By Joyce Kryszak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-912205.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Not for profit groups know it usually takes a long grant application to be awarded a grant from most corporations. But one national bank says you can just friend them to apply for a grant. WBFO's Joyce Kryszak has more on a local group that might profit from a novel new granting process using Facebook.
Music is Art in Buffalo is in the running for a $20,000 grant. No, they didn't fill out a lengthy grant application, or knock on any doors begging for money. Executive Director Tod Kniazuk says they just clicked "like."
"J.P. Morgan Chase Bank is doing their philanthropic giving through Facebook," Kniazuk said. "They've asked non-profits to apply. It's a matter who gets the most votes. If you finish in the top 200, you're guaranteed $20,000."
Kniazuk says they've hovered above the 200 number for the past week. In all, Chase will award a total of $5 million to 200 not for profits. The local charity that supports music in education is competing with about 8,000 not for profits across the country. But Kniazuk thinks there's a good chance they'll finish in the top 200 when the contest closes tonight. He says it's all thanks to social networking - which Kniazuk says Music is Art just happens to be pretty good at.
And that Facebook social network is something Chase wanted to tap into for a couple of reasons. Tom Kelly is a spokesman for Chase. Kelly says they wanted to award grants to smaller groups who might normally miss out in the traditional grant process.
"This gives us a chance to reach a much broader groups," Kelly said.
Regardless of the motivation, the Facebook contest will give 200 charities a boost during difficult economic times. Music is Art is hoping to be one of them. You can cast a vote for that group or one of the other Buffalo charities that are entered until 11:59 Monday night. Just search for your favorite charity friend at Chase's Facebook page.