Sun Life Financial Accepting Nonprofit Rising Star Awards Grant Applications
(Press release, April 30, 2014) — The U.S. Business Group of Sun Life Financial Inc. announced its request for applications in five key U.S. regions for Sun Life Rising Star Awards grants from nonprofit organizations that promote the academic achievement of underserved youth. Applications are available now at sunliferisingstar.com. The deadline for submissions is June 9.
Donating a total of $660,000 in grants and scholarships, Sun Life will award 12 winning organizations with $50,000 grants, and in turn, each nonprofit will nominate an exemplary student to receive a $5,000 Sun Life Rising Star scholarship toward financing a college education. Later this year, Sun Life will surprise winning students with their scholarships at individual award presentations led by prominent members of each community. Past presentations held across the country have included appearances by Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, Philadelphia 76ers star Lavoy Allen and Dallas Mavericks star Vince Carter. Sun Life also leverages its partnerships with organizations such as the Boston Celtics and the Miami Dolphins to enhance the student experience and leverage powerful role models to reinforce the tie between education and lifelong financial security.
Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the Sun Life Rising Star Awards program provides grants to nonprofit organizations in large urban districts, along with scholarships to underserved youth. Qualifying students exhibit leadership qualities and a commitment to their communities, while qualifying nonprofit organizations promote academic excellence as a means to achieving life-long financial wellness. This year, the program will award grants and scholarships in five metropolitan areas: Boston, Nashville, San Francisco, South Florida and the Tulsa/Oklahoma City area. By the end of 2014, Sun Life Financial will have committed nearly $5 million to 86 students and 79 nonprofit organizations in 16 different cities across the country.
"Sun Life is proud to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Rising Star Program," said Sun Life Financial U.S. Vice President of Marketing Ed Milano. "We continue our commitment to investing in our nation's underserved youth by recognizing educational excellence as a means to financial security. We look forward to welcoming our newest class of Rising Stars this year and following their continued success."
To be considered for a Sun Life Rising Star Award grant, organizations must have 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status, promote skills that directly translate to educational success in high school to students under the age of 21, and collaborate with a secondary or post-secondary educational institution. In each city, a judging panel comprised of the foremost government officials, community, education and business leaders will evaluate the applications and student nominations.
Student nominees must be high school seniors actively involved in an organization that shares the Sun Life Rising Star Awards' mission. They must also plan to pursue post-secondary education, exhibit leadership qualities, and demonstrate a strong commitment to their communities. Nominated students are required to submit a 750-word essay.
