National Schools of Character

The National Schools of Character (NSOC) Awards program has a twofold purpose: 1) To identify exemplary schools and districts to serve as models for others; and 2) To help schools and districts improve their efforts in effective character education. Maximum Award: $2000. Eligibility: To be eligible, a school must have been engaged in character education for a minimum of three full years, starting no later than December 2002 for the 2006 awards. Districts need to have been engaged in character education for a minimum of four full years, starting no later than December 2001.

Smaller administrative units that maintain a separate identity within a large district may apply in the district category, e.g., a school pyramid or cluster.
> www.character.org/eventsawards/nsoc/files/2006_nsoc_awards.pdf

Teaching Tolerance

Who May Apply: K-12 classroom teachers
Description: The Teaching Tolerance project of the Southern Poverty Law Center offers grants of up to $2,000 to K-12 classroom teachers interested in implementing tolerance and youth activism projects in their schools and communities. According to Tolerance.org, projects that are funded tend to be small-scale and student-focused, tailored to the specified needs and interests of particular learners, economically responsible, and sustainable.
> www.tolerance.org/teach/grants/guide.jsp

Gang Resistance Education and Training

Funded by: U.S. Department of Justice
Description: The Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program provides funds to support the delivery of an anti-gang involvement, violence prevention and positive life-skills program to Middle School students.
> www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=2284

Hadassah Foundation Seeks Proposals for Leadership/Self-Esteem Projects Benefiting Adolescent Girls

The Hadassah Foundation (www.hadassahfoundation.org) is dedicated to refocusing the priorities of the Jewish community through innovative and creative funding for women and girls in the United States and Israel. The foundation’s mission is to improve the status, health, and well being of women and girls; bring their contributions, issues, and needs from the margins to the center of Jewish concern; and encourage and facilitate their active participation in decision-making and leadership in all spheres of life.

To this end, the foundation will provide a small number of grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 each, with the typical award between $30,000 and $40,000.

An applicant project must meet a need; establish a program model that enables girls to build self-esteem and learn from their peers and adult mentors; include girls in planning and implementation; demonstrate gender sensitivity (e.g., awareness of girls’ unique needs and ability to meet those needs); be replicable in other parts of the country; and draw on Jewish traditions and values.
> fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10002730/hadassah