Daniels Fund Awards $4.5 Million to Expand National Civics Bee
Published in Philanthropy News Digest on September 23, 2023.
The Denver-based Daniels Fund has announced a three-year, $4.5 million grant to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (CCF) to expand its National Civics Bee.
The grant from the fund—founded by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels, who died in 2000—will enable CCF to scale its annual competition, which encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities with plans reach all 50 states by 2026 to coincide with the 250th birthday of the United States. Currently, local chambers of commerce in 19 states participate in the program, which CFF aims to expand to at least 30 states in 2024.
Middle school students participate through their local chambers of commerce by first submitting an essay addressing a specific issue in their community, then competing in local- and state-level competitions to answer questions related to the founding of the country and its system of government. Winners of state-level competitions receive a cash prize. An inaugural national competition will be held in late 2024.
“From the very beginning, the founders of our country understood that for the American form of government to thrive, its citizens would need to be informed and engaged in our processes,” said Daniels Fund president Hanna Skandera. “Our partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation will ensure that America’s future leaders are equipped to do just that.”
(Photo credit: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation)
"Daniels Fund grants $4.5 million to scale National Civics Bee." Daniels Fund press release 09/19/2023.
