Small, community-level volunteer groups dedicated to helping deployed troops or their families can compete for grants to fund their projects through the “Newman’s Own Awards” program, overseen by the Fisher House Foundation. The total amount to be distributed is $75,000, with $10,000 going to the “most outstanding” organization and the remainder divided among other groups, according to Fisher House officials. The awards will be made in spring 2006.
The $4.26 billion Small Business Innovation Research contracting program widely used by the Air Force went into hibernation as the government shut down Oct. 1, but unless lawmakers strike a deal on reforms, the program could reach an abrupt end.


