Outrun the Sun, Inc. 2006 Education and Outreach Awards

The Organization
Outrun the Sun, Inc. was established in 2004 to increase awareness of the risk factors for melanoma and to raise funds for medical research for new treatments and cures for the disease.

Vision
Outrun the Sun, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation committed to supporting efforts to encourage greater public understanding of the risk factors for melanoma and other skin cancers (such as over- exposure to the sun and the use of tanning beds). Of particular interest to Outrun the Sun, Inc. are programs targeted at school-age children and young adults in grades K-12.

Support
Education and Outreach refers to a wide range of activities, including in-school and community-based programs.

In 2007, Outrun the Sun, Inc. will present two awards of $10,000 each to an individual or group, one for projects that target students in grades K-6, and another that targets students in grades 7-12 whose proposals:

• Identify and describe specific projects designed to increase knowledge and awareness of the risks associated with sun exposure;
• Identify and describe specific projects designed to increase knowledge and awareness of methods to combat risk factors (such as over exposure to the sun and use of tanning beds) for melanoma and other skin cancers.
• Include an evaluation component to assess the impact of the program; and
• Make clear that funds will be used to directly support the projects themselves. Funds may not be used for salary support of the applicants.

Recipient Responsibilities
Successful programs will be designated as Outrun the Sun, Inc. Educational Initiatives. This designation, along with the grant, carries with it certain expectations:

1. Recipients must state on all publications or related documents that arise from the award, “This program was supported by an Outrun the Sun, Inc. 2006 Education Award.”
2. Recipients will be invited to Indianapolis to present an overview of their work to an appropriate public/professional group (separate funds are set aside by OTS for this purpose)
3. Recipients must submit a final written report within 12 months of the awarding of the grant.

Application Procedures

1. Proposals will be accepted from individuals or groups at educational institutions in Indiana or that partner with educational institutions or educational programs.
2. Five copies of the proposal and accompanying materials must be postmarked by March 1, 2007. Applications also may be e-mailed. Electronic applications will not be accepted after March 1. Proposals may be mailed to Outrun the Sun, Inc., 2815 East 62nd Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46220 or e-mailed to Outrun the Sun, Inc. at anita@outrunthesun.org.
3. Proposals must be no more than 5 pages (single spaced). A separate one-page budget must be included, detailing the use of the funds. No indirect funds will be provided. Proposals must state whether they are being submitted for grades K-6 or grades 7-12 projects.
4. Proposals must be accompanied by a letter of support and cooperation from the institution or organization in which the education/outreach is intended to take place.

Review
All applications will be reviewed by an expert medical panel established by OTS and will be assessed on the basis of the merit of the project, its originality and clear outcome measures. The successful applicants will be notified no later than May 2007. Projects may begin immediately; however, given differing school schedules, it is possible for project start times to coincide with the applicant’s academic calendar. If no applications are deemed worthy, the review panel has the discretion not to make an award during any given award year.