James Irvine Foundation Seeking Applications for Community Dialogue Grants

The James Irvine Foundation's (www.irvine.org) New Connections Fund provides grants of up to $50,000 over one or two years to eligible organizations with projects that fit within the foundation's core program priorities. One of the core priorities, called "California Perspectives," aims to promote dialogues between under-represented communities and public officials. The program supports projects that foster dialogues between people in underrepresented communities and public officials for the dual purpose of improving public officials' understanding of the interests and concerns of their constituents and facilitating opportunities for people in underrepresented communities to participate in public decision-making. To be considered for a grant from the New Connections Fund, an organization must meet all of the following requirements: have 501(c)(3) status or an established relationship with an approved fiscal sponsor; have a California focus; generate no more than 50 percent of its revenue from government sources; have annual revenue of at least $100,000; request a grant amount totaling no more than $50,000 or 10 percent of its annual organizational budget; and have no active grant or outstanding reports due to the foundation. Visit the Irvine Foundation's Web site for complete program guidelines, application procedures, and an FAQ. The deadline for applications is August 9, 2006.

Added by Amy Lang on June 25, 2006