It is time for the next round of “My Hometown Helper Grants” available from General Mills.

Hamburger Helper will fund initiatives to help hometowns across America with monetary grants of up to $15,000.00 per project during the time frame of August 1, 2007 - September 31, 2007 (“Wave 1”) and February 1, 2008 – March 31, 2008 (“Wave 2”). The basic steps in the process are:

1. Ask for help by giving General Mills some information about you and your project.

2. Forward a link to your application to friends and family so they can add their comments and, more importantly, their support.

3. Keep in mind that awards will be based on the merit of the project, including its impact and support within your community.

4. Applications will be accepted August 1 – September 30, 2007. 5. Winners will be selected on or before November 15, 2007.

Also available at the site is a “Help My Town Kit” that provides tools and tips to organize a fundraising campaign or for projects in your community. The kit includes:

1. Fundraising Ideas: Not sure what to do for a fundraising event? Take a look some starter ideas.

2. Fundraising Checklist: Step-by-step guidelines to conduct a successful fundraiser.

3. Press Release: Contact your local media to promote your fundraising effort.

4. Donation Request Letter: How to ask organizations for money and get it.

5. Announcement Letter: Tell people about your event and they will come.


Several Iowa communities have received these grants in the past so visit file://www.myhometownhelper.com/ for more information, “Help My Town Kit,” complete details, application form and official rules.