Nonprofits can win $1,000 prizes

Pluff Mud Connect, a Web-based service designed to connect Lowcountry consultants and service providers with nonprofit organizations, invites area nonprofits to apply to win one of five $1,000 prizes.

To apply, nonprofits must answer one question: "If your organization received an extra $1,000 that could only be used for a one-time project, what would you do?"

The prizes will be awarded solely for one-time projects that strengthen a nonprofit's staff, volunteer base, fundraising, marketing or other infrastructure needs.

To apply, organizations must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and be physically located in Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Jasper or Hampton counties. Applicants also must be registered with Pluff Mud Connect, which is free to all area nonprofits.

Applicants must submit their answers at www.pluffmudconnect.com by July 31. Winners will be announced in August.

Semifinalists will be chosen by the Pluff Mud Connect team. Members of the Web-based community will then be invited to vote for the five finalists.

The prize is funded with a portion of the enrollment fees paid by the local consultants, service providers and businesses that join the service.