(This is my birthday Grant Gazing and I am always pleased to see another birthday and celebrate life – I hope you are too).

I was driving back from Sioux Falls, South Dakota last weekend when I got caught in a terrible storm on the notorious Interstate 90. If you are not familiar with it, picture Minnesota’s own version of the Bermuda Triangle. The weather for this trip was fine until I hit I90 and encountered zero visibility with rain and lightening. I edged my way off the road and headed south for a while to escape the treacherous driving. It seems our entire spring and summer have been filled with bad storms and so many people have had heart-breaking consequences because of them. I am hoping the funder I am highlighting today can bring relief to some.

This week’s pick: The Alliant Energy Foundation is offering flood grants to non-profit organizations in their Rebuilding Our Communities Grant Program. Alliant has a large wind electric system project here in Minnesota. Their foundation’s grant program will “provide unrestricted grants in the amount of $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 to organizations for increased operating and other expenses incurred as a direct result of the recent flooding.”

Grant applications from 501©3 organizations must be submitted by October 1, 2008. If you are eligible, a determination will be made within 14 days of submission. Those needing to re-establish essential community services will be given priority.