Volunteers work at a Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity site in Buena Vista Township.
$755,049.10 granted in first two quarters of 2015
It’s been a busy and rewarding first two quarters of the year. So far in 2015, Saginaw Community Foundation (SCF) has granted $755,049.10, supporting 99 programs and projects via its administrative and competitive grant processes.
“We strive to grant funds to support programs that will truly make a difference in our communities,” said Reneé Johnston, president and CEO of the foundation. “Every person who has supported the foundation – whether through donations, volunteering or advocacy – has helped us give much needed support to area programs. It’s people like you who truly help make an impact in Saginaw and make our community a better place.”
Currently, SCF manages 25 unrestricted funds, 32 field of interest funds and 47 donor advised funds.
First Quarter Grant Highlights
Pit and Balcony Theatre received a $10,000 grant to support its 2015-16 production season. Now in its 83rd season, Pit and Balcony Theatre is the only live community theatre in Saginaw serving up to 8,400 persons annually. Each season is carefully chosen to appeal to the diversity and multicultural demographics of our area. An individual show allows local directors, actors, painters, set builders and musicians to participate in a live theatre experience. Funds for this grant were provided by the Saginaw Community Arts Fund and the SCF Unrestricted Fund.
A $20,000 grant was awarded to Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy to create a state-of-the-art technology lab for use in technology-infused informational research-based instruction. The technology lab will facilitate in providing appropriate gifted and talented and accelerated lessons for absent or homebound students or for any student with limited extended learning opportunities due to inadequate or no technology in the home. This grant will provide equal access to technology for students and families of all socioeconomic and racial demographics. Funds for this grant were provided by the FORCE Youth Advisory Committee, the SCF Unrestricted Fund and the Arthur H. Webster Fund.
Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity received a $12,000 grant to support its upcoming 2015 Neighborhood Revitalization project. The project will mostly work to repair and preserve homes in the City of Saginaw, Freeