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                         February 1, 2002

Grant money available for DoD sponsored private organizations

ROCKVILLE, Md. -- Earlier this month, DoD-authorized private organizations that help support military families can compete for up to $10,000 in grant money in the third annual award contest sponsored by Fisher House.

In affiliation with Newman’s Own and the Military Times Media Group, the Fisher House Foundation Inc. again offers groups that strive to improve the quality of life for military personnel and their families the chance to compete for a share of $50,000 in grants as part of the Newman’s Own Award for Military Community Excellence contest.

To enter the contest, interested groups provide information on their plans to improve the quality of life for military families and their communities.

Detailed entry information, including specific rules of eligibility, can be found at http://www.fisherhouse.org/ (see Newman’s Own listing at left margin), or by calling (888) 294-8560. All entries must be received by April 30.

Judges will rank all submissions. The submission deemed most outstanding will receive a $10,000 grant. The remaining $40,000 will be allocated to other organizations by the judges.

The judges are looking for organizations with good ideas that capture the spirit of volunteerism. Organizations should primarily be those with volunteers rather than paid professional staffs. PTA’s, student classes, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, spouses’ clubs, etc., are invited to enter if they have projects supporting the military community that need financial support.

The nonprofit Fisher House Foundation operates 27 comfort homes near major military and Veterans Affairs medical centers across the country. It serves more than 6,000 families each year, providing them with a "home away from home" while loved ones receive medical treatment. The first overseas Fisher House, at the Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, was established last year.

NOTE: To be eligible, the organization must be an IRS 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit or private organization defined in the DoD Instruction 1000.15, dated Oct. 23, 1997.