The Permanent Endowment for Martha’s Vineyard is accepting applications for its spring grant cycle. Through its grants program, the endowment seeks to raise awareness of Vineyard issues, respond to community needs, foster collaboration among nonprofit organizations and support innovative approaches to bettering the quality of life on the Island.

The Endowment welcomes applications from Island nonprofit organizations with IRS 501 (c)(3) status seeking funding for new projects as well as continuing programs that benefit the Vineyard community.

In the past, the Endowment has provided support for the arts and culture, civic affairs and community development, education, the elderly, the environment, housing, health and human services and youth. This spring two new funds, the Lillian Hellman Recreational Fund and the Jack Ware Fund for Martha’s Vineyard, will be available as well.

Application materials are available online at endowmv.org and in the reference section of each Island town library. For details, call 508-338-4665 or e-mail info@endowmv.org. All applications must be postmarked by Feb. 16, 2010 and applicants will be notified of grant awards by April 1.