Buffalo Funds Will Award $5,000 Grants to Two Program Centers

Official sponsor committed to helping schools promote the Champions of Character message in local markets

Posted on 06.02.08

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced today that Buffalo Funds, in conjunction with their national sponsorship of the Champions of Character program, will award $5,000 grants to two Champions of Character Program Centers prior to the 2008-09 academic year. Champions of Character Program Centers coordinate community outreach activities that integrate with existing institutional initiatives and fit the specific needs of the local community. Each grant will allow centers to further develop educational projects to better serve the Champions of Character mission.

This is the fourth year that Buffalo Funds has sponsored the grants. Past award recipients include Vanguard University (Calif.), College of Saint Mary (Neb.), Martin Methodist College (Tenn.), Cornerstone University (Mich.) and College of the Southwest (N.M.). Currently there are over 25 Program Centers on campuses across the county including Houghton College (N.Y.) and the United States Military Academy at West Point (N.Y.) Department of Physical Education.

Campus based Program Centers work to encompass training and educational outreach components for coaches, youth, parents and student-athletes with practical tools and application models to implement in practice or in the classroom everyday. As the program extends into school districts and youth organizations, special emphasis is placed on sharing character education with all “teams” within an organization, including sports teams, academic teams and teams organized around social initiatives.

Champions of Character Program Centers interested in applying for a grant must submit a proposal by July 15, 2008. The proposal must include an outline of how the Program Center functions, a highlight of the program internally and externally and how the Buffalo Funds grant will assist in the school’s overall plan and execution.

NAIA Champions of Character - Program Center Grant Proposal

(2008-09)

Presented by Buffalo Funds

Grants:

$5,000 grants will be awarded to two Program Centers prior to the start of the 2008-09 academic year

Proposal Requirements:

• In-depth outline of how the Program Center functions
• Description of the Program Center internally and externally
• Description of how the Buffalo Funds grant will assist in the school’s overall plan and execution
• Complete Program Center annual report (2007-08)

Timeline:

July 15, 2008: All grant proposals must be turned into the NAIA national office. Please submit all information to Kathy Busch, NAIA Champions of Character, via email at kbusch@naia.org or mail to NAIA, Attn: K. Busch/BF Grant, 1200 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64106

Mid August 2008: Announcement of Program Center grant recipients

For additional information contact Kathy Busch at 816-595-8101 or by email at kbusch@naia.org.

About the NAIA

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The Association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.

Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association’s innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves. To learn more visit www.NAIA.org. 

Buffalo Funds

Buffalo Funds is the Official Sponsor of the Champions of Character program. Buffalo Funds assists in the Champions of Character program growth and is the title sponsor of the NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship. To learn more about Buffalo Funds visit www.buffalofunds.com.