Tom's of Maine "50 States for Good" Program to Award More Than $500,000 to Deserving Nonprofits Across the Nation

KENNEBUNK, Maine, Aug. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Want to help a local nonprofit but strapped for time or resources?  Be a seed for change with just a few clicks. The Tom's of Maine annual 50 States for Good program encourages anyone from Maine to Alaska to nominate a grassroots nonprofit that is helping people and the planet. This year, the company will reward an organization in every state with $10,000 in funding, providing more than $500,000 for community projects. In addition, the company is offering an innovative way to be a virtual volunteer to help kids in Detroit. More information and the nomination form are available at www.50StatesforGood.com.  

50 States for Good celebrates the many small nonprofits and passionate community members who see local needs and jump into action. This year's 51 winners, representing every state and the District of Columbia, will be chosen by an independent judging panel and awarded $10,000 each. In addition, for the first time, nominators are invited to opt in for a chance to be selected as a member of the 2014 independent judging panel. Nominations will be accepted through September 30, 2014.

The sixth annual community giving program has made hundreds of inspiring grassroots projects happen across the country. This year, a socially-powered project will bring goodness to kids and families in Detroit. With consumer support online and a $25,000 donation to nonprofit Eight Mile Boulevard Association, Tom's of Maine will renovate distressed Knudsen Park near historic Eight Mile Road. Tom's of Maine is asking the public to show nationwide support for Detroit with a simple social action to help decide what new items go into the park, such as a picnic area, benches, a play car, a swing set, public art or basketball court updates. Make your click count at www.50StatesforGood.com and follow our progress at Twitter.com/TomsofMaine and Facebook.com/TomsofMaine for regular updates.

"There's a desire inside each of us to bring a little more goodness to our communities, which is why we're really excited to provide funding to a nonprofit in every state and the District of Columbia for the first time," said Susan Dewhirst, goodness programs manager at Tom's of Maine. "Whether you want to say thank you to an inspiring nonprofit in your community or join us in rooting for Detroit, it's easy to make a difference."

Winners will be chosen by a passionate panel of influential judges, including:

• AnnaSophia Robb, actress and social good advocate
• Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author of The Happiness Project and Happier at Home
• Kathryn Budig, internationally-known yoga teacher, author and nonprofit founder
• Lisa M. Dietlin, national nonprofit advisor, author and Huffington Post contributor
• Mary Mazzoni, sustainability storyteller and senior editor of TriplePundit.com
• Tom Szaky, founder and CEO of upcycling leader TerraCycle

Over the past five years, the Tom's of Maine "50 States for Good" program has provided $650,000 in funding to build playgrounds, support community gardens, maintain sustainable nature trails, provide shelter and food for the homeless and care for animals, among many other initiatives.

Additional 50 States for Good program information and terms and conditions are available at www.50StatesforGood.com.

Tom's of Maine offers every employee 5% of paid time off, up to 12 days a year, to volunteer in their community and a day to volunteer together with coworkers. As part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, the company is a longtime supporter of community programs including greater access to affordable dental care and other initiatives focused on healthy living and caring for the planet. In addition, Tom's of Maine donates 10% of its profits back to the communities.

Learn more about Tom's of Maine as told by its employees or visit http://www.tomsofmaine.com/.

About Tom's of Maine
Tom's of Maine is a leading natural products company focused on oral and personal care carrying high quality toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, antiperspirant, deodorant and bar soap products. The company has a long-standing commitment to supporting people, communities and the living planet. For over 44 years, Tom's of Maine has sponsored hundreds of nonprofit efforts by giving 10% of its profits back to organizations that support human and environmental goodness and by encouraging employees to use 5% (12 days) of employee time to volunteer. Tom's of Maine employees regularly contribute suggestions for improving the company's high sustainability standards. And their ideas, from wind power to ways to improve recycled and recyclable packaging options, are critical to the company's sensitive way of doing business. Most Tom's of Maine products are vegan, kosher and halal certified and gluten-free. All packaging is recyclable through a partnership with upcycling leader TerraCycle or participating municipalities. Tom's of Maine enjoys partnering with its consumers, suppliers and community organizations to support lasting, positive change that is good for people and the planet. Visit us online at http://www.tomsofmaine.com/ or at http://www.facebook.com/TomsofMaine.

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SOURCE Tom's of Maine