth and/or scientific education. Only projects that are national in scope will be considered for funding by the Foundation. Application deadlines are February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1 of each year. Visit www.garivers.org and click on grants to access the link to Honda Foundation.

Beldon Fund - Beldon funds projects that emphasize "Human Health and the Environment". The Beldon Fund seeks to build a national consensus to achieve and sustain a healthy planet by supporting nonprofit advocacy organizations. The Fund's Human Health and the Environment program supports projects throughout the United States that engage new constituencies in exposing the connection between toxic chemicals and human health and in promoting public policies that prevent or eliminate environmental risks to people's health. Letters of inquiry will be accepted between January 25 and March 1, 2006. Visit www.beldon.org for more information.

Captain Planet Foundation provides grants to organizations that promote an understanding of the environment and involve youth ages 6-18. Grants range from $250 - $2,500. Deadlines for submitting grant applications are March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. Visit www.captainplanetfnd.org to learn about Captain Planet Foundation guidelines.

The Community Foundation funds projects in the 23 county Metro Atlanta area. Visit www.atlcf.org. The foundation receives proposals between January and July.

Corcoran Education Grant - In 2006, the North American Native Fishes Association (NANFA) is again offering up to $1000 to sponsor a project or projects to educate the general public about native North American fishes and their environment. The Gerald C. Corcoran Education Grant will fund such educational projects as: producing and distributing educational materials (books, brochures, posters, displays, video, Internet resources, etc.),stream surveys with public education as a primary goal, public lectures,nature center displays, school materials and displays, and teacher training workshops. The award was established in memory of past NANFA President Gerald C. Corcoran, who stressed public education regarding the continent's native fishes. NANFA is an organization made up of home and professional aquarists, university and other professional researchers, conservationists, anglers and naturalists. As its name implies, the group is dedicated to the study and conservation of North America's native fishes. Grant proposals are due March 31, 2006. Proposals will be evaluated and ranked by a review committee, and funding awarded on June 1, 2006. Qualifying applicants must be members of NANFA but non-members may submit their annual dues with their proposals. For additional information, contact: Robert Denkhaus at Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge at (817) 237-1111, email Robert.Denkhaus@fortworthgov.org or visit http://www.nanfa.org/corcoran.shtml.

The Five-Star Restoration Matching Grants Program, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, provides grants on a competitive basis to support community-based wetland, riparian, and coastal habitat restoration projects. Supported projects should build diverse partnerships and foster local natural resource stewardship through education, outreach and training activities. The stars in "Five-Star" are the partners, funders, and participants necessary to complete the project. Projects should involve diverse partnerships of ideally five organizations, including schools, universities, businesses, community groups, local governments, nonprofit organizations, foundations, etc. Applications must be postmarked by March 10, 2006. Visit http://www.nfwf.org/programs/5star-rfp.cfm.

The Fund for Southern Communities is a publicly supported foundation established in 1981 to provide grants and technical assistance to progressive grassroots social change organizations working in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The Fund invites applications from organizations fighting discrimination based on race, sex, age, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, ethnic background, or physical and mental disabilities; struggling for the rights of workers; promoting self-determination in low-income and disenfranchised communities; protecting the environment; promoting and/or creating non-traditional arts and media; promoting peace. Regular grant deadlines are April 1 and October 1. Further information is available at the foundation’s website www.fund4south.org.

The Funding Exchange is a network of community-based foundations throughout the U.S., with a national office in New York City, committed to change not charity. The Funding Exchange’s Grantmaking Docket provides support for community-based organizing around a variety of issues, including, but not limited to: economic equity, cultural and media activism, environmental justice, social justice, anti-oppression, movement building, and international solidarity with progressive movements abroad. The application deadline for the Grantmaking Docket is March 1, 2006. For application guidelines visit http://www.fex.org/grantmaking.shtml.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation supports a wide range of organizations that improve the quality of life in communities where Georgia-Pacific operates, and where company employees live and work. (A map of the Georgia-Pacific facilities and locations is available online at: www.gp.com/facilitydirectory/index.asp.) The Foundation’s areas of interest include: education, community enrichment, and the environment. Grant applications are accepted between January 1 and October 31, annually. Visit http://www.gp.com/center/community/index.html.

