Educating Citizens about Local Agencies and Making a Difference in the Community - One Vote at a Time

Roanoke, VA (January 31, 2011) – Foundation for Roanoke Valley is excited to announce the kickoff of its newest grants initiative called “Project Make-A-Difference”.  Beginning Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 9:00 a.m., two local nonprofit organizations will square off for a chance to receive a $1,000 grant.   The grants process will involve “crowd-powered philanthropy” using a competitive, online voting system to select the initiative’s first grant recipient.  

Carly Oliver, Foundation for Roanoke Valley’s Associate Director, notes that it is a win-win.  “At the end of the day, the broader community is being educated about local needs, and local nonprofit organizations are getting exposure regarding their mission and work, and one organization will get a grant to sustain or create a much needed program” said Oliver.  

Project Make-A-Difference will feature the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Virginia and the Roanoke Valley SPCA during the month of February.  To vote for their favorite nonprofit organization, folks should simply log on to the Foundation’s website at www.foundationforroanokevalley.org/pmad.asp.  The interactive voting system allows web users to virtually drag and drop coins into two banks representing the two local nonprofit organizations.  The voting period will end on Monday, February 28, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.  After final verification and approval by the Foundation, the organization with the most coins at the end of the voting receives a $1,000 grant for its project.

“This is a fun way to reach out to our community, let them know more about what we do at the Boys & Girls Clubs and get them to invest in us – one vote at a time!” said Daria Goode, Director of Development.  Kathy Perdue, Director of Marketing and Special Events for the Roanoke Valley SPCA echoed that sentiment, noting “We are thrilled to be included in Project Make-A-Difference.  What an easy way for our supporters to help us raise funds necessary to fill our pantry.  We plan to work like dogs to bring home the bone!” 

The Foundation expects to award a $1,000 grant quarterly through Project Make-A-Difference.  Organizations interested in being selected for one of the two profile slots should contact Oliver at 985-0204 for more details. Foundation for Roanoke Valley, the region’s community foundation, has served the Roanoke Valley for more than 20 years and currently administers over 240 named endowment funds established by individuals and families on behalf of the community.  For more information about Foundation for Roanoke Valley, visit www.foundationforroanokevalley.org.   # # #