JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
If your Joint Team Andrews organization is looking for a little financial boost for your group's upcoming holiday parties and other squadron events, the place to look may be the Andrews Officers' Spouses' Club.
"Every year the AOSC awards thousands of dollars in philanthropic funds to benefit Joint Team Andrews and the surrounding community," said Julie O'Leary, AOSC president and wife of Capt. Stephen O'Leary, Headquarters Air Force A9/A9AD campaign analyst and logistics subject matter expert. "The AOSC's commitment to service benefits servicemembers and civilians alike."
Last year alone, the AOSC awarded more than $24,000 to various base and community organizations. Among the organizations benefiting from AOSC funding include the Andrews Chiefs Group, the Andrews First Sergeant's Council and the Andrews Fisher House.
Organizations who previously applied for funding may request philanthropic funds again this year.
"Philanthropic giving is one major part of our organization - it's just what we do," Ms. O'Leary explained. "AOSC is a service organization and our goal is to give back to the Andrews community. For example, The Thrift Shop is supported by the people who do their shopping there and that money goes right back into the Andrews community."
Applying for AOSC philanthropic funds is a simple process, but applicants must be detailed in their request.
"To assist us in evaluating your request, be as specific as possible," said Ms. O'Leary. "Ask for an exact amount of funding. Give us as much information as possible about the program you want us to support as well as any additional funding sources available to your organization."
Ms. O'Leary also suggests that organizations provide details about the event, as well.
"If you are asking for a specific item or items, give us the exact cost and what it would be used for," said Ms. O'Leary.
The AOSC has specific guidelines in giving its philanthropic funds, including: funds cannot be given to specific individuals and funds can only be given to non-profit organizations, schools and military organizations.
Ms. O'Leary encourages base organizations to think ahead for their requests - especially with the upcoming holiday season.
"Our funding is limited and we are unable to support all the requests we receive, but you will be notified as to the status of your request as soon as it has been considered by the AOSC board," said Ms. O'Leary. "Funds must be requested in writing by the last Thursday of the month to be up for discussion and vote at the following month's Board of Governor's meeting. Any requests over $500 will be considered at the BOG meeting, but must also meet with voting approval from our general membership - on the second Tuesday of the month."
AOSC philanthropic request forms are available on the AOSC Web site at http://andrewsosconline.com under the "Making a Difference" link, and can also be found at the AOSC Thrift Shop located on 1676 Brookley Ave., behind the Airmen's Attic.
"We encourage eligible base organizations to reapply throughout the year for additional funding if another need arises," she said.