Hurry up and get those creative juices flowing- there are only two months left to submit an application for the 2000 Innovations in American Government awards.
The awards honor state, local and federal government initiatives that come up with creative solutions to some of the country's toughest problems. In 2000, 15 finalists will receive a $20,000 grant from the Ford Foundation and ten winners will take home $100,000 grants.
The 1999 winners included two federal agencies, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The awards are sponsored by the Ford Foundation, Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government and the Council for Excellence in Government.
This year, more than 1,600 applicants vied for the awards, which require programs to demonstrate both originality and proven results. Nominees were whittled down to 98 semifinalists, including 22 federal programs, in April. The 25 finalists were rigorously reviewed by a selection committee, and awarded $100,000 grants on Oct. 13 in Washington, D.C.
While all units of government are eligible, only programs with significant domestic policy content will be considered, except for weapons systems programs.
Written applications for next year are due by 5 p.m. on January 10, 2000, and electronic applications are due at the same time on January 17.
Applications are available on the Innovations Program's Web site at www.innovations.harvard.edu or via telephone at 1-800-722-0074.
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