They have been around since 2004. Supported largely by volunteer efforts, they maintain a website for speculative fiction readers, writers, editors and publishers; perform outreach (mostly providing book lists) to schools and libraries; and raise and distribute funds to support quality work by individuals and organizations, including giving grants to writers.
There's even a grant to "older writers" (deadline for applications is March 31) I guess the tough part is, you have to admit you're over 50 to get it.