Neighbors to nominate community causes for grants

Press release

An insurance company program is inviting people who want to help change their communities to apply for a grant to do just that.

The State Farm Neighborhood Assist program is offering 40 $25,000 grants to projects to make communities safer, stronger and smarter. Anyone can submit a cause at http://www.neighborhoodassist.com from Sept. 1 through Sept. 15 for a chance to win one of the grants.

“Through State Farm Neighborhood Assist, you can help life go right, right in your neighborhood,” State Farm spokesman Brad Hilliard said. “From identifying an important cause to rallying your community to vote for it, this program is all about neighbors helping neighbors.”

Returning for its fifth year, State Farm Neighborhood Assist will accept the first 2,000 causes. The State Farm Youth Advisory Board will then narrow down the field to identify the top 200.

At that point, the public will have a chance to vote for their favorite causes from the list of finalists. Voting will take place at http://www.neighborhoodassist.com from Oct. 26 through Nov. 4. The 40 causes that receive the most votes will win a $25,000 grant.

Since the program began, State Farm has awarded $4 million to communities across North America, supporting a wide variety of causes, including fighting childhood hunger, helping homeless veterans, revitalizing parks, improving literacy, and offering athletic programs for children with disabilities.

Last year, people cast millions of votes for their favorite causes, selecting winners from small towns and big cities.

Key Dates for 2016 State Farm Neighborhood Assist:

• Sept. 1-15: Submit causes

• Sept. 16-Oct. 21: YAB identifies top 200 finalists

• Oct. 26-Nov. 4: Vote for causes

• Nov. 30: State Farm announces winners.