community enhancement grants available for non-profit organizations

Legislators have made some wise decisions to use this excess revenue, including:

** Purchase of a tract of forested land in the northern Cumberland Mountains approximately equal to one-fourth the size of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which will be enjoyed by many future generations;

** Addition of approximately one-quarter of a billion dollars to the emergency reserves ("rainy day") fund;

** Return of some of the money to citizen taxpayers through a slight reduction in the sales tax on food and through community enhancement grants.

Each state senator will be allocated 300-thousand dollars and each state representative 100-thousand dollars for distribution to non-profit organizations in his or her community. This grant method will permit even and fair distribution of funds throughout the entire state for the benefit of non-profit organizations which commonly have trouble raising necessary operating funds.

The grant program will be administered through the Office of the Tennessee Secretary of State.

To be eligible for a grant, a non-profit organization must fall within one of four categories:

** Public safety, including but not limited to local law enforcement, fire and life safety programs, local drug programs, programs providing advocacy for children or vulnerable populations, and criminal justice programs;

** Educational initiatives, including but not limited to local schools, school support organizations, and programs which address significant local educational issues;

** Cultural activities, including but not limited to activities which enhance opportunities provided by museums, libraries, and historic sites, and activities in support of cultural activities; and

** Community development activities, including but not limited to activities related to serving the unique needs of various segments of the population (such as the elderly and youth through recreational and community facilities, senior citizens centers, and boys and girls clubs).

A grant application is required, and the application must be received by the secretary of state by the close of business on August 15, 2007.

An application will be mailed to any interested organization by contacting State Senator Finney. Call him at home-- (865) 984.1424 --  or contact him by email-- sen.raymond.finney@legislature.state.tn.us --to arrange for mailing of an application.