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Special needs foundation accepting applications The A.J. Williams Children with Special Needs Foundation is accepting applications from organizations in Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley counties.    A.J. Williams   The foundation was started to continue a legacy of awareness and gift of love that A.J. shared with so many in the community. A.J., a 13-year-old born with lissencephaly, a rare brain malformation, was mentally and physically challenged and struggled with uncontrolled seizures for most of his life. Despite his challenges, A.J. was a blessing to everyone with whom he came in contact. His imperfections taught many the meaning of unconditional love, and appreciation and acceptance of children with special needs.  A.J. died 13 days after his 13th birthday.    The A.J. Williams Children with Special Needs Foundation is a non-profit foundation, created in 2005 by Adrian and Tiffany Williams. It was founded as a grant-making organization to fund programs that provide children with special needs and their families with the emotional support needed to be included and thrive in the community on a daily basis.   The grant review process includes evaluation of financial statements, board appointment and a clearly defined explanation of the project needing funding and its relation to the A.J. Williams Children with Special Needs Foundation’s mission. Grant size will vary, and will not exceed $1,500. All grants are for a one-year period.   Specifically, the foundation’s mission is to support organizations that provide support to children with special needs and their families through increasing awareness, improving services, enhancing support and embracing families.  Requests from organizations that are designed as a nonprofit, tax-exempt “public charity” as defined under Sections 501 (c) 3 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code or other comparable tax-exempt codes will be considered.   The deadline for application submission is May 31. Grant recipients will be determined and announced by June 15 and funds distributed in July.   Applications can be requested by e-mail at info@ajwilliamsfoundation.org. Completed applications can be submitted by e-mail or postmarked by May 31 and sent to 4202 Magnolia Court, North Charleston, SC, 29420. Questions can be directed to Tiffany Williams at tiffany@ajwilliamsfoundation.org or 813-3969.     Friday, April 13, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.