KENNEBUNK, Maine, May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Tom's of Maine is bringing back its popular "50 States for Good" program, which invites non-profit 501(c)3 organizations to nominate their community programs and encourages consumers to vote for programs they feel should be one of five recipients of a $100,000 Community Action Fund. But, this year, there's also a new focus on volunteerism and the power of people working together.

Tom's of Maine, in partnership with VolunteerMatch, the Web's most popular volunteer recruitment network, is asking nonprofits to share their volunteer needs as part of the application process, which will be a major factor in the judging criteria. Beginning today through July 2, any qualifying 501(c) 3 with an organizational operating budget under $2 million can apply online at www.50statesforgood.com and is encouraged to be bold in sharing how they can best use new volunteers to benefit the community. In addition, the public is encouraged to tell their favorite nonprofit to join the program.

"So many nonprofits not only need funding but they urgently need people willing to give their time, skills, passion and sweat equity," said Susan Dewhirst, goodness programs manager at Tom's of Maine. "We wanted 50 States for Good to become a resource that makes it easier to learn about projects that need help and to connect with others who want to make a difference. It's just one way we can extend the goodness behind groups that are critical to the well-being of our communities."

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In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Tom's of Maine, applications will be narrowed down to 40 finalists as determined by a panel of judges, including Connie Chan with Yahoo! for Good, Beth Kanter, co-author of "Networked Nonprofit", Greg Price with VolunteerMatch, Sam Davidson with Cool People Care and Robert Egger with DC Central Kitchen . Each finalist, along with their project and volunteer request, will be showcased at tomsofmaine.com.

Public voting to select the winning non-profit organizations will take place throughout August and early September with five programs each earning $20,000 and an outreach effort from Tom's of Maine and VolunteerMatch to help build their volunteer base. The selected organizations will be announced in October.

For details about the program please visit: www.50statesforgood.com

Tom's of Maine is a longtime supporter of community involvement programs including clean waterways and greater access to affordable dental care, among many other programs. In addition, since its inception, the company has donated 10% of its profits back to the community and it offers employees paid time off, up to 12 days a year, to volunteer in their local community.

About Tom's of Maine

Tom's of Maine is a leading natural products company focused on oral and personal care. Tom's of Maine sells high quality toothpaste, mouth wash, dental floss, deodorant, bar soap, and body wash products. The company has a long-standing commitment to supporting people, communities and the living planet. For 40 years, Tom's of Maine has sponsored hundreds of nonprofit efforts by giving 10% of its profits back to the community and 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. Tom's of Maine enjoys partnering with its consumers, vendors and many community organizations to support lasting, positive change that is good for the earth and us all. Visit us online at http://www.tomsofmaine.com.

SOURCE Tom's of Maine