Applications for SCHIP Grants Due January 31
Information provided by Ron Bouchard of SCHIP Public Awareness Committee,
January 26, 2012, page 10.....

Shelburne Charlotte Hinesburg Interfaith Project, the three-town organization that raises funds at its resale shop to make grants to projects that benefit their neighbors and communities, is ready to make another round of grants.

Since 2004 SCHIP has turned the profits from its shop into grants totaling more than $300,000, providing funds for everything from food shelves and football uniforms to a shower for an elderly person. Grants have ranged from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

The deadline for the next round of grant applications is Tuesday, January 31. Grant application forms are available by e-mailing schipgrant@myfairpoint.net or using the link at schipstreasure.org/mission.html. Paper applications are also available at the SCHIP’s Treasure Resale Shop, 5404 Shelburne Road in Shelburne Village, or at the Town Clerk’s offices in Shelburne, Charlotte and Hinesburg. It is requested and preferred, but not required, that submission be via e-mail.

To be funded, projects must benefit the people or communities of Shelburne, Charlotte or Hinesburg. In addition, grants can be made only to organizations with an IRS-approved 501c3 status, but a group or individual without such IRS approval can apply by establishing a sponsorship or mentoring relationship with a 501(c)(3). For example, all the member faith communities founding the SCHIP organization have 501(c)(3) status and can help with grant applications. Grants may not exceed $5,000.

SCHIP would like to hear from people who want to discuss creative ideas of benefit to people of the three towns. Such an idea may need only seed money to become a significant addition to the welfare of the town or area. Applying for a SCHIP grant is the place to start.

The funds SCHIP distributes in grants come from the successful operation of SCHIP’s Treasure Resale Shop in Shelburne Village, a shop that accepts donations of gently used clothing and home goods and sells to customers who enjoy discovering great bargains and “treasures.”

Volunteers are very important to the operation of SCHIP, as members of the board and as helpers who assist shop manager Cathy Burke in the shop. Hours, days and tasks can be customized to suit the availability of volunteers. Call the shop at 985-3595 to talk about volunteering, stop by to pick up a volunteer form, or call SCHIP board member Tricia Coleman at 482-2980 for more information.

Information provided by Ron Bouchard of SCHIP Public Awareness Committee.