My 12 year old fell at school and broke two bones in his right leg and has had to stay home for several days. He will return to school, with assistance, next week. I tell you this because a week of being stuck inside is torture for a 12 year old. He has managed to pass time through his old friends the Wii and the Nintendo DS. Watching him use a small arsenal of video games to keep him entertained has kept entertainment software on my brain. My highlighted funder this week is a foundation connected to companies that produce video and computer games and they are looking to give our kids more than just high game scores.

This week’s pick: The Entertainment Software Association Foundation has nonprofit grants that fund projects for youth 7 to 18 years of age. Their grants are aimed at supporting “supporting positive programs and opportunities that make a difference in the quality of life, health and welfare of America’s youth.”

Nonprofits thinking of applying for grants must have a specific project or program that is or will be in two or more states in the United States. Areas of interest include:
o Skills & Personal Development
o General Health & Welfare
o Risk Behavior Prevention
o Education
o Multimedia arts/ technology related or applied

To apply, fill in the Foundation’s online application. Grant applications must be received by April 15 for projects to be implemented during the following calendar year.