The Golden Belt Community Foundation recently completed its third competitive grant cycle for 2011, awarding $9,126.10 to charitable agencies and projects in Barton, Pawnee, Rush and Stafford counties.
“We receive lots of great applications every grant cycle,” said Christy Tustin, foundation executive director. “With the holidays approaching, I know that some of these grants are arriving at a time of increased need and that many people will benefit in our communities.”
The funds also allow projects to move forward that otherwise might not be able to without this funding, she said.
Ten applications were received with agencies requesting over $31,000 in funding. Programs or projects must demonstrate need and show how the program will benefit the communities of the Golden Belt. Programs that established new or fostered existing collaborations among various groups or organizations also were considered favorably.
Since 2002, over $1.5 million has been reinvested into charitable projects and agencies of the Golden Belt through grants.
Grants made through the Kansas Health Foundation Youth Fund:
• $500, Rush County Conservation District – soil tunnel trailer to make a mobile soil museum to educate youth about soils in Kansas and about how plants grow.
• $1,500, Sunflower Early Education Center – Incredible Years Pre-school to enhance the existing playground.
• $500, Saint Francis Community Services Inc. – to purchase food, rent Camp Aldrich and buy gifts for the SFCS foster child family Christmas party.
• $233.65, Unified School District 428 – Great Bend Middle School to purchase an Orion StarMac 90 mm telescope and moon filter for the Young Kilbys Science Club.
• $892.45, USD 350 St. John Elementary School – to purchase supplies to teach healthy habits such as eating healthy, brushing teeth, hand washing, etc.
Grants made possible through the Albert Gumbir Charitable Fund:
• $3,000, Community Food Bank of Barton County – to purchase staple food items to help families in a emergency crisis situation.
• $2,500, Barton County Emergency Aid Association – to help families and individuals who are experiencing emergency financial situations.
At $7.8 million in total assets and over 120 funds under management, the foundation has been making grants since 1996. For more information, call 620-792-3000 or visit website at www.goldenbeltcf.org.