**UPDATE: The grant application deadline has been extended to November 20, 2016.**
By Jacquie Jeffers, NC Martin Luther King, Jr. Commissioner
As the North Carolina Martin Luther King, Jr. Commissioner, I encourage nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations to apply now for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Grant. The application deadline is October 31, 2016 (now extended to November 20, 2016).
Since 2008, I have been a Governor Appointed State Martin Luther King, Jr. Commissioner. I represent Region 4 which includes the following counties:
- Beaufort
- Bertie
- Chowan
- Craven
- Davie
- Edgecombe
- Greene
- Hyde
- Jones
- Lenoir
- Marin
- Nash
- Pamlico
- Pitt
- Tyrell
- Washington
- Wayne
- Wilson
The Commission works to encourage appropriate ceremonies and activities throughout the State relating to the observance of the legal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. It also works to promote among the people of NC an awareness and appreciation of diversity with the acknowledgement of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I have created and participated in several activities promoting diversity such as:
- The Share the Dream Project — I created this project to mentor the entire 5th grade at an elementary school.
- Presentations as a motivational speaker to encourage academic success and character education in elementary, middle and high schools, Women Up Incorporated, ABC2 in Halifax County, Wilson Housing Authority, God Bless Princess Raleigh NC.
- Provided incentives for improved behavior, attendance and academic success from Report Cards.
- Donated all proceeds from the Share the Dream Talent Show to assist children (7 years).
- Donated books to a museum.
- Promoting our Content of Character theme by continuously rewarding citizens in various counties for positive behaviors such as being polite and respectful.
- Continuously reward citizens in various counties for “being nice” with random acts of kindness items.
- Served as a panelist for diversity discussions: Race 4 Unity and Barton College.
In addition, the Summer of 2016, I donated 200 Success for Teens books to churches and community organizations to provide guidance for teenagers. These books stimulate positive analytical and critical thinking skills. This activity supports Dr. King’s quote:
“We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education. The complete education gives one not only power of concentration, but worthy objectives upon which to concentrate. ”
This year, I am pleased to send you the link to the State Martin Luther King, Jr. Grant. I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to support the youth in your community by applying for the MLK Grant here: ncadmin.nc.gov/about-doa/divisions/human-relations-commission/martin-luther-king-jr-commission/mlk-grants. Grant awards generally range from $1,500 to $3,000 per award, with an estimated total of $5,000 available this year.
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Ed. Note: This article originally published October 13, 2016. Updated on October 24 to show new pplicaiton deadline.
