Background

This grant is administered by the 32 undergraduate students enrolled in the Davidson College course “Political Science 324: Philanthropy and the Non-Profit Sector.” The funds, totaling $10,000, have been made available through the generosity of the Sunshine Lady Foundation in order to promote student learning about effective and responsible philanthropy. The grant money will be awarded to one or more non-profit agencies that submit what the students judge to be the most promising project proposals. The grant has two equally important purposes: (1) pedagogical – to promote student learning about grant writing, project proposals, and effective philanthropy, and (2) service—to allocate these funds to the most worthy project proposal generated in the broader community. The students are responsible for all aspects of the grant, including determination of eligibility requirements, priorities and preferences, application procedures, and selection of grantee. Neither the Sunshine Lady Foundation nor Davidson College plays any role in these deliberations.

The Grant

A total of $10,000 in grant money is available to eligible non-profit agencies through a competitive application process.

Who is Eligible?

• Grants are made only to registered 501(c)3 organizations based in North Carolina
• Grants are made only to organizations with projects that primarily serve rural populations in North Carolina.
• Preference will be given to initiatives that empower rural populations, encourage local ownership and community responsibility, and foster sustainability.
• We welcome a broad range of project proposals targeting rural populations, but are particularly interested in projects addressing environmental or immigrant/migrant issues.
• Grants may be made to secular or faith based organizations, but proposals for projects with mainly proselytizing goals will not be considered.
• Grants will not be awarded for general operating support.
• Grants will not be awarded to create or fund scholarships.

When is the Deadline?

Applications may be submitted by email attachment or posted mail and must be received by March 18 2008. Applicants will receive acknowledgement of receipt of application by email or phone. Applicants will be notified of grant allocation decisions in late April.  

Submit applications to: Dr. Ken Menkhaus, kemenkhaus@davidson.edu

Department of Political Science
Davidson College
PO Box 7069
Davidson NC 28035
(704) 894-2291

 Davidson College - Sunshine Lady Foundation Grant 2008 Application Form

in Word

in PDF