Welcome to this List Serv sponsored by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority s Rural Funding Coordination Project. These messages provide information about current government and private grants and contracts, conference and training opportunities, and potential funding sources.

The State Office of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is requesting proposals from eligible applicants to provide an innovative program to establish a statewide parent support network for families and caregivers impacted by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Proposals should focus on providing support to families affected by FAS and other alcohol-related birth defects. Grant funds of $30,000 will be available in FY2002 and $50,000 in FY2003. The deadline is March 22. For more information, contact Jenny Huntley at 907-465-3033 or visit www.hss.state.ak.us.

The Suicide Prevention Council is soliciting comments from citizens and organizations around the state regarding suicide prevention in Alaska. The Council s goals are to improve health and wellness throughout the state by reducing suicide and its effect on individuals, families and communities; broaden the public s awareness of suicide and the risk factors related to suicide; enhance suicide prevention services and programs throughout the state; develop healthy communities through comprehensive, collaborative, community based and faith based approaches; develop and implement a statewide suicide prevention plan; and strengthen existing and build new partnerships between public and private entities that will advance suicide prevention efforts in the state. The Council consists of 15 members, including representatives from Native organizations, the legislature, Sate and private agencies, and private citizens. Send your ideas to Julie Penn, DHSS Commissioner s Office, P.O. Box 110601, Juneau, AK 99811 or call 907-465-1612.

The National Science Foundation is seeking proposals from hospitals, universities, and nonprofit research and education organizations to participate in Phase IV of the Federal Demonstration Partnership. The Partnership is designed to test innovative approaches and streamlined processes for federally supported research and education. The deadline is April 9. For more information, visit www.fdp3.org.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation s Minority Medical Faculty Development program offers four-year, postdoctoral research fellowships to minority physicians who have demonstrated superior academic and clinical skills. Each of the Fellows selected (up to 12) will receive an annual stipend of up to $65,000, complemented by a $26,350 annual grant toward support of research activities. The deadline for requesting an application is March 1. The deadline for the completed application is March 15. For more information, contact Nina Ardery at 301-565-4080 or visit www.mmfdp.org.

The Starr Foundation is an independent foundation that provides grants nationwide to nonprofit organizations that focus on education, health and welfare, social sciences and culture. The is no deadline. Organizations should submit a letter of inquiry. For more information, contact Florence Davis at 212-770-6881 or visit http://fdncenter.org/grantmaker/starr.

First National Bank provides grants to nonprofit organizations in Alaska. They focus on health and education-related issues, as well as programs relating to community and public service, arts and humanities, and youth and senior citizens. The is no deadline. For more information, contact Lyn Whitley at 907-777-3409.

Winning Strategies for Developing Grant Proposals provides hundreds of proven, practical tips about proposal writing. The 96-page book covers proposal writing fundamentals, samples of award-winning proposals, insights on what private foundations are looking for, and details about getting federal grants. The cost is $53.00. To order, go to http//206.142.95.100/um/t.asp?a2.144.37.1.23251.

If you wish to be removed from the List Serv, please send a REMOVE FROM LIST message to dsknjm@pobox.alaska.net. Comments or contributions may also be submitted to the same address.