Did you know...?

that while many PTAs are struggling with raising funds there are ways you can ask for and receive grant money for your PTA?  Don't know where to start? There are two training modules for you to consider, one is How to Run an Effective PTA on a Shoe String Budget, and Grant Writing 101.  Please contact Field Service Chair to find out how to get these training materials.  Email your request to field-service@vapta.org.

Available Grants for Your PTA and School

Mom Congress® School Transformation Grant

Parenting recently launched the Mom Congress® School Transformation Grant contest, a chance for one lucky school to win a $20,000 grant to be used towards furnishing educational resources in need for its students – everything from textbooks to playground equipment, new computers to art supplies.  To enter is as simple as submitting a 200-word essay and photo describing why the school deserves to win the grant between now and September 30th.  The winning school will be determined by visitors to Parenting.com, who will vote for the school of their choice. The school with the most votes will take home the grand prize. 

The support of local PTAs, the community, parents, and educators is critical to helping a school stay in the running to win – and it’s for this exact reason that I’m reaching out.  I’m hoping you’ll consider sharing this opportunity with your members, encourage them to enter, and encourage them to visit Parenting.com to vote for their school.  With budgets and funding being cut across the board at schools statewide, entering is a simple way for parents and teachers to help ensure students have access to the programs and resources they need for success.  
The official contest entry page and complete rules can be found here: http://www.parenting.com/mom-congress/contest Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about the contest, or about Parenting’s Mom Congress initiative.

Safe Routes to School Sponsors $2000 Mini Grants – Deadline EXTENDED to September 30, 2011!!

The Prevention Connections Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program is awarding mini- grants of $2,000 each to schools to plan and implement walk and/or bike events to promote physical activity and prevent obesity. These events can include International Walk to School Day, bike and pedestrian safety training, school safety patrols and clubs, bike rodeos, walking school buses and more.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all have been awarded.

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED EARLY WILL HAVE AN INCREASED CHANCE OF BEING SELECTED.

Click here to apply for this grant. This is an online application process. No hard copies of the RFP will be available.
Please e-mail Ashley Johnson or call (804) 225-3004 if you have any questions or need assistance in completing your proposal.

School Vending Mini Grants $500 – Applications accepted through Nov. 30, 2011

Prevention Connections is sponsoring this initiative for eligible Virginia Title 1 middle schools (or 40% enrollment with free/reduced lunch). Prevention Connections wants to know what’s in your vending machines! Your school can receive a $500 unrestricted grant award to conduct a brief survey of your vending machines. Obesity is a serious health concern for children and adolescents between the ages of 2 and 19 years, putting them at higher risk for developing serious conditions
such as cardiovascular disease. Knowing what type of food/drink is available in our middle schools will help with educating students about healthy living.
Apply now! Funds are limited. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until 75 grants have been awarded. Please contact Amanda Mullins at (804) 371-2589 or amullins@preventionconnections.org if you have any questions.

www.preventionconnections.org