DETROIT, Dec. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The DTE Energy Foundation is reminding nonprofit organizations that Jan. 31 is the deadline to apply for its 2006 Achieving Excellence Awards Program -- Michigan's largest competitive corporate grant program for nonprofits. Awards of up to $100,000 each will be presented in four categories: special achievement, leadership, collaboration and sustainability. The Special Achievement Award will recognize the nonprofit organization that has anticipated and is best-positioned to respond to community needs based on Michigan's current economic crisis, while staying true to its mission. The Leadership Award will go to the nonprofit organization that demonstrates the clearest vision and strategy for the leadership development of its board, executives and key staff members. The Collaboration Award will acknowledge the most outstanding collaboration between three or more organizations, of which at least one is a nonprofit. The Sustainability Award will recognize the nonprofit organization that has best achieved organizational financial stability through the planning and attainment of a diversified revenue base. Past winners of Achieving Excellence Awards Program include the Detroit Science Center, the Southwest Detroit Business Association, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, the Lansing-based Michigan Nonprofit Association, the Inland Seas Education Association in Sutton's Bay, and the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula in Escanaba. To be considered for the Achieving Excellence Awards Program, organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and be located within DTE Energy's service area. Applications will be judged by an independent panel of leaders in Michigan's philanthropic community. Winners will be announced in June 2006. Applications and additional information on the Achieving Excellence Awards Program may be obtained online at http://www.dteenergy.com/foundation or by calling (313) 235-9271. The DTE Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of DTE Energy, continuing the legacy of community support and involvement of its principal operating subsidiaries, Detroit Edison and MichCon. The Foundation directs its contributions and involvement to support initiatives dedicated to developing the human and economic potential of the communities it serves. DATASOURCE: DTE Energy CONTACT: Eileen Dixon, +1-313-235-9154, or Lorie Kessler, +1-313-235-8807, both of DTE Energy Web site: http://www.dteenergy.com/ http://www.dteenergy.com/foundation

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