Some of the grant and funding news below is courtesy of the AED Center for Youth Development and the Afterschool Advocate - A media outreach newsletter published by the Afterschool Alliance.

GRANTS FOR EXPLORATION OF JAPANESE CULTURE
The Japan Foundation's Center for Global Partnership is offering grants to programs in Midwestern and Southern states to increase awareness and understanding of Japan. Grants of up to $5,000 are available. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for projects conducted between now and December 31. For more information, visit the Center for Global Partnership.

GRANTS FOR AFTERSCHOOL AND COMMUNITY PROJECTS
General Mills' Hamburger Helper is sponsoring My Hometown Helper grants to help fund community projects such as books for literacy programs, playground equipment, tutoring programs and much more. Awards are given based on the merit of the project as well as its impact and support within the community. Applicants can request a one-time award ranging from $500 to $15,000. The application deadline is September 30. For more information, go to Hamburger Helper website. You can also check out the current programs taking place in Texas right here. Apply soon!

GRANTS FOR YOUNG GARDENERS
The National Gardening Association and Gardener's Supply are sponsoring Healthy Sprouts Awards to support school and youth garden programs that teach about nutrition and hunger. Twenty schools and organizations will be awarded gift certificates or gardening materials worth $200 to $500. The application deadline is October 15. For more information, click here.

GRANTS SUPPORTING YOUTH ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION
The Captain Planet Foundation is sponsoring grants for youth ages six to 10 for projects that promote the understanding of environmental issues and focus on hands-on involvement. Grants are available in amounts of $250 to $2,500. Application deadlines are September 30, and December 31. Click here to learn more.

GRANTS FOR YOUTH PROMOTING COLLABORATION
The Southern Poverty Law Center is sponsoring the Mix It Up Grants program, which provides $500 for youth-directed activist projects that identify, cross and challenge social boundaries in schools and communities. There is no application deadline. Click here to learn more.

GRANTS FOR EMPOWERING WOMEN AND GIRLS
Avon Products is sponsoring the Avon Hello Tomorrow Fund which provides grants to support individuals who are conducting projects to empower women and girls in three areas: business development, community service or awareness and outreach. The $5,000 grants are awarded on a weekly basis through December 10. For more information, click here. Please note: Students must be 18 years old or older.

GRANT FUNDS AVAILABLE TO ENGAGE YOUTH IN 2008 SUMMER OF SERVICE
Following its inaugural Summer of Service in 2007, the Corporation for National and Community Service announced that it will make nearly one million dollars available for youth service organizations to engage even more middle-school aged, disadvantaged youth in the Summer of Service for 2008. The application deadline is October 10, 2007. Click here to view the application.