Weekly Funding Opportunity: OMNOVA Solutions Foundation

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Each week, Neighborhood Networks provides potential funding sources to help centers develop and improve programs and services. Featured this week is the OMNOVA Solutions Foundation.

OMNOVA Solutions, Inc. produces polymers and specialty chemicals, as well as a variety of decorative products such as wall coverings, laminates, and upholstery.

Program Areas: Areas of interest to Neighborhood Networks centers are the foundation's support of education and civic programs. Education is the OMNOVA Solutions Foundation's highest priority. Grants are provided to support:

	K thru 12 schools to address specific improvements and opportunities in reading, economic literacy, math, and science.
	School-to-work readiness.
	Initiatives that encourage professional development for teachers.
	Parental involvement.
	Adult literacy.

The foundation's support extends to civic projects that address important issues designed to improve the quality of life in communities where OMNOVA employees work and live. These include:

	Select urban renewal projects, working collaboratively with community leaders and organizations.
	Programs that address drug- and crime-prevention and safety issues.
	Select projects that promote community awareness of key issues and community educational opportunities.

While the OMNOVA Solutions Foundation funds a limited number of national projects, priority emphasis is placed on organizations in those communities where OMNOVA conducts business and where the company's employees live and work. States in which OMNOVA has facilities include: Ohio, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Wisconsin.

Funding preference is given to community projects that involve OMNOVA Solutions employees and requests that are recommended by the foundation coordinators at OMNOVA facilities. While some unrestricted funding is available, the foundation prefers to fund specific projects.

Targeted Area: Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Midwest.

Eligibility: The OMNOVA Solutions Foundation supports nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations with 501(c)(3) status under the Internal Revenue Service Code. The OMNOVA Solutions Foundation does not support:

	Individuals, private foundations, fraternal, social, labor, or veterans' organizations.
	Organizations that discriminate because of race, color, creed, or national origin.
	Organizations that benefit only a few people.
	Political parties, candidates, or lobbying activities.
	Organizations and programs that might pose a potential conflict of interest for OMNOVA.
	Local athletic or sports programs and purchase of sports equipment.
	Travel funds for tours, expeditions, or trips by individuals or groups.
	Courtesy advertising, benefits, raffle tickets, and other fundraising events involving purchases of tables, tickets, or advertisements.
	Churches or religious organizations.
	Research grants and conferences.

Award Amount: Award amounts vary.

Application Process: Eligible grant requests will include:

	A description of the organization, including its legal name, activities, history, and purpose.
	Budget information, including an annual report or financial statement that lists the organization's sources of financial support.
	A copy of the current 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter.
	A list of names and business or professional affiliations of the organization's officers and board of directors.
	A statement of the proposed project that addresses:   The purpose of the project.   Short- and long-term objectives.   Project-specific budget information.   The estimated time required for project completion.   Information on how the project will be evaluated and measured.   A list of any OMNOVA employees who currently volunteer at the organization.   A description of how OMNOVA Solutions Foundation support will be recognized.

All grant requests should be brief, concise, and submitted in writing. Telephone solicitations will not be considered.

Deadlines: Ongoing.

Contact: For more information on the OMNOVA Solutions Foundation, contact:

OMNOVA Solutions Foundation
175 Ghent Road
Fairlawn, OH 44333-3300
(330) 869-4289
Organizations may also contact the foundation via e-mail.