Foundation Announces First Quarter Grants
Charleston, WV- “Maxine was our very first client,” recalls Jennifer Waggener, Executive Director of Faith in Action of the Greater Kanawha Valley, Inc. “At age 90, she is a former Rosie the Riveter who lives alone and is fiercely independent. Two years ago, she voluntarily relinquished her driver’s license, recognizing that it was no longer safe for her to be behind the wheel. Since then, she has been paying a taxi company $40 per roundtrip to her quarterly doctor’s appointment, to the grocery store and to run other errands.”
This is where Faith in Action’s work can aid and assist the elderly population of Kanawha County to age in place with grace and dignity. “As you might imagine, this can be devastating to a fixed income budget. We have been able to meet her transportation needs at no cost to her.”
Maxine’s story is only one of the nine grants that The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation’s Board of Trustees approved at its March 16, 2016 meeting. There are 71 collaborative partners involved in these nine projects and their collaborative efforts are key to achieving TGKVF’s strategic goals. These nine grants total $315,700.
Education Alliance- $38,200 (Education)
The Born Learning Academy program connects schools with families of young children during the critical period of early learning (birth to Pre-K) prior to school enrollment. Families participate in academy trainings where they learn how to create teachable moments for their children. Through this grant, the Foundation will partner with Toyota Manufacturing to expand the program to six additional schools. TGKVF funding will support three grants to applicant schools within the Foundation’s footprint; priority will be given to Title I schools serving marginalized populations.
WVU Extension- $78,000 (Education)
The STEM Ambassador Program provides STEM learning opportunities for K-12 youth. The STEM Ambassadors implement summertime STEM workshops during 4-H camps, community events, and public programming for more than 4,000 participants. In its second year, this project will expand the Ambassadors’ impact by incorporating year-round STEM programming through the help of AmeriCorps VISTAs dedicated to strengthening the STEM infrastructure in all six counties that TGKVF serves. Funding will support STEM equipment, supplies, scholarships, and Ambassador stipends.
Community Access, Inc. $15,000 (Health)
Warrior Wellness is a cross-system project designed to assist military service members (both active duty and veterans) to enhance their own practices for wellness. Through a partnership with Red Barn Stables, WV National Guard, and Kanawha County Parks and Recreation, this project combines equine assisted learning activities with guided hiking/trail activities. Funding will support healthy lifestyles and community-based support for military service members.
Kanawha County Board of Education $74,000 (Health)
The Community Schools Health Care Coordinator (CSHC) will serve as a liaison between West Side schools, Kanawha County Schools Dental Clinic, Familycare Health Center, the Handle with Care program and other resources as needed. This funding will allow the CSHC, a nurse located at Mary C. Snow Elementary, to serve the West Side’s youth on a full time basis. The grant will also assist the dental clinic with providing oral care to uninsured children.
Putnam County Parks and Recreation Commission $20,000 (Health)
Putnam County Parks and Recreation, Rivers to Ridges, and other collaborating partners are working together to improve and develop recreation sites in three communities in northern Putnam County. Funding will support infrastructure improvement at all three sites as well as development of a master plan for a community garden area at Valley Park in Hurricane.
Kanawha Valley Friends of Old Time Music and Dance (FOOTMAD) $13,000 (Arts & Culture)
FOOTMAD is collaborating with the Charleston CVB and FestivALL to launch an initiative with local artists to provide high quality, culturally authentic entertainment experiences for tourism enhancement and increased business entertainment options. A business plan, marketing strategy, and materials will be created through this pilot project. Funding will support a portion of the project manager’s salary.
Faith in Action of the Greater Kanawha Valley, Inc. $37,500 (Field of Interest)
Faith in Action’s “Helping Hand Project” is a strategic initiative designed to assist the elder population of Kanawha County to age in place with grace and dignity. This grant will support the recruitment, education, and training of the general public and collaborative partners to provide services to the over 65 population.
FestivALL, Charleston, West Virginia, Inc. $25,000 (Arts & Culture)
FestivALL (June 16-27, 2016) will feature approximately 150 music, visual art, dance, theatre, humanities and family entertainment events with over 400 performances by local, national, and international artists. Events, performances, and exhibitors are produced, co-produced and presented by FestivALL in cooperation with partner organizations and individuals. This funding will support 10 specific events.
West Virginia Symphony Orchestra $15,000 (Arts & Culture)
On the first Sunday in June, the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) will serve an anticipated 10,000 people in Kanawha County and beyond with a day of performances by the WVSO as well as other community music and dance organizations. “Symphony Sunday” is offered free to the community on the University of Charleston campus. Funding will support orchestra personnel, staff, and event expenses.
Total funding for the 1st Quarter of 2016 is: $315,700
