Service in the News

Submitted by servicewire on Thu, 02/25/2010 - 05:23

What's been going on in the world of service? Here are a few stories that caught our eye.
1. Volunteer Army Builds Home For Iraq War Veteran
Coming home from fighting overseas for the US military is already an extremely difficult transition, especially for those who have been physically disabled. Frank Pierson, a veteran of the Iraq War suffered the loss of his legs in an explosion, and came back home to find he had to adjust to a new way of living. A Taunton, MA charity, Homes for Our Troops, is right there with him, and has begun to build a wheelchair accessible home in Chicago for the paraplegic veteran of the Iraq War. With a large group of volunteers, Homes For Our Troops has built over 38 homes for disabled veterans across the country. Read more here.

2. Dance-a-Thon Raised Nearly $8 Million For Pediatric Cancer Research
Described as a "force of energy, dedication, and love," the annual student led dance-a-thon held at Penn St. University (to fundraise for pediatric cancer research in cooperation with a local hospital) raised over $7.8 million! This organization, called Thon, (or officially Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon), is the largest student run philanthropic effort in the world. It's also a great example to what can be accomplished by students when they are engaged with their community. Check out the article here.
3. Introducing The Social Innovation Fund
On February 17, the Corporation for National and Community Service launched the Social Innovation Fund, a grant competition to support grant makers in funding non-profit organizations across the country. In this process, federal dollars will be matched by 3 times by private funding. Grants will be given to the best organizations based on their issue area and geography. Applications for SIF grant dollars are due by April 10, 2010 and Grants will be awarded on July 2010. Through private investment collaboration, the federal government is expanding the ways it tackles social issues in America.
First Lady Michelle Obama said it best, “By focusing on high-impact, results-oriented non-profits, we will ensure that government dollars are spent in a way that is effective, accountable and worthy of public trust.” The launch of the Social Innovation Fund is one initiative that will follow that focus, and you can read all about it here, and here.