COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF HOWARD COUNTY AWARDS GRANTS

Nonprofit organizations awarded more than $243,447 in second half of 2014

December 19, 2014 -- The Community Foundation of Howard County has awarded more than $243,447 in competitive grants during the second half of 2014. Combined with the first half total of $60,400, this brings the total of competitive grants awarded to more than $303,800 for the year.

"These grants are made from our community grants/unrestricted funds," said Joe Dunbar, chairman of the Community Foundation of Howard County Grants Committee. "We are in a match period to build our endowment assets and increase our grantmaking capabilities. For every $1 given to our community grants/unrestricted funds, Lilly Endowment will match with a $1. When the challenge is successfully met, $2 million ($1 million from donors and $1 million matched) will be put to work in our community. What a great opportunity to double your giving and support the services and programs that are so important to our community."

The following agencies and programs were awarded grants:

$2,049 to Bridges Outreach will be used to update marketing materials and to purchase a computer.

$3,000 to Gilead House supports the expansion of the 'Aiming for Success Employability Program.' The program teaches basic soft skills for individuals who have felony convictions and are trying to become employed.

$1,110 to Habitat for Humanity of the Kokomo Community will be used to update computer equipment that enables better tracking of properties, partner family information, mortgage payments and volunteer skills.

$5,000 to Ivy Tech Foundation supports the 2015 'Doing the Dream Program' that promotes cultural diversity.  LaVar Burton, actor, producer, director and writer, will speak at several public events and address area high school students. 

$100,000 to the Kokomo Humane Society will be used as matching support to help raise funds for the 'New Digs' campaign that will fund a new animal shelter. 

$10,000 to the Kokomo Rescue Mission will be used to purchase cabinets and countertops for the kitchen at the Open Arms shelter.

$8,788 to the Mental Health of America will be used to purchase a van to transport clients to programs and community services. 

$1,500 to the Nickel Plate Trail provides matching support to construct an overlook along the trail in Howard County just south of Cassville.

$5,000 to the Sagamore Council Boy Scouts of America will be used to replace the lawn mower at Camp Buffalo.

$4,000 to Servants at Work will be used to buy materials to construct wheelchair ramps for disabled Howard County residents.

$3,000 to the Town of Russiaville will be used as matching support to help complete the second phase of the landscaping circle in front of the Jeff Stout Community Center.

$100,000 to the Kokomo Family YMCA will be used as matching funds to help raise funds for the YMCA's new state-of-the-art facility in Kokomo. 

The Community Foundation of Howard County, Inc. was formed as a not-for-profit public charity in March 1991. The Foundation seeks to serve donors and make grants to benefit the citizens of Howard County. For more information about the Community Foundation, contact Hilda Burns at 765-454-7298 or hilda@cfhoward.org. The Web site www.cfhoward.org contains information about making gifts to endowment funds, scholarships and grantmaking.