BINGHAMTON, NY -- Applications are now available for the 2015 grant cycle of the Stephen David Ross University and Community Projects Fund.

Ross, a Binghamton University faculty member, established the fund to further advance working partnerships between the University and the community.

Ross Fund grants are awarded based on the following priorities: promotion of collaboration and cooperation between University and community groups; innovative use of the talents and resources of project partners; demonstrated commitment to the use of existing funds or to obtaining matching funds; and significant, enduring and positive difference in the quality of life of the community.

Most recently, the Ross Fund helped support the Johnson Classroom Elements and Teacher Workshops, a joint project of WSKG and the Graduate School of Education that utilizes elements and workshops based on the documentary of the life of George F. Johnson to share local history in area classrooms. The Ross Fund also supported a joint project between the Binghamton University Center for Civic Engagement and the Broome County Emergency Response Team (CERT) that sponsored training for ten Binghamton University students to become members of CERT.

In 2015, the fund will award approximately $12,500 in grants to non-profit organizations in partnership with the University. Individual grants range from $1,500 to $10,000. Grant funds are available beginning July 1, 2015.

The application deadline is Monday, April 6, 2015.  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 Rebecca Hancock, coordinator of donor relations and special events, at (607) 777-3360 or rhancock@binghamton.edu.