On Song for a Creative Grants Program

Australian and New Zealand Not for Profits are being asked to pen poems about their causes for a chance to win up to $15,000 in a creative grants program.

The US Austin-based CTK Foundation, in cooperation with Connecting Up Australia, is inviting Not for Profits to capture the difference they make to their communities in verse for an innovative grants funding program – with the top prize including professional production of their song.

Organisations of all sizes and types can channel their creativity and dedication into a short poem about their respective missions.

Connecting Up Australia CEO Doug Jacquier says that staff, volunteers, trustees, clients and donors from around Australia and New Zealand are welcome to throw their hats in the ring for funding and technology prizes.

Jacquier says they are looking for unique stories of overcoming challenges or making a difference.

This is the first time that the CTK Foundation – a US Community Foundation – has offered an Australia-New Zealand 'Heart & Soul' Grants campaign.

Kathryn Engelhardt-Cronk, President/CEO of CTK, says the foundation is keen to make this available to Not for Profits in this region and is very excited to partner with Connecting Up.

Applicants will be considered for the following funding opportunities:

• The Grand Prize Winner will receive a cash grant of $5,000 USD and a professionally produced song inspired by their poem (which they can then use for public outreach and education).
• Connecting Up Australia will select another applicant to receive a grant of $1,000 USD in CTK Foundation Funds.
• One dedicated blogger will choose their favorite participating NFP to win the Blogger's Choice Award grant of $1,000 USD.
• Three Honorable Mention Winners will receive professionally-produced video podcasts.
• 10 organisations will qualify for grants of $1,000 in Apricot technology.

The Foundation will be accepting submissions from July 15th through August 15th, 2011.

• Full details are available at communitytech.net/foundation .