Cricket Wireless is sponsoring a community improvement project with awards up to $2,000. The deadline is Nov. 5, unless you take the application in to a Cricket store, where they’ll be accepted until Nov. 15. About 40 people and organizations have responded so far, but Cricket says “bring it on” to other interested community groups. The “big idea” is to provide micro-grants and spark a wave of community pride in a whole new generation of community service activists and entrepreneurs.
Cricket, a leading provider of wireless services, is looking for Chicagoans who want to make a difference in their communities. Details about the grant program are available at www.chicagocommunityvoices.com.
All Chicagoland-area residents who are in an area where Cricket service is available – young and old – are encouraged to apply with details on the positive change they wish to bring to their communities through the “Cricket Community Voices” program. An esteemed panel of renowned Chicagoans will judge the entries and select 10 winners four times a year to make their ideas come to life. The grants range up to $2,000 based on the need to activate the dream.
You must describe a community service project that you would use Cricket service to carry out. Your plan needs some clear objectives, and should tell which Chicagoland community it will serve. Be sure to be clear about what community problem you are tackling and show how the project will serve as a solution, the requested funding, and projected results. Winning grants will be announced in early 2011.
Veteran community leaders and activists will be the judges for grant funding. The panel is comprised of:
- John Pfeiffer – CEO and executive director of Inspiration Corporation
- Suzy Yehl Marta – CEO and founder of Rainbows for All Children
- Miss Lori – Founder of Miss Lori’s CAMPUS, children’s television host, recording artist, spokesperson and celebrated social media influencer.
- Marty Castro – president of Castro Synergies and chair of the Illinois Human Rights Commission
- René Parson – Area General Manager, Cricket and co-chair of Cricket’s Diversity Council
More details are available at www.chicagocommunityvoices.com, and a formal press release is below.
