Note: The Lawrence Times is offering some space for area organizations and organizers to express their views, provide updates and attempt to reach other folks who might share their mission. This post is contributed content (i.e., not produced by the Times staff). See more in our Community Voices section, or see how to submit your own piece.
#BeMoreLikeClaire has opened its Fall 2021 Grant Cycle and is looking to support projects that further its mission to cultivate the power of collective generosity so that all may live a safe and healthy life.
This grant cycle will award up to $45,000 toward community-based projects. Grant applications will be accepted through Oct. 1.
#BeMoreLikeClaire was formed to carry on the legacy of Claire VanLandingham, a promising young Navy dentist who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2018. Over the past three years, #BeMoreLikeClaire has awarded more than $180,000 in grants to area nonprofits, with the vast majority of those projects located in Douglas County.
Projects that align with one or more of #BeMoreLikeClaire’s guiding principles are more likely to be funded. Those principles are:
- All people should have access to healthy food.
- All people should have access to holistic and comprehensive health care.
- All people should have access to housing that is safe and affordable.
- Positive caring role models and mentors transform lives.
- All relationships should be free from cruelty and built on trust and respect.
- The earth and its resources should be protected and respected.
#BeMoreLikeClaire accepts grant applications from any location and gives preference to projects whose purpose has a personal connection to Claire or serves a community in which Claire lived. Those communities include Lawrence; Terre Haute, Indiana; Plymouth, Indiana; Culver, Indiana; Bloomington, Indiana; Louisville, Kentucky; and the Chicago/Lake Forest, Illinois area.
Earlier this year, #BeMoreLikeClaire awarded grants to projects in Lawrence that protect abused children, provide women of color with a trained doula during birth, educate faith communities about relationship violence and how they can help stop it, and provide a space where young gardeners work alongside women who are in recovery.
Interested applicants can learn more about grant guidelines and how to apply at BeMoreLikeClaire.org/grants.
