USC Neighborhood Outreach is a non-profit grant making organization funded by soley by USC faculty and staff contributions - in it's 15 year history more than $9 million has been raised. The money goes to things like after school drama classes at the 29th Street Theater, music classes taught by USC Thornton School students and the St. Augustine Choir.

The grants are given to people who partner with at least one USC employees in an effort to help the neighborhood.

Proposals are selected based on community impact, cost-effectiveness, volunteer involvement and measurable progress toward achieving one or more of the university's community objectives.

This is a competitive process.

In 2008, USC UNO received 46 proposals totaling $1.1 million and funded 38 projects with $937,267. Grants ranged from $3,500 to $80,000.

Eligibility: A combination of a USC employee and a community-based, tax-exempt organization (SUCH AS A TEACHER OR A SCHOOL) that operates and has a home-base within about a mile of the University.

The grants must address one of these four objectives:

* Improves the quality of K-12 education, and the quality of life for children and their families.
* Health education.
* Improves community safety
* Economic development


Applicants must attend a mandatory grant writing workshop. * February 25th: Grant writing workshop, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM at the USC Leavey Library Auditorium at University Park Campus (UPC)
* March 10: Grant writing workshop, 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM, USC Norris Library, West Conference Room, on the Health Sciences campus
* March 24th: Grant writing workshop, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM at the USC Leavey Library Auditorium at University Park Campus (UPC)
Attendance at one of the grant writing workshops by the "USC Partner" is required to apply for a grant. RSVP required to: neighbor@usc.edu

For more: neighbor@usc.edu or call (213) 743-4511.