News about grants, gifts
In honor of local students going back to school, Ally Financial will be donating 3,000 new library books to schools in the Detroit Public School district. Elementary and middle school libraries throughout the district will receive 50 new books that focus on various financial literacy skills and concepts, with selections for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade reading levels.
Blue Bunny continues its alliance with Make-A-Wish this fall with a $250,000 donation, including a “Walk For Wishes” sponsorship and a retail initiative. As part of the commitment, Blue Bunny will sponsor three “Walk For Wishes” events, which celebrate the thousands of wishes that have already been granted while raising funds for future wishes. During the months of September and October, Blue Bunny will also donate a portion of sales from select retailers to Make-A-Wish.
News about people, groups
The Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement has elected its new board of directors for the 2015-2016 year, who began their term on September 1, 2015. Those on the executive committee are; President Jennifer MacCormack, President-Elect Jill Meister, Immediate Past President Alison Sommers- Sayre, Treasurer Liz Rejman, and Secretary Lauren Dixson. Directors include; Mark Egge, Jennifer E. Fry, Bond Lammey, Henry C. Lau, Ashutosh Nandeshwar, Amy Turbes, and Emily Walsh.
Arc Thrift Stores, a chain of Colorado-based retail stores and donation sites through-out the state, which provides funding to Arc Chapters Colorado to continue to advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities will host its annual “Born To Be Me!” annual gala September 26th. The gala will honor the spirit and individuality of those who support the community. This year’s “Heroes of the Year” are; Vicky Kaiser, Dusty Lee Miles, and Garret Ringie all of which have a disability and were nominated by their peers.
Point Foundation, which empowers LGBTQ students to achieve their full academic potential by providing them with college scholarships and mentoring, will host “Voices On Point” Saturday, October 3. Recipients of this year’s Point Horizon Award are two Point Alumni: Rhys Ernst, Co-Producer of Amazon’s “Transparent,” and Zach Zyskowski Producer on ABC Family’s “Becoming Us.”
GoodWeave International, in partnership with New Moon, will announce the winner of their 2015 Annual Rug Raffle at the New York International Carpet Show (NYICS). The winning ticket will be drawn at New Moon’s showcase at NYICS on September 20. All raffle proceeds support GoodWeave’s mission to end child servitude in the carpet sector.
News about opportunities, initiatives
Pearl S. Buck International of Perkasie, PA, invites students in grades 9-11 to apply for the Fall High School Leadership Program providing opportunities to learn teamwork, decision-making, and project management while making a difference in the community and around the globe. There is no fee for the program but space is limited. The program runs from October 5 to December 15, 2015.
Now through November 3, students in grades 5-12 who have volunteered in the past year are invited to apply for 2016 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Top honorees earn cash awards and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. in May for the program’s national recognition events.
LA2050 will launch its third My LA2050 Grants Challenge, a $1,000,000 crowdsourced competition that supports creative ideas to improve Los Angeles. LA2050 is inviting organizations throughout Los Angeles County to submit their proposals to make the region the best place to learn, create, play, connect, and live.
FACE Africa will participate in the Global Giving Open Challenge until September 15th. Funds raised will support the completion of the first phase of their WASH in Schools project to ensure all 26 schools and 2,300+ children have access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education in the Central Rivercess Education District.
Friday, September 11th, Special Ops Survivors held its annual charity golf tournament. Funds raised will provide support services for surviving spouses of Special Operations military personnel.
The Alliance for Justice has issued an action alert for a proposal regarding forced arbitration in nursing home contracts. To learn more, visit their website.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of The Parent-Child Home Program (PCHP), the organization will host a gala in New York City on Friday, November 13th. PCHP has provided low-income families with skills and tools to ensure their children reach their greatest potential in school and in life.
If you are interested in having your organization’s news announced in the next News Bits, please send announcements or press releases to news@philanthropyjournal.com.
