The Community Foundation of Grant County is excited to announce the recipients of the Give to Grant Collaborative Grant Cycle. A total of $77,011 was disbursed in grants this month to nine organizations for programs and projects supporting positive impact for the betterment of Grant County.
The Foundation is home to a variety of 400+ charitable funds established by generous donors with a passion for supporting worthwhile charitable causes. The Give to Grant Collaborative uniquely consists of endowment funds established to provide support for general charitable purposes identified as the most pressing needs and opportunities in the community to be selected annually at the discretion of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
“The Give to Grant Collaborative simplifies charitable giving and philanthropic impact by combining generous donations with others to pool resources and generate something strong and impactful for the community,” says Meagan Mathias, Community Investment Manager. “Every year, the Foundation awards between $1-3 Million in grants to nonprofits, community entities, and college-bound students right here in Grant County. From safety devices and meal delivery services to trail maintenance and neighborhood beautification projects, the Foundation funds a variety of causes that promote sustainable impact towards the betterment of Grant County. This is philanthropy in its broadest sense.”
Visit GiveToGrant.org/Collaborative to learn about each of these funds or call 765-662-0065 to learn more about how easy it is to join the Give to Grant Collaborative.
Below is a summary of how each organization plans to use the awarded funding:
Ivy Tech Foundation was awarded $10,000 to provide up to 12 students with dual enrollment opportunities. Ivy Tech Community College has one of Indiana’s largest dual enrollment programs in a statewide partnership with K-12 schools. The Marion Campus, in partnership with Grant County schools, is doing its part to prepare students for post-secondary success.
The City of Marion Fire Department was awarded $9,911 to purchase seven AED devices for the City of Marion Fire Department. The Department receives several medical calls a day and relies heavily on the equipment they carry. In addition to the Give to Grant Collaborative, the Travis Simpkins Memorial Fund contributed to awarding this grant.
Meals on Wheels was awarded $10,000 to subsidize meals for those who are unable to afford to participate, as well as cover additional overhead expenses related to growing their client base. Meals on Wheels works alongside local hospitals, nursing homes, and social workers to assist patients with getting access to food services in Grant County so that they can remain in the comfort of their own home.
Cardinal Greenways was awarded $10,000 to purchase a new truck for Grant County volunteers to use in maintaining the trails. The large group of dedicated volunteers provide many hours every year maintaining the ten miles of trail in Grant County. This grant provided volunteers the proper tools and equipment they need to complete their work safely and efficiently.
Cancer Services of Grant County was awarded $10,000 to support the Breast Education Screening and Survival (BESS) program. Since the program’s inception in 2000, Cancer Services has provided over 9000 mammograms and has educated over 100,000 Grant County individuals. This program provides countywide education outreach, mammography, and further diagnostics to anyone who cannot afford these services.
Hands of Hope was awarded $10,000 to purchase a vehicle for Hands of Hope staff to use as they expand their outreach and mobile advocacy services to victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, and stalking in Grant County. This grant will make staff accessible where the victim might feel more comfortable such as a victim’s home, local park, local restaurant, or library. In addition to the Give to Grant Collaborative, the Anna Mae Harrison Fund, the Heidi Sue Chastain Memorial Fund and the J. William and Eleanor G. Long Memorial Fund contributed to awarding this grant.
SAWs – Servants at Work was awarded $9,000 to install six high-quality removable and reusable wooden wheelchair ramps for mobility-challenged Grant County residents. A SAWs ramp provides persons who are dependent on a wheelchair or other movement-assisted device the ability to gain freedom from their homes to access health care and other quality of life activities.
Mad Anthonys Children’s Hope House was awarded $5,000 to offer temporary, minimal-cost lodging to parents and families of Grant County children receiving medical care away from home. Mad Anthonys Children’s Hope House offers comfortable beds, hot meals, laundry facilities, and showers, to families with a hospitalized child in any Fort Wayne medical facility. They provide these basic needs in a safe, stable, and supportive environment while their loved one is just a short walk away.
Euclid Neighborhood Association was awarded $3,100 to complete the Euclid Neighborhood Association’s two-phased beautification project by planting 18 additional trees in the area. This project will foster a safe and welcoming atmosphere by improving the forgotten streetscape in the city’s right of way. It is a local grassroots initiative, spurred by residents passionate to create change while preserving the historic street for future generations.
