The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge will announce $175,000 in competitive community grants to 25 organizations serving the cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta and Nelson at an event on Thursday, May 31.
The ceremony will be attended by the organizations receiving funding, past and present Community Foundation board members, and several fund partners.
“Community needs continue to be particularly compelling this year, and we are thankful to be able to invest in worthy programs that can directly serve the people of our community by providing food for the hungry, creating better lives for our children, supporting the arts, creating educational and counseling opportunities for youth and adults alike, and many other necessary and vital projects,” says Christiana Shields, Director of Non-Profit Services.
In addition to its competitive grants program, the Community Foundation distributes over half a million dollars annually in awards, grants and scholarships.
Becky Kohler, the Foundation’s CEO, noted, “Each year, our grants help fill the gaps in basic human services, health, arts, education, and more. The cumulative value of our gifts now exceeds $5 million.”
Funding for these grants is made possible by a combination of the unrestricted and field-of-interest funds established and grown by the donations of generous, community-minded individuals and investment returns on endowed funds.
Grants will be awarded to:
Augusta Health Hospice – A program that offers access to Shenandoah house to those unable to pay.
Augusta Regional Dental Clinic – Award will provide dental services to children from low-income families in the area.
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank- The BackPack program will supply nutritious food to low-income children during weekends and holidays, when they do not have access to free lunches and school-based resources.
Blue Ridge Legal Services- Award will provide free high-quality legal advice and representation to low-income elderly persons in our area.
Boys and Girls Club- Award will assist in renovating the kitchen at the club for providing daily meals and cooking demonstrations.
CASA -Award will expedite placement of vulnerable children into safe, permanent, and nurturing homes, as part of the Court Advocacy for Abused/Neglected Children Project.
Casa D’Amistad – Award will provide after-school tutorial programs and adult ESL classes.
Cat’s Cradle- Spay/Neuter assistance for animals in Augusta County, Staunton, and Waynesboro.
Children’s Art Network- Award will provide art programs for school children that emphasize the SOL’s.
Community Child Care Center- Award will bridge the gap between the cost of child care and the ability of low-income families to pay.
Family Resource and Referral Center- Awards will provide support for in-home visits to at-risk families to help prepare children for school, in addition to funds for childcare provider training.
GRASP- Award will help to provide advisors at all local public high schools to assist students and parents prepare for and attain a post secondary education.
Rebuilding Together Augusta- Provides critical home repairs for low-income, elderly, or disabled home-owners in our area.
Salvation Army – Staunton –A social services program to meet the needs of those who are in crisis.
Shenandoah Valley Community Focus – Support for a program to educate approximately 3000 students annually on puberty, pregnancy prevention, STD’s, dating abuse, and healthy relationships.
Staunton Music Festival- Award will provide a free concert series as part of the renowned Staunton Music Festival, including one for children.
Valley Aids Network- Award will provide emergency rental, utility, and heating assistance to Valley residents diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
Valley Children’s Center- Provides a friendly environment and support services for children suffering from sexual or physical abuse.
Valley Hope Counseling Center- Provides low-fee mental health counseling services to uninsured local residents.
Valley Mission- Award will transform the Mission’s after-school area for the children living at the mission.
Volunteer Farm- Award provides support for the 2012 vegetable crop, a project to supply fresh produce to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.
Valley Program for Aging Services- Award will provide final funding for a new accessible minivan, allowing for the expansion of the TED program to Staunton residents.
Waynesboro Area Learning Tree- Award will provide affordable, accessible, and quality computer training.
Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra- Support for a joint concert with Schola Cantorum.
Woodrow Wilson rehab Center- Award will maintain and expand access to public transportation for WWRC students, increasing access to jobs, internships, and off-campus education.
Share
Contributors
