News Release - Alum Creek, WV 5/9/07

The Alliance of WV Champion Communities Inc, the Community Connect Foundation, and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation are pleased to announce the Community Technology $5000 Minigrant Program.

We believe this program is an exciting opportunity for communities throughout the twelve ARC designated distressed counties in West Virginia ( Barbour, Braxton, Clay, Lincoln, Wyoming, Webster, McDowell, Summers, Greenbrier, Nicholas, Roane , and Fayette) to become more competitive in the workplace. An overview of the program has been attached that provides information relevant to the program along with requirements to participate.

Your cooperation in assisting us to spread the word about this unique opportunity is greatly appreciated. If you have additional questions please feel free to contact Marcel Fortin at 304-756-2264 or mfortin@natcor.com. Applications can be requested from Mr. Fortin or downloaded from www.alliancewv.org

Community Technology $5000 Minigrant Program

Wikipedia defines “thinking outside the box” as a cliché or catchphrase used to refer to looking at a problem from a new perspective without preconceptions, sometimes called the process of lateral thought. The Alliance in cooperation with the Community Connect Foundation is looking for just that! We’re hoping that communities all across West Virginia will take the time to ask; how can technology make this a better project? The primary focus of this program will be to foster technology based projects that address solutions to community problems in the geographical service area of the Alliance of West Virginia Champion Communities, Inc. For further information regarding eligible service areas please visit http://www.alliancewv.org. We want creative thinkers; people not afraid to take a chance by proposing innovative ideas and implementing them into the community. So, if you believe your current or ongoing project can benefit from implementing new or innovative technology, then please take the time to read the guidelines/application in detail and must be postmarked by July 3, 2007.

In order to qualify for this minigrant, the fiscal agent must be a 501 c (3) organization or governmental agency that will be responsible for payments to the grantee. What if you are not? Then you will have to work in partnership with a local governmental agency or a non-profit charitable organization (see attached list for examples). All participating agencies, organizations and/or groups must have a minimum of five members. Three of the five members must attend a mandatory training session at one of three locations. Applicants should design their projects to encourage a very short timetable. Projects should be able to commence upon completion of required training and to conclude in four months or less. Should the applicant require more than four (4) months to complete their project, an additional sixty (60) days may be approved, but ONLY IF EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES EXIST. Anything beyond four months must be requested in writing, and the extension approved BEFORE the original project end date.

We are requesting that you complete this Grant Application Form so that we may give consideration to your request for funding. Please understand that as part of its obligation to exercise due diligence with respect to any grant, and to comply with other legal requirements, the Foundation may seek information about your organization and people involved with your organization from a variety of sources. Additional documentation may be required of your people or organization if funded. The selection of successful grant applicants is the sole discretion of the Community Connect Foundation. The total project costs cannot exceed the minigrant maximum of $5000.00 unless the additional costs have been secured from other funding sources.

Let’s get started. Here is what we need from you.

Pre-application meetings: May 29, 2007 - WVDHHR Office 1400 Virginia Street, Oak Hill, WV. 25901 May 31, 2007 - WV Rehabilitation Center , Barron Drive, Institute, WV. 25112 June 5, 2007 - Gassaway Community Center, 416 Elk Street, Gassaway, WV. 26624

All sections of the application must be completed in order to qualify for grant.

Mail one original of the entire grant proposal to:

Community Technology Minigrant,

PO Box 747

Alum Creek, WV25003-0747.

or send one electronic version of this application to be emailed to: mfortin@natcor.com

Please note: A minimum of three representatives out of a five or more member group must attend required

training sessions and the Celebration Event.