BCHRTF sets grant application deadline

Grant applications are being accepted by the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force to help sponsor programs and activities in Bonner County that promote human rights.

The mission of the BCHRTF is to affirm the American principles and ideals of the dignity and worth of every human being and their right to equality under the law. The task force has worked in the community since 1992 to counter bias and discrimination through advocacy and to promote an appreciation of diversity through education.

Human rights is defined broadly for the purpose of awarding grants, task force officials said in a press release. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is used as a guide — and it covers social and economic as well as civil rights. Access to health care, the right to a clean environment, protection from discrimination on the basis of disability or mental illness are considered human rights along with freedom from bias due to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation gender identity, or socio-economic status.

The BCHRTF has over $18,000 to award this year – and will accept grants for amounts up to $8,000, officials said. Those interested on what what been funded before, can go online to bchrtf.org.

Eligible applicants are 501(c)3 organizations, public educational institutions, and government entities including local governments and libraries. Decisions will favor applications that closely align with the mission and goals of BCHRTF, reach a broad segment of the community or school population, meet an urgent or on-going need, collaborate with other community groups, provide matching funds, demonstrate the potential for sustainability and include letters indicating community support.

Applications must be submitted to the Idaho Community Foundation, and the deadline is April 30. Grants are to be awarded in May & June. Complete instructions for the submission process are on the website bchrtf.org.

Information: Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, email, bchrtaskforce@gmail.com; or phone, 208-290-2732