BINGHAMTON, NY -- Applications are now available for the 2012 grant cycle of the Stephen David Ross University and Community Projects Fund.

Ross, a Binghamton University faculty member, established the fund with the hope of fostering working partnerships between the University and the community.

Over the years, the Ross Fund has supported numerous partnerships including a project to educate students about opportunities in the Greater Binghamton area, which provided a forum for discussion about economic progress and developed ways to expand career opportunities to retain students in Binghamton.

Most recently the fund helped support the Community Literacy Program and the US-Chinese Student Exchange initiative.

In 2012, the fund will award approximately $10,000 in grants to non-profit organizations in partnership with University units.  Grant funds are available beginning July 1.

The application deadline is Friday, March 30.  Grant applications, full guidelines and further information are available on the Stephen David Ross University and Community Projects Fund web site at http://www2.binghamton.edu/giving/ross-fund/.

For more information, contact grant administrator Cindy Lupo at (607) 777-6927 or clupo@binghamton.edu.