The South Carolina Chapter March of Dimes is currently accepting applications for the 2011 Community Awards Program. The goal of the Community Awards Program is to identify and fund community-based programs addressing the health concerns of pregnant women and infants in the state of South Carolina.

Community Awards can be made to support activities such as: purchase and distribution of March of Dimes health education materials, implementation of March of Dimes community programs (e.g. Stork’s Nest and Becoming a Mom/Comenzando bien), or a conference for health professionals. To view our product catalog, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com.

Community Awards may not be used to support equipment or furniture, individual tuition or conference fees, dues or membership fees, employee salary or programs requiring long-term March of Dimes funding.

Available Funding and Eligibility

Awards will be granted up to $3,000. The applicant must provide services in South Carolina. For larger scale projects, contact the South Carolina Chapter to learn more about how to apply for a chapter grant.

In order to be eligible to receive a March of Dimes community award, an organization must be an incorporated, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) or a for profit organization or government agency. The March of Dimes does not award grants to individuals. Applicants must disclose any conflict of interest due to representation by their organization on the chapter’s Program Services Committee or the Chapter or Division Board of Directors.

Application from can be downloaded at www.marchofdimes.com/southcarolina. The application must include a two-page letter outlining the following:

* Name of agency/organization requesting the award
* Description of the program/project that the funds will support
* Description of budge items requested (please detail)
* How the program/project meets community needs and relates to the March of Dimes mission
* Time frame in which the funds will be spent

Send one copy of the letter and Cover Sheet by 4pm August 15, 2011 by mail and e-mail attention:

Megan Branham, Director of Program Services

March of Dimes South Carolina Chapter

240 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 206

Columbia, SC 29210
mbranham@marchofdimes.com

Contact Megan Branham at 803-252-5200 or mbranham@marchofdimes.com if you have questions about this application process. Applications must be received by 4:00PM on 08/15/11. Late applications will not be accepted.

Each year, the South Carolina Chapter of the March of Dimes invests more than 1.5 million dollars in mission initiatives statewide, including research grants and local community services. Through these program services, the March of Dimes continues working to prevent birth defects and infant death, reduce South Carolina’s premature birth rate, increase access to prenatal care and educate men and women about having healthy babies.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.