Hunger and poverty are two issues in society that must be kept in the forefront of our thoughts. The minute we stop thinking we can make a change in the devastating circumstances of others is the same minute we stop trying. Today’s grant opportunity addresses these needs and supports the groups who make it their mission to make a real change.

This week’s pick: Applications are currently being accepted through World Hunger Year for the Harry Chapin Self-Reliance Awards. This award honors “innovation and creativity in grassroots efforts against hunger and poverty.” For those neophytes out there who are not familiar with Harry Chapin (1942-1981), he was a singer-songwriter and humanitarian who founded World Hunger Year (WHY) to combat hunger in the United States.

Applicant requirements for this program include:

• Located in the United States
• Community-based
• Total budget for the program that would use the award cannot exceed $500,000
• Non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
• Replicable programs
• Organization programs go beyond emergency food, shelter, and other types of assistance.
• Program activities address the root causes of poverty.
• Program outcomes meet organization goals.

The deadline is June 15, 2007. Community-based organizations selected for their innovative and creative approaches to fight hunger and poverty will receive up to $5,000. Link to application.

In Harry’s own words from his song “I Wonder What Would Happen to this World”

Oh if a man tried
To take his time on Earth
And prove before he died
What one man's life could be worth
Well I wonder what would happen
to this world