Eligible Project Themes for Dara’s Fund

Projects eligible to receive support from Dara’s Fund must focus on the following themes and issue areas identified at each grade span. Please note that projects about the environment may be proposed for all grade levels. Sample project ideas are provided on the next page.

A note about our sponsorship for conferences: The Dara Fund will provide support for conferences if 1) youth have an active role in planning the event; and 2) the theme of the event must connect to at least one of the themes described below. Your application must address both of these criteria.

All grade levels – Environmental Protection: Dara always loved outdoor activities and appreciated the beauty in the world around her. Growing up on the coast of Maine, she enjoyed sailing with her family, swimming in lakes, rivers and the ocean, camping, and hiking. In high school, Dara’s interest in and keen concern for the environment emerged. Dara’s Fund will support projects that address all aspects of environmental degradation (water, land, air, plant/animal habitat, human health impacts).

Grades K-5 - Animal-Human Relationships: As an elementary student, Dara was passionate about animals and her concerns about animal welfare stayed with her as she matured. In high school, she volunteered at the Coastal Humane Society, where she is remembered for her innate love for and understanding of animals and as a responsible volunteer. Dara’s Fund will support elementary projects focused on the “animal welfare” needs in the students’ communities; examples of possible issues include neutering, improvements to existing shelters, proper pet care, etc.

Grades 6-8 - Interpersonal Relationships: In middle school, Dara’s relationships with her friends and concerns about her peers were important in her personal growth and development. Dara’s family and friends remember the many times she reached out to help her friends and how she always appreciated the diverse individual strengths of others. Dara’s Fund will support middle school projects that focus on relationships, such as friendship issues, bullying prevention, and community diversity etc.

Grades 9-12 - Youth-Community Relationships: In high school, Dara continued to care deeply about social issues. Her sharp wit, ability to listen, and inherent wisdom and compassion had a major impact on the lives of other young people. Dara’s Fund will support high school students who choose to tackle challenging issues facing their local and international communities such as appreciation of diversity, social justice, depression, teen suicide, and addictive behaviors.