Manistee, Michigan -- Manistee County youth are identified as the priority focus of the collaborative grantmaking effort by United Way of Manistee County and the Manistee County Community Foundation. 2008 marks the third year of partnership between the two organizations to further priorities and needs identified through enVision Manistee County, a county-wide visioning process completed in 2006.

The two organizations recently announced the 2008 enVision Solutions Grant Cycle, which will award $27,000 to projects benefiting Manistee County youth. Approximately $20,000 is available for new projects due to previous multi-year commitments. Grant applications are due March 14, 2008.

“We’re thrilled to be working with United Way to offer this opportunity for nonprofit organizations, schools, and local units of government to leverage funding to assist with programs and projects that benefit our County’s youth.” said Laura Heintzelman, the new Executive Director of the Manistee County Community Foundation. “We encourage interested applicants to review the enVision Strategic Plan, available on the Community Foundation web site and at both the Community Foundation and United Way offices.”

Corey Van Fleet, Executive Director of United Way stated that, “Applicants should clearly describe how youth are involved in developing the grant application, and in implementing and sustaining their proposed projects”

A February 20 orientation will be held at 5 p.m. at the United Way of Manistee County offices to cover the submission instructions and program priorities. Any of seven broad youth priorities are to be addressed by applicants, including:

• Career Exploration and Preparatory Activities and Mentoring
• Drugs and Alcohol Abuse Prevention and Treatment
• Arts/Culture/Education
• Anti-Bullying/Youth Safety Programs
• Valuing Youth
• Health, Fitness, Nutrition, Obesity
• Environment and Recreation

Applications will be evaluated according to a number of criteria which will be discussed at the February 20th meeting.

The complete Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 2008 enVision Solutions Grants is available on line at: www.uwmanistee.org or www.manisteefoundation.org, or by contacting either office at:

Manistee County Community Foundation
77 Spruce St., Manistee, MI 49660
Ph: 231-723-7269

United Way of Manistee County
30 Jones St., Manistee, MI 49660
Ph: (231) 723-2331

Click Here for a copy of the RFP

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