Did you know that at the end of the school semester, college students might have hundreds of pre-paid meal points (or “swipes” on their meal cards) that disappear at the end of each term? Neither did we, until Awesome LA learned about ‘Swipes for the Homeless’, our March grant winner, who told us about their program that allows students to convert the unused dollars to food for their local homeless populations. In addition to feeding the homeless, the organization also educates students on campus about local homelessness and hunger issues in their area. We thought that sounded awesome. ‘Swipes for the Homeless’ was originally created at UCLA in 2009 to address the hundreds of thousands of dollars that disappeared from student meal plans every semester, and by 2012, the organization became an incorporated non-profit to help the program spread nationally. They’re no up to five, student-run chapters, headquartered at The Hub LA in Downtown. Here’s hoping their Awesome grant helps them develop more chapters across LA and beyond. Learn more at swipesforthehomeless.org.
Happy Birthday to us! Awesome Foundation Melbourne is turning 3, and we want to celebrate with you! Hosted by the good people at Pozible at their new Collingwood offices, we want to celebrate the last 3 years of Awesome Foundation Melbourne with a birthday party. Have a drink or two with us and sit back and relax as we wish ourselves happy birthday. In between the good people, free alcohol and fun times, the recipient of our $3000 mega grant will be announced and voted upon on the night, and you’re involved. Your pledge will give you one vote to decide the winner of the Awesome mega grant. If you like face painting, live music from DJs and bands, balloon animals, cake, and giving grants to awesome projects, come down and celebrate with us! We only have 150 tickets, so don’t miss out! Ticket sales end 11am Friday 21st March: pozible.com/awesomebirthday Date: Friday 21st March Time: 7pm – 1am Location: Unit 2, 108 Langridge St, Collingwood, 3066
The submission window for the newly formed chapter’s inaugural grant is March 1 – 20, 2014. The funds will be awarded April during the chapter’s launch event. Proposals are simple: 350 – 1500 words submitted using a simple online application that explains why the project meets the foundation’s standard for awesomeness and how the project will immediately impact the city. The Atlanta Chapter’s grants will support projects in sciences, arts, civic engagement, media, entertainment… just about anything as long as long as it contributes to making Atlanta awesome. The grants can go to groups, individuals, small no-profit organizations, almost any entity. Just like other Awesome Foundation chapters, the monthly $1000 grant is obtained from contributions by the chapter’s trustees who make a monthly contribution to fund the award. Trustees also vote on the submissions to determine who receives funding. To apply:www.AwesomeAtlanta.org Connect with the chapter: Twitter @AwesomeAtlanta – IG #AwesomeAtlanta – FB/AwesomeAtlanta.