FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Debbie Harris at 888.307.1449dharris@calcas.com
Application Deadline Extended to February 15, 2012 for California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grants
San Mateo, CA, January 15, 2012 … California Casualty announced today it is extending the application deadline for a grant program providing relief to athletics programs struggling financially in public high schools. Those seeking assistance now have until February 15, 2012 to request a Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant.
California Casualty Senior Vice President Doug Goldberg cited the hectic holiday season and subsequent new semester start as reasons for moving the deadline back a month. “We know there are many schools out there with athletic programs hanging on by a thread,” he said. “We want to make sure that as many of them as possible are able to complete an application and be considered for support.”
Following a successful inaugural year in four states, the Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant program will triple its reach in 2012, awarding $75,000 in grants of $1,000 or more.
Shrinking state education budgets, coupled with pressure to improve academic performance, have forced many schools to trim or eliminate athletic programs. In many cases, coaches have subsidized programs out of their own pocket, and student athletes risk injury practicing with old, worn out equipment. One school receiving a Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant last year held several State Championship titles, yet could not host a competition because it didn’t have a sanctioned timing system.
These types of situations concerned California Casualty Chairman and past CEO Thomas R. Brown, who enjoyed school athletics and understands their impact on self-esteem and leadership development. “Youth sports teach teamwork, discipline and that hard work pays off,” Brown said. “They’re a valuable complement to lessons learned in school.”
Who can apply? Employees of public high schools in most states (except Alaska, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York and Wisconsin), who hold current membership in the National Education Association (NEA) or other education associations listed in the grant guidelines.
The minimum grant award is $1,000. Applications should be completed and submitted by an active employee of the school by February 15, 2012. Complete guidelines and an application form can be found at https://www.calcasathleticsgrant.com. Award notifications will be made by April 30, 2012.
California Casualty has a 60-year relationship with education and school administration associations.
“We understand the struggles they face every day,” Goldberg added. “This is our way of giving back.”
Headquartered in San Mateo, CA, with Service Centers in Arizona, Colorado and Kansas, California Casualty provides auto and home insurance products to educators, law enforcement, fire fighters and nurses in 44 states. For more information about this program, visit https://www.CalCasAthleticsGrant.com.