This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Zions Bank Women's Financial Group says applications are open for a series of micro-grants for women. The Smart Women Grants are available for up to $3,000 to candidates who excel in a variety of fields.
One grant will be offered in each of these categories:
• Small business startup and expansion.
• Community development.
• Continuing education and teacher support.
• Child and elder care.
• Health and human services.
• Arts and culture.
Last year's grant winners included a Family Support Center; a fruit-gleaning project that minimizes waste at local orchards; a local chapter of a national initiative to promote math and science among young women and minorities; a water-safety video; and a jewelry company that supports the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline.
Over the past six years, Zions Bank has awarded more than $130,000 though the program.
"We developed the Smart Women Grants to help the efforts of everyday heroines who strengthen our communities in so many ways through their various talents," said Diana George, manager of Zions Bank's Women's Financial Group.
Priority consideration for funding will be given to proposals that promote the empowerment of women; emphasize collaboration between women entrepreneurs or nonprofits supporting women; directly benefit women or low-income and underserved populations; support endeavors that immediately benefit communities in which Zions Bank has a presence; and for proposals that provide a sound plan for measuring performance and results.
dawn@sltrib.com Twitter: @DawnHouseTrib —
Grant applications due July 8
O Applications are open to residents of Utah and Idaho. For information, visit http://www.smartwomen.zionsbank.com, or call 800-737-6586.