In order to create more lasting positive change and provide broader community leadership, the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties (CFPBMC) has announced new funding opportunities for area nonprofits under its new and revised competitive grantmaking program. An overview of the program and guidelines will be discussed in detail, including how to apply for funding, at upcoming webinars.

"The revisions to our grant guidelines allow the Community Foundation to provide greater focus on grantmaking priorities within major program areas. Our goals are to invest the Community Foundation's resources in the community more strategically and to streamline the process," said Deborah Pucillo, Chair of the Grants Management Committee. Since its inception, the Community Foundation has awarded over $68 million in grants to organizations, across broad areas of interest, to improve our region's quality of life.

The guidelines were changed in response to a comprehensive review by the Board of Trustees of the Community Foundation's general and unrestricted grantmaking programs and strategies. Periodically, the Community Foundation takes the pulse of its region by assessing the public's view of critical community issues in Palm Beach and Martin Counties, to keep abreast of new and emerging challenges. The Community Foundation's most recent assessment, Problems in Paradise: The People of Palm Beach and Martin Counties Speak Up confirmed for many the deep and wide spread public concern for the area's quality of life.

The changes to the Competitive Grantmaking Program include specific priorities to address these concerns within a streamlined process, making it easier for applicants to apply. For example, organizations can apply for grants from multiple funds with only one application. Most significantly, the Community Foundation's Competitive Grantmaking Program identified priorities within all priority program areas of Arts and Culture; Community/Economic Development; Education; Environment; Intergenerational Strategies and Health and Human Services.

The Community Foundation will accept proposals from community organizations primarily based in and serving Palm Beach and Martin counties that seek to address one or more of the specific program priorities identified within each major program area. Applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and not be classified as a private foundation. Applicants interested in applying for the first grant cycle must apply by August 15, 2008.

To help introduce and provide an overview of the new guidelines, the Community Foundation is extending an invitation to all potential applicants to attend a free Grantseekers Orientation. In order to offer a green and cost-effective option for grantseekers, all orientation sessions will be offered as webinars. To register, applicants may visit yourcommunityfoundation.webex.com and register for the Community Foundation's upcoming sessions under the Training Center.

A complete copy of the Competitive Grantmaking Guidelines and application materials are available online at http://www.yourcommunityfoundation.org/page27158.cfm. A recording of the webinar will also be available for download after August 7. In addition, interested applicants may speak directly with staff about the grant opportunities available by calling the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties at 561-659-6800 or emailing info@cfpbmc.org.

About the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties
The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties has been creating lasting value in our communities for more than 35 years. With permanent endowment now totaling $138 million, the Foundation accepts contributions from individuals, families, businesses, corporations and other foundations in support of community initiatives, special projects and permanent endowment. Income from endowment is used to make grants and award scholarships primarily in Palm Beach and Martin counties. For more information, please contact the Community Foundation at (561) 659-6800 or visit www.yourcommunityfoundation.org.