SIDNEY — The Community Foundation of Shelby County Board of Trustees recently invested more than $26,000 in several local organizations during its annual community grants process.
Grants are awarded in a competitive process that is based upon proposals submitted by not-for-profit organizations in or serving Shelby County residents. Grant money came from many local individuals who support the Community Foundation Partners program and the Community Impact Fund, a general grantmaking fund.
The largest award, a $5,000 Impact Grant, went to a partnership of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke County and the Shelby County Workforce Partnership. The grant supports a project involving targeted Sidney Middle School students who attend after-school sessions on job readiness and meet with career mentors from local businesses. Some sessions will be onsite at businesses to give participating students hands-on learning in various career fields.
Other grant awards include the following:
An automated external defibrillator (AED) for Fort Loramie’s American Legion Post. The Legion hall is frequently used for member and public events, making it a prime spot for the need of an AED. Compassionate Care of Shelby County received $3,000 to increase nurse practitioner hours and GIVE Medical Ministry was awarded $600 to purchase knee walkers that would be available to Shelby County residents. Wilson Health received a $4,800 grant to purchase a ventilator for a patient-transport ambulance.
Jackson Township was granted $1,000 to support its participation in a collaborative video promoting economic development, quality of life and the work ethic of the Jackson Center area. The Midwest Regional Educational Service Center will use its $1,250 grant for expenses relating to obtaining Rhodes State Community College credentials for local Opportunity School students. The goal is to gain skilled employment credentials for 10 percent or more of such students by 2020.
The Sidney Civic Band plays on new performance platforms supported by a $2,000 grant. The Shelby County Historical Society received $1,000 to present Pioneer Day for fourth graders and Civil War Day for eighth graders from throughout the county. The Sidney-Shelby County Y Child Development Center will use a $3,000 grant to purchase tablets for use by preschool and prekindergarten students to assist with curriculum and technology skills. Wilma Valentine Childcare was granted $2,500 to install perforated tiles in its outdoor play space to make it accessible to children using walkers, wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
The next deadline to apply for the foundation’s Community Grants is Feb. 1. The Community Foundation of Shelby County administers more than 155 charitable funds established by local residents and organizations and that benefit a wide range of charitable purposes. To make a gift to the Community Impact Fund that will increase available grant dollars, call 497-7800 or visit www.commfoun.com.
