(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The Corporation for National and Community Service today announced the availability of $500,000 in funds to support national providers of training and technical assistance in the area of training and conference management.

In an effort to build the capacity of local programs and organizations that use service and volunteering to meet community needs, the Corporation sponsors conferences, meetings, workshops, pre-service orientations, and training institutes for its members, sponsoring agencies, and grantees. Providers will offer training and technical assistance services and develop and disseminate conference and meeting management training curricula and materials in support of the Corporation’s programs and projects.

The successful applicant will provide conference and event execution, planning, and coordination services including destination management to support various Corporation sponsored institutes, workshops, conferences, and training programs.

The grant competition is open to state and local government entities, non-profit organizations, including faith- and community-based organizations, higher education institutions, Indian tribes, and commercial entities. Organizations that operate or intend to operate Corporation supported programs are also eligible to apply.

The deadline for eGrants submissions is 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Wednesday January 25, 2006. The notice, with the complete application, instructions and other relevant material, is available on the Corporation’s website at: http://www.nationalservice.gov under “New Funding Opportunities.” In addition to the web site, you may contact the Corporation for National and Community Service at TTANOFA@cns.gov.

The Corporation for National and Community Service provides opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to serve their communities and country through three programs: Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America. Together with the USA Freedom Corps, the Corporation is working to build a culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility in America. For more information, visit http://www.nationalservice.gov.

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