Grantmakers in the News

The Case Foundation has announced that it will let the public play a direct role in determining how some of its grant dollars are allocated. This is part of an exciting trend--a "citizen-centered" approach to making the world a better place that is more open and more inclusive.

The Washington, D.C.-based foundation, started in 1997 by Steve Case, the founder of America Online, and his wife, Jean, has created the "Make It Your Own" Awards program. The awards are a direct response to research showing that many people feel disconnected from public leaders and institutions and don't believe they have the power to make a lasting difference in their community.

Individuals are invited to submit ideas for ways to improve their communities via the Case Foundation web site (http://www.casefoundation.org) from July 26 through August 8, 2007. Applicants must be individuals, or individuals working with small, local nonprofit organizations or groups, who reside in one of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico, to submit an idea for one of these same locations (no international projects). Everyone who applies will receive GOOD Magazine and online tools to help them share their idea with others and raise funds online.

A group of people from diverse backgrounds and communities will review all the applications and select the top 100 semifinalists, who will each receive $100 to jump-start their ideas. These 100 semifinalists will then be invited to pitch their ideas as a full proposal starting in early September. A smaller group of reviewers will then choose the top 20 finalists, who will each receive a $10,000 grant. In November, the public will be invited to vote online for the top four ideas from among the 20 finalists. The final four will get an additional $25,000 grant -- for a total of $35,100. This is not a prize for good works already done, but fuel to help move a great idea forward.

The Case Foundation is looking for ideas that will:

• Address a need or cause important to the community (anything from a neighborhood, city or town, a particular group, or an online network);
• Help community members join forces to discuss common issues, form solutions, and take action together;
• Encourage people from different backgrounds and viewpoints to get involved;
• Plan for the long-term by laying the groundwork for ongoing public spaces in communities;
• Reflect the values of citizen-centered change.

The Case Foundation
is located at:

1717 Rhode Island Avenue N.W., 7th Floor
Washington, DC 20036-3023
Telephone:202/467-5788
FAX: 202/775-8513
E-mail: contactus@casefoundation.org
URL: http://www.casefoundation.org