ITHACA, N.Y. -- The Community Partnership Board, a program of the Cornell Public Service Center, is beginning its 2004-05 funding year by announcing the availability of grants for grassroots community service projects. The board grants some $25,000 annually to service projects developed between Cornell students and community agencies. In the 13 years since the board's inception, more than $100,000 has been awarded to students for student and community developed service projects.

The Community Partnership Board seeks to foster leadership and social responsibility by encouraging students to take action against social problems. The board assists students in developing grassroots community action projects and administers grants funded in part by the Cornell Student Activities Fund and the Public Service Center. Up to $2,000 per project per year is available in funding.

The deadline for 2004 grant applications is Oct. 15. Application forms can be obtained online at http://www.psc.cornell.edu under "What's New!" or in paper form at the Public Service Center, 200 Barnes Hall, on campus. The board makes funding decisions based on written applications and interviews, and on its philosophy statement, and the funds are distributed in late December.

For more information on the Community Partnership Board and the grants, send e-mail to cpfb@cornell.edu , visit the Public Service Center at 200 Barnes Hall or call (607) 255-8851.