Page 20 - Spring 2014 Magazine.indd

18 • The Optimist

t projects to provide the care and fnd the cure for childhood cancer. Think back to a fundraising project your Club sponsored for the Childhood Cancer Campaign (CCC). The money raised was contributed to a worthwhile cause, possibly to fund a service project or research at a local hospital. Imagine if there had been a resource that was willing to match the funds you raised up to a set amount.

The good news is that the resource is Optimist International! The Childhood Cancer Campaign is pleased to of fer matching grants to applying Clubs and Districts to assist them with cancer-focused projects. There is no set application period for CCC matching grants.

The application can be found on the Optimist website, www.Optimist.org/CCCMatchingGrants and the process is designed to be as simple as possible. Clubs or Districts are asked to complete an application, which asks for an overview of the project, amount raised so far, how funds will be utilized, how the project will impact the community and the anticipated income sources and expenses. Once complete, the application should be mailed, e-mailed or faxed to Optimist International.

Applications are reviewed quarterly by the United States and Canadian CCC Advisory Councils, which are composed of Optimist Members who have displayed a dedication to helping Optimist International be the leading force to rid the world of childhood cancer. If the grant is approved, an award letter and check for 50% of the funds are sent to the Club or District Treasurer.

Once the project has been conducted, the sponsoring Club or District is required to submit the Final Report form. This report asks for the steps involved in the project from planning to execution, a fnal budget and proof of how the grant funds already received have been utilized, such as a copy of the check presented to the recipient, a thank you letter or press coverage. The Final Report is then reviewed by the appropriate Advisory Panel. If approved, the fnal 50% of the grant is awarded.

If you have questions about CCCmatching grants, please email the Programs department at ccc@optimist.org. The project can be of any size and the CCC matching grants program will help ensure that it makes a big impact!

Optimist projects that have received matching grants:

Optimist Club of Oakville, ON – to purchase one chemotherapy pump for the cancer ward at McMaster Children’s Hospital of Hamilton

Optimist Club of Rochester, MN - to contribute funds to Brighter Tomorrows, which provides emotional outreach programs

Club Optimiste de Vanier, ON – to assist in funding the second phase of research on oncolytic virus therapy at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario

Old Town Scottsdale Optimist Club, AZ - to assist families with travel costs to and from treatment

Will your project be next?

Grants Help Optimists

n the Fight against

Childhood Cancer