The Community Foundation of East Central Illinois is accepting letters of intent for the 2010 Community Foundation Marajen Stevick Foundation grants.

Projects should be in the areas of the enhancement of the quality of life for senior citizens; reading and writing programs that promote or foster excellence in public and private schools at the primary, secondary and post-secondary levels; and the aesthetic enhancement of the physical environment of Champaign, Urbana and surrounding communities.

In 2009, $60,000 was granted to five programs. The recipients and their projects were:

– Urbana Park District: $20,000 for site preparation and native tall grass prairie mix and wildflower prairie mix for a 40-acre area of Weaver Park.

– University of Illinois Extension: $5,484 for "Victory Boxes" in which senior gardeners partner with Master Gardener mentors. Seniors use specially designed containers to provide nutritious fresh produce, supplement their food budget, exercise and connect with nature and the gardening community.

– Champaign Public Library: $15,000 for a reading program at Garden Hills School. The Champaign library children's department works with teachers to establish a reading program for third- and fourth-graders. Librarians will go to the school, and the classes will have the opportunity to go to the library.

– Champaign schools: $8,505 for the Education to Careers and Professions Program in the three middle schools. The emphasis is on reading, writing and learning how those skills can help in making appropriate career choices.

– Education for Employment: $11,000 for expansion of the summer construction education program. The goal is to engage nontraditional high school students and develop awareness, career interests and skills related to the construction industry.

Letters of intent are due into the Community Foundation by noon April 30.

Additional information is available from Joan Dixon, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, at 359-0125 or info@cfeci.org.