BINGHAMTON, NY -- Applications are now available for the 2016 grant cycle of the Stephen David Ross University and Community Projects Fund at Binghamton University.

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 AR Magic Book Outreach Program, a joint project of the Binghamton University Libraries and Center for Technology & Innovation Inc. that utilizes a new innovative technology to make library resources more accessible to the public. The Ross Fund also provided support to the Engage, Connect, Impact…Go Liberty! program, an afterschool educational opportunity between Liberty Partnerships Program at Binghamton University and Windsor Central School District.

In 2016 the fund will award approximately $13,500 in grants to non-profit organizations in partnership with the University. Individual grants range from $1,000 to $13,500. Grant funds are available beginning July 1, 2016.

The application deadline is Monday, April 4, 2016.  Grant applications, full guidelines and further information are available on the Stephen David Ross University and Community Projects Fund website 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.