Mini-Grants

January 17, 2006

To Whom It May Concern:

The Regional Prevention Center, a division of Region V Systems, is pleased to announce its spring funding cycle (cycle #1) in 2006 for a mini-grant process which supports local community prevention initiatives. The purpose of the mini-grants is to build community capacity to support and sustain substance abuse prevention efforts throughout southeast Nebraska. The intent of the funds is that they be used as "seed" money to start programs, organizations, and community coalitions, ensuring comprehensive community approaches for preventing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse (ATOD).

• Interested parties may apply for these grants by completing the enclosed Letter of Interest, indicating the activities or programs which they are interested in providing. The Letter of Interest is due on or before February 3, 2006, and should be mailed or e-mailed to:

Region V Systems
Regional Prevention Center
1645 'N' Street, Suite A
Lincoln, NE 68508
ashaw@region5systems.net

• The "Mini-Grant Review Standards" are included with this letter. All applicants will be expected to comply with the standards when completing the grant application. Applications must be postmarked or e-mailed on or before February 28, 2006.

The Regional Prevention Center will provide technical assistance in completing both the Letter of Interest and the grant application at no expense to your organization. To be considered eligible for an award, technical assistance from the Regional Prevention Center in completing the grant application is required. Contact Sandy Morrissey (441-4368 or smorrissey@rpc.region5systems.net) by February 21, 2006, for technical assistance and other inquiries.

The grant application is available only to organizations who have completed the Letter of Interest.  While all eligible projects will be considered, priority for funding will go to those that include parenting empowerment, environmental efforts (e.g., responsible beverage service policy or drug-free workplace), or education/alternatives for youth, including higher-risk populations. Preference will also be given to smaller groups or organizations with fewer grant-writing resources in order to build their capacity to participate in prevention efforts.  Agencies who receive remuneration from Region V Systems are not eligible for mini-grant awards at this time.