United Way has announced that the 2007 Community and Neighborhood Investments Fund process is now open to eligible participants. This fund was created to help establish new relationships with neighborhoods and/or community groups who are working together to improve their community.

The fund provides small grants to groups who have a "great idea" that supports and strengthens community. Successful applications will address these key selection criteria:

• To renew and vitalize people;
• To involve those who benefit in the planning, delivery and evaluation of the "great idea;”
• To have demonstrated the "will" to implement;
• To foster a sense of community where people are sharing skills and resources; and
• To increase skills and capacities of individuals-including leadership skills of youth and adults.

United Way defines "community" as people who are brought together by where they live or by other shared interests, values or similarities. Eligibility conditions and the application can be found at www.unitedwayatlanta.org. The deadline for applications to be submitted is April 13. Grants will be announced on May 7. For questions regarding this fund, contact Tina Darby, United Way of Coweta and Fayette counties, at 770-254-8497.