Following a successful inaugural year awarding ten grants in four states, the California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant program is expanding across the nation and tripling its support to public high school athletics. A total of $75,000 in grants of $1,000 or more will be available to public high schools in most states.

You saw the advertisement about this program in the last issue of this Member Benefits newsletter. California Casualty established the grants program because education budget cuts have drastically reduced support for school athletics, in some cases forcing programs to shut down altogether. Chairman Thomas R. Brown experienced the positive impact of playing sports as a youth. “Athletes learn teamwork, discipline and that hard work pays off,” he said. “They’re a valuable complement to what’s learned in the classroom.”

Applications should be completed by an employee of the school that seeks grant support and they must be received by California Casualty no later than February 15, 2012. California Casualty will notify selected schools and present them with checks in April 2012. For more information, as well as application forms and guidelines, visit www.CalCasAthleticsGrant.com.

A trusted partner of the Idaho Education Association since 1988, California Casualty provides auto and home insurance for educators, peace officers, firefighters and nurses. Learn more at www.calcas.com.