Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership with Valspar Corporation, is looking for groups or communities who want to spruce up their community, neighborhood, or nonprofit center. Once again, free paint products are available to communities and organizations through the annual Picture It Painted Program (PIP).
This year SMIF will give priority consideration to collaborative efforts that strengthen the workforce or the local economy, heighten the identity of local communities, further early childhood education, or engage elders, youth or new immigrants in a project. Applications need to be submitted to SMIF by March 2, 2009.
SMIF and Valspar Foundation will select 8-10 projects to receive coatings based on their visual impact, public benefit, volunteer participation and support, intended use and benefit to the needy. Projects that may qualify for a grant include historic buildings, senior citizen centers, community centers, public buildings, murals, or other visual impact projects. Projects that do not qualify include churches, city maintenance and privately owned facilities. Daycare centers and schools will only be considered for mural projects.
Over the past ten years local Picture It Painted projects have used more than 4,500 gallons of free paint and involved hundreds of local volunteers working together to brighten up their communities. “As always we look forward to supporting Picture-It-Painted projects as they represent an opportunity for community collaboration and reward creativity,” said Tim Penny, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation President & CEO.
For more information or to apply visit our website and click on “Events and RFPs” or contact Jennifer Heien at jenniferh@smifoundation.org; 507.455.3215