The Y Awards $20,000 to Turn Bright Ideas into Community Service Projects Nationwide

CHICAGO — Impacting change in your community is often a group effort. Whether it’s a local youth sports team, a few co-workers or a school or church group, millions of volunteers take time out of their day each week to give something back to their community.

The Y wants to recognize the role of volunteers and highlight that anyone, anywhere can make a significant impact in their community with a strong, inspiring idea. As part of its My Fresh Page Project, the Y will award a total of $20,000 to 10 individuals or groups with the most inspiring community improvement or service project ideas.

The Y’s My Fresh Page Project invites individuals across the country to submit their idea for a community improvement or service project to carry out in their hometown. Every day until October 24, visitors to the ymca.net/freshpage will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite idea.

After the voting period closes, the Y will review the most popular ideas and award 10 grants of $500, $2,500 or $5,000 to help winners launch their projects.

What kind of ideas are good candidates for the My Fresh Page Project? Great examples are those that embody the Y’s areas of focus:

· Empowering the development of children and teens

· Supporting and improving community health and well-being

· Creating opportunity to assist individuals or organizations in need within the community

For more details and official rules regarding the Y’s My Fresh Page Project, visit YMCA.net/freshpage and YMCA.net/somuchmore to learn about how you can work with your local Y to make an impact in your community. By serving as a community connector, the Y provides opportunities for people to give back through service, volunteering and advocacy.