News Flash: Partnerships, Projects, Grants, Tools Available for MLK Day

Nov 1, 2011 By Points of Light

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on Jan. 16, 2012, marks the beginning of the year of service as millions of Americans honor the memory of Dr. King by contributing their time, talent, voice and money to improve their communities. Join Points of Light and activists around the country in meaningful dialogue, reflection and service projects to advance Dr. King’s work, legacy and vision of creating a beloved community.

At a time of increasing inequalities, Dr. King’s call to be a “drum major for justice” is particularly poignant and relevant. He challenged us all to see the world as it really is, then work to bring about change.

Points of Light aims to engage more than 50,000 Americans to participate in America’s Sunday Suppers across the nation, inviting people from diverse backgrounds to come together to share a meal, discuss issues such as poverty and homelessness that American families and veterans are facing today, and be inspired to take action through service and advocacy.

Through HandsOn Network, AmeriCorps Alums and generationOn, we will also engage 40,000 individuals in active service and philanthropy through thousands of service projects and dialogue in more than 50 communities across the nation.

Grant Availability

To support the development of MLK Day initiatives and opportunities for people to serve, Points of Light, in partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service, is offering grants to increase the impact and effectiveness of service projects around the country. Available are two $30,000 leadership grants and four $15,000 signature grants.

To receive one of the six available grants, the following requirements must be met:

Honors the life and legacy of Dr. King through civic dialogue and service, preferably including a signature America’s Sunday Supper – which invites people from diverse backgrounds to come together to share a meal, discuss issues that affect their community and highlight the power each one of us has to make a difference
Includes projects that focus on improving the lives of active military, veterans and their families
Builds a MLK Day coalition or strengthens an existing one to engage the community in volunteer efforts
Includes training for volunteer leaders to be placed at nonprofits
Focuses on MLK Day as both a day of service and an activation opportunity for year-round service

Apply today and tell Points of Light how your project meets these requirements. The deadline is Nov. 7, 2011, at 5 p.m. If you have questions, please email us at [email protected].

Webinars

To help build nonprofits’ capacity to plan and execute national days of service, Points of Light is offering a series of free webinars to develop the skills of volunteer or project managers.