I hinted at it in my last blog and I am happy to say it happened. Minnesota has actually seen good weather. I was even able to have an outdoor birthday party for my oldest with 10 children ranging in age from 7 to 13. Thank goodness they didn’t all have to pile into our place for long. With the warm weather and sunlight comes another concern, however, and that is skin protection. We are all pulling out the bottles of SPF 15 and up and trying to keep our families safe from damaging rays. I found a very unique grant opportunity this week that will provide children with a nice place out of the sun when they need it.

This week’s pick: The American Academy of Dermatology’s (Academy) Shade Structure Program makes grants for the purchase of permanent equipment to provide shade from the sun’s ultraviolet rays in outdoor areas. “The Academy receives support for this program from Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company.”

Grant awards are $2,000 each and grantees are also given a sign by the Academy to place near their shade structure which promotes the importance of sun safety. You must be a 501(c)(3) organizations that serves children and teenagers, ages 18 and younger to be eligible. Those applying will need a member dermatologist of the Academy to sponsor the application and send a letter of support. Their website provides a locator for dermatologists. Click here for application download.