AMES, Iowa -- Applications are now open for 2007 "Iowa's Promise Youth" grants, available to youth groups for community improvement projects. The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, in partnership with Iowa State University Extension 4-H Youth Development, offers grants up to $250 to qualifying groups.

The grants, totaling $8,000, will be available to fund projects that range from developing community parks in low income areas to providing memory boxes to families who have lost loved ones. Grant providers estimate that the 2006 grants resulted in more than a $43,000 total value for participating communities. Last year more than 600 youth and adult volunteers contributed more than 3,600 hours to their communities through the grants. 

To be eligible, two or more local groups must cooperate in a community improvement or community service project. One group must be a youth group such as a 4-H club, Scouts, church group or school group.

Grant descriptions and revised applications may be downloaded from http://www.iowaspromise.org. Grant applications are due Feb. 1, 2007. For more information, contact Sue Bogue at (515) 294-1533 or suebogue@iastate.edu.

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