Levittown Charity Competing For $25,000 Grant

LEVITTOWN, NY — A local charity is in the running to win a $25,000 grant from the State Farm Neighborhood Assist program. This Is My S.W.A.G., a Levittown-based charity that empowers children, is one of 200 finalists from around the country competing for funding.

This Is My S.W.A.G. brings programs to children to encourage and inspire them to make healthy choices, both physically and mentally. They run fitness programs, social/emotional learning programs, leadership programs and high-energy dance programs. So far, they have been working in local schools and homeless shelters, and working with students with disabilities.

The organization was one of 2,000 organizations that submitted applications to State Farm's program, and is now one of 200 finalists. In order to win funding, This Is My S.W.A.G. has to be in the top 40 vote-getters in the next leg of the contest.

Starting Aug. 18 and running through Aug. 27, U.S. residents 18 and older with a valid email address can vote for their favorite cause at www.neighborhoodassist.com. The 40 organizations with the most votes will each win a $25,000 grant. You can vote up to 10 times per day.

"With the $25,000 we will be able to install our programs in more homeless shelters, turn around socially devastated schools, and give students the tools they need to be successful," This Is My S.W.A.G. wrote in its application. "We will be able to set up national tours, expand our virtual platform and spend time where resources are needed. From parents to principals, superintendents to social workers, they are all looking for programs to get kids moving and motivated. We have a solution that will better students in more ways than one."

The winning organizations will receive the grants on Sept. 29. You can read more about This Is My S.W.A.G. by clicking here.