St. Thomas, VI – United Way of St. Thomas-St. John announces the availability of $24,000 in Venture Grants to fund human service programs that meet a specific community need within the St. Thomas and St. John districts.

Grants will be awarded to provide time-limited support for the start-up and development of new, untried, and unduplicated projects. Examples of proposals being sought are those geared toward issues affecting the success of our youth such as child abuse and neglect, child care and services for disabled children. Other areas of concern include but are not limited to, literacy; and services to the elderly and disabled adults.

Venture grants are not for support of established programs or to be used as start-up funding for new agencies. Community organizations with a 501(c)(3) tax status and existing for at least two years who desire to start a new program or expand an existing one are eligible to apply.

Grant applications and Letters of Intent are available at the United Way’s office, located at Nisky Center, Suite 220, St. Thomas, V.I. 00802. Potential applicants are encouraged but are not required to submit a one-page Letter of Intent by September 8, 2006. An informational session on the program and the application process will be provided to any interested groups on September 13, 2006. Completed applications must be received in the United Way office by October 6, 2006. For more information, call 774-3185.