Ohio announced that it will offer in-state tuition rates to veterans who attend its state colleges. The first plan of its kind in the nation, the Ohio GI Promise will allow veterans, their spouses and dependents to attend the state's 36 colleges and universities at in-state tuition rates, regardless of where they currently reside. The special rate will take effect when the new GI Bill benefits roll out in August 2009, but some veterans may immediately be able to get the special tuition rate depending on how much money they are currently receiving under the GI Bill. For more information, visit the Ohio GI Promise website or call the hotline at 1-877-VETS-OH-1.

Airgas Offers Opportunities for Veterans

Airgas, a distributor of industrial, medical, specialty gases, and welding and safety products with facilities in 47 states, will hire 100 veterans of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom in conjunction with its new partnership with the organization Operation Homefront. For veterans who think they may be interested in learning the welding trade, Airgas also offers a "Welding 101" course. While the company does not actually do welding, it has the facilities, courses and certified welding engineers needed to offer the two days of classroom instruction and hands-on experience that serve as a good way to gauge interest in pursuing the trade further. Eligible veterans interested in participating in Airgas' welding training course or possible employment with Airgas should contact Operation Homefront. For more information, visit the Operation Homefront website or contact Meredith Leyva at (757) 410-4926.

New Program for Illinois Veterans

A new program in Illinois provides 24-hour, toll-free assistance for Illinois Veterans day or night with the symptoms associated with post traumatic stress disorder and offers brain injury screenings. The Illinois Warrior Assistance Program provides confidential assistance for Illinois Veterans as they transition back to their everyday lives after serving our country. For more information, call the 24-hour, toll-free telephone line at 1-866-554-4927 (1-866-554-IWAP), or visit the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program website.

NCHV Website Changes

NCHV's website has a new "Grants and Resources" section under the "Support for Service Providers" tab on the left hand side of the homepage. This section includes the Top Picks of the Week, a listing of grants that is updated weekly, as well as a Resources Archive that includes a list of resources formerly featured on the homepage. To access the Grants and Resources page, click here.

Additionally, the NCHV Annual Conference section has been updated, and now includes presentation materials from the 2008 Conference sessions. There is also a photo album featuring photos from this year's conference. To check out the 2008 Conference page, click here.

Funding Opportunities

The Cora Foundation offers grants to Christian organizations nationwide. The Foundation offers funding in three program areas: education, spiritual development, and human services. The next application deadline is November 15. For more information on how to apply, click here.

The Comerica Charitable Foundation accepts applications for cash grants to certain funding priorities in Comerica's primary markets in Michigan, California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida. Nonprofits working within several areas are eligible to apply, including: economic self sufficiency, including job creation and retention, small business training and development, and transitional and supportive housing. Applications are accepted on a continuing basis. For more information, click here.