The Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation and the Bill Russell Legacy Project, with support from Mass Mentoring Partnership, are pleased to release the second Bill Russell Mentoring Grant Program Request for Proposals (RFP).

The 2013 program focus is investing in Boston-based mentoring programs that include a connection to academic success. For the grant period between May 2013 and May 2014, the Bill Russell Mentoring Grant Program will award a minimum of $50,000 in total funding for youth mentoring programs that match caring adult mentors with Boston youth between the ages of 6 and 18-years-old. Special consideration will be given to organizations with an academic component within Boston Public Schools. Programs are required to be or become members at the highest level of eligibility of Mass Mentoring Partnership’s Quality-based Membership program. Grant winners must use their awards to do one or both of the following: expand or enhance a current mentoring program, and/or improve one of the following youth outcomes connected to academic success in a measurable way: school attendance, attitude toward school, attitude toward teachers and school staff, or grades.

Proposals are due to Mass Mentoring by Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 12 p.m., in honor of Bill Russell's birthday. Grant winners will be announced in Spring 2013. Click here to access the RFP and grant application.

For more information regarding the RFP, eligibility, and requirements, please contact Cynthia Graham, director of program services, at cgraham@massmentors.org or 617.695.2431.