Hewlett-Packard Company will award up to 100 nonprofits in the U.S. and Puerto Rico with a wireless technology package valued at $17,000 and preference will be given to nonprofits in Atlanta and Alpharetta, communities near HP sites, among other communities. Grants are designed to provide tools to enhance nonprofits' effectiveness and support the use of mobile technology. Applicants must operate programs in one or more of the following areas: health and human services; workforce development; environment; arts and technology; or community and economic development. Applications and more info will become available Feb. 27 online. Visit http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/grants/us/programs/tech_community/.

The Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation promotes a sustainable and just social and natural system by supporting grassroots organizations and movements committed to this goal. The Foundation provides support to organizations nationwide in the following funding categories: Protecting the Health and Environment of Communities Threatened by Toxics; Advancing Environmental Justice; Promoting a Sustainable Agricultural and Food System; and Ensuring Quality Reproductive Health Care as a Human Right. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Visit http://www.noyes.org/.

The National Forest Foundation supports projects that address community-based forest stewardship, watershed health and restoration, wildlife habitat improvement, and recreation issues in proactive ways. Projects should complete innovative on-the-ground conservation work in partnership with other community groups. The Foundation’s matching awards program focuses on “action-oriented” projects that serve to demonstrate measurable outcomes. The program provides challenge cost-share grants, on a competitive basis, to community-based organizations to engage in on-the-ground conservation initiatives benefiting National Forests and Grasslands. The Program provides matching federal funds to private, non-federal dollars. During 2006, the Foundation will support organizations in Southern Appalachia (Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia), the Oregon Coast and Central Cascades, the Selway-Bitterroot area (Montana and Idaho), the Central Colorado Rockies, and the Central Sierra (California). Some 20 percent of the Program’s funds will be allocated to projects outside of these areas. The deadline of July 28 is for pre-proposals. | Grant Range: $500 to $100,000 | Contact Info: Alexandra Kenny, Director Grants Program, 2715 M St. NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC, 20007, Ph: 202-298-6740 Ext. 3, akenny@natlforests.org. Visit http://natlforests.org/consp_04_map.html.

NRCS Offers Conservation Innovation Grants - The purpose of this program is to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig/pdf_files/CIG06WebFinal.pdf.

Project AWARE Foundation is committed to the conservation and preservation of the aquatic environment and its resources throughout the world. The Foundation will consider funding projects that focus on its priorities: coral reef conservation, shark protection, aquatic ecotourism, aquatic education (particularly for youth), and direct conservation activities in both marine and freshwater for up to $10,000. Projects which incorporate public education, grassroots involvement, and research that leads to conservation are examples of the types of projects the Foundation supports. The application deadlines are March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15, annually. Visit http://www.projectaware.org/.

The Starbucks Foundation funds local programs that serve low-income, at- risk youth (ages 6-18) through its Youth Leadership Grant Program. Grants range from $5,000-$20,000 and are given in two areas: Power of Literacy - programs that stimulate personal development and a commitment to social equity, justice, and environmental awareness through writing, literacy and expression in public forums; and, Leaders in Diversity - programs that teach the value of societal diversity and develop youth leadership skills to foster understanding between individuals, groups and communities. Grant applications are reviewed twice yearly, April 1st and October 1st. Visit http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/grantinfo.asp.

Tom's of Maine Corporate Giving Program provides support for nonprofit organizations nationally and internationally, with priority given to organizations impacting Maine. The company's areas of interest are the environment, human needs, the arts, and education. They are shifting their grant focus away from project-based grants (although they will still fund some projects) towards core mission and leadership grants. Proposals will be accepted between February 1 and April 1. Visit http://www.tomsofmaine.com/toms/community/grant_guidelines.asp for more information.

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