United for D.C. begins 2006 grant application cycle

WASHINGTON, D.C. - United for D.C., the charitable arm of D.C. United, today announced the beginning of the 2006 United Community Grants cycle. The 2006 instructions and application may both be found online at www.unitedfordc.org for download. Completed applications will be accepted between now and 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 30. Grant recipients will be selected on a rolling basis before October 2006, with the formal announcement being made at the Third Annual United Awards Reception on Monday, October 16, 2006. In two short years of existence, United Community Grants has provided more than $120,000 in cash grants and thousands of dollars worth of in-kind support across the Washington, D.C. region.

"United for D.C. is excited to begin the third annual United Community Grants cycle," said Catherine Marquette, Executive Director of United for D.C. and Community Relations Director for D.C. United. "Last year alone, United for D.C. distributed almost $85,000 in grants to six local organizations, assisting established groups expand their urban soccer programming and helping new organizations create inner-city programs. We look forward to receiving another round of quality applications this cycle."

United for D.C.'s United Community Grants program was established in 2004. The initiative awards grants to area non-profit organizations that utilize the sport of soccer to make a difference in area youth's lives. Particular emphasis is placed on those programs that impact the lives of area youth who may be economically, physically or mentally disadvantaged. In 2004, United for D.C. awarded the Capital Area Food Bank, DC SCORES, the Joy of Sports Foundation, the Latin American Youth Center/Columbia Heights Youth Soccer League, The Lourie Center and Ninos Unidos a combined total of $25,000 in grants. Last year, the foundation provided funds to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington, Capital Community Soccer Club, DC Parks and Recreation, DC SCORES, The Latin American Youth Center/Columbia Heights Youth Soccer league and St. Colletta of Greater Washington.

Interested non-profit organizations may visit www.unitedfordc.org for more information on the 2006 grants cycle. Instructions and applications are available for download. Emailed and faxed versions of the completed grant application and/or the required supporting documents will not be accepted.

For more information on the 2006 United Community Grants program or for any of United for D.C.'s initiatives, please contact Catherine Marquette at 202-587-5443 or visit www.unitedfordc.org.

United for D.C.
United for D.C., Inc. was founded on January 8, 2002 as the charitable arm of Major League Soccer's D.C. United. United for D.C. is a 501(c)3 organization chartered to serve the Washington, D.C. community through the creation or support of programs, events and organizations that advance educational and social welfare opportunities (primarily health and recreational) for the area's youth, particularly those who may be economically, physically or mentally disadvantaged.