The Greene County Foundation is happy to announce the 2020 Community Support Grants, which total $82,058. These grants are made from the earnings of the unrestricted funds held at the Foundation; the funds are supported by donors who wish to allow the Foundation flexibility in addressing Greene County’s most pressing needs. The grant cycle is a competitive process, with organizations submitting grant requests that are evaluated by the Foundation’s Grant Committee, and the board votes on the committee’s recommendations.
This year’s Community Support Grant recipients are:
- MSD of Shakamak
- Greene County Ambulance Service
- Pregnancy Choices
- Shawnee Theater
- Eastern Greene Elementary
- Pace Community Action Agency, Inc.
MSD of Shakamak was granted $28,885 for a Graphic Design and Layout II classroom. Students will learn advanced graphic design skills, as well as airbrushing and screen printing. Stacy Samm, teacher, is hopeful for the students to start a print shop to bring funds to the classroom.
The Greene County Ambulance Service will now be able to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for the ambulance service with their $20,250 grant. Equipment such as a training mannequin, pedi mates, a video laryngoscopes and other training aids will allow crews to maintain their skills and help save lives in Greene County.
Pregnancy Choices recently acquired the Trinity Lutheran Church building, and their grant of $15,500 will be used to remodel the building, which will, ultimately, enable them to serve more patients.
Shawnee Theater has been awarded $10,000 for parking lot revitalization and restroom repairs.
Eastern Greene Elementary will be providing students and families with the necessary tools to be emotionally healthy. Elementary principal Amanda Gibboney says their vision is to build a culture where students and their families are emotionally healthy so they can be socially responsible citizens in our society. Their grant of $4,923 will support the framework for their Social Emotional Learning.
Pace Community Action Agency received a grant for $2,500 for their Healthy Body/Healthy Mind Program, which provides books and a music therapist to work with students.
“The Foundation is thrilled to strengthen Greene County through the support of these organizations,” said Sherri Knieriem, executive director. “Another grant cycle will be open September 1 – 15 for organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, so we hope to focus on recovery efforts this round. Organizations that didn’t receive a Community Support Grant are encouraged to try again.”