Sun Life Rising Star Awards for Nonprofits

Posted by on April 23, 2012

Sun Life Financial Accepting Grant Applications From Nonprofit Organizations for Sun Life Rising Star Awards
Deadline: June 13, 2012

The United States subsidiary of Sun Life Financial, Inc. has announced that it is accepting applications for the Sun Life Rising Star Award program from nonprofit organizations that advocate for youth from underserved communities.

Now in its third year, the Rising Star program is designed to address low high school graduation rates in large urban school districts by providing financial resources and education to students and nonprofit organizations committed to increasing success for students in high school and beyond, as well as to promote financial literacy as a means to achieve life-long financial wellness and stability. This year, Sun Life Financial expanded the program to seven cities, from five in 2011, and will award grants and scholarships to outstanding students and nonprofit organizations in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, and South Florida.

Each winning organization will receive a $50,000 grant, and as part of the application process each organization will nominate an exemplary student for a $5,000 Sun Life Rising Star scholarship toward financing a college education. In addition to monetary support, the program will provide winning organizations with educational curriculum and other resources to increase financial literacy among students.

To be considered for a grant, organizations must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, promote skills that directly translate to educational success in high school to students under the age of 21, and be aligned with a secondary or postsecondary educational institution.

College scholarship nominees must be high school seniors actively involved in an organization that shares the Sun Life Rising Star Awards’ mission, plan to pursue postsecondary education, exhibit leadership qualities, and demonstrate a strong commitment to their communities. Nominated students are required to submit an essay on how financial education contributes to future success.

Complete program information and application materials are available at the Rising Star Awards Web site.

http://www.sunliferisingstar.com/