The Sikh Spirit Foundation extends an invitation to individuals and organizations around the world to apply for funding again in spring 2010. Proposed projects should be charitable in nature and contribute to the progress and advancement of the Sikh community.
NOW IS THE TIME
The deadline to submit applications is June 1, 2010. Project proposals may receive funding from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $25,000. Each proposal should be confined to a single project, although applicants are welcome to submit multiple project proposals.
In order to qualify for a grant from the Sikh Spirit Foundation, prospective partners - whether individuals or organizations - must demonstrate a commitment to charitable enterprise. First-time grant applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a letter of inquiry to [email protected].
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria: depth and breadth of community impact, innovation, capabilities of management and execution, and track record of the proposed staff. An 11-member board will review and discuss all proposals prior to making any decisions. Projects dealing with education will receive top priority. The Foundation gives preference to projects that demonstrate impact and innovation.
The Sikh Spirit Foundation has supported a number of projects over the past few years. For example, the Foundation has partnered with the Satellite Education Program run by Gyan Sewa Trust, which provides free educational services to underprivileged students in rural areas of Punjab, India. The success of this program has been heralded throughout India. For example, in Khadur Sahib, Punjab, the admission rate of students into professional degree programs over the last three years has risen from 0% to nearly 70%.
In addition to educational programs in Punjab, the Sikh Spirit Foundation has also partnered with organizations based in the United States, such as Ujjaldidar Singh Memorial Foundation and Surat Sikh Conference, to create scholarships for young Sikhs interested in attending Gurmat-oriented programs.
The Foundation has supported a number of organizations, such as SikhNet, Sikh Coalition, and Baba Nanak Educational Society, as well as individuals working on a diversity of projects, from book publications to local awareness campaigns. The Sikh Spirit Foundation invites proposals from individuals and organizations who carry a similar vision of advancing the status of the Sikh community.
For further information, please download the grant proposal guidelines from the Foundation's website, www.sikhspiritfoundation.org