Rather than funding many smaller projects as in the past, this year Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe will distribute $28,000 to a maximum of five local nonprofit organizations. The goal of this approach is to encourage applicants to think big and create programs that impact the community.

SISLT is making significant changes to its Community Service Grants Program in 2012. The club plans to focus its efforts on identifying new, creative and innovative projects that will have a major impact on the women and/or children in its community. Only nonprofit organizations and entities with no dedicated foundation support may apply and all funds must stay within the South Shore community. Special consideration will be given to proposals for programs that address the needs of underserved populations.

In its 52-year history of service to the community, SISLT has contributed more than $2 million to local nonprofit organizations. The club instituted its current Community Service Grants Program process in 1997 as an annual, formalized means to allocate its funds throughout the community.

Applications for SISLT’s 2012 Community Service Grants will be available online Sept. 30-Nov. 21. For more information, email sisltfoundation@gmail.com.