Natchez — Crime, poverty, illiteracy — do you have an idea that can address these problems and help build a stronger and more productive community?

If so, Entergy wants you to apply for one of its 2007 Community Partnership Grants.

Applications are now available at www.entergy.com/contributions and must be submitted by May 31.

“A cornerstone of Entergy’s business philosophy is helping build and enrich our communities,” said Stephen Caruthers, customer service manager for Entergy Mississippi.

“These grants enable us to work as partners with the local groups that know community needs best.

“After sponsoring the grants for more than 15 years, we can look back on hundreds of projects we have supported that have made a real difference in the lives they have touched,” he said.

The program funded more than 30 projects in Mississippi last year, including improvements to neighborhood parks, after-school programs and student art camps, and a variety of similar projects.

Community Partnership Grants provide up to $1,000 for projects that effectively impact education and literacy, community improvement or enrichment, healthy families, or arts and culture.

Organizations working within the Entergy Mississippi 45-county service area will receive priority consideration for the grants.

Applicants must qualify as tax-exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or hold similar tax-exempt status.

Grant recipients will be announced in August and checks will be presented by Sept. 29.

For more details, contact Portia Ballard Espy, Entergy Mississippi, Inc., P.O. Box 1640, Jackson, MS 39215-1650 or telephone 601-969-2440.

Visit the company’s Web site at www.entergy.com/contributions to complete an on-line application. Paper applications are not available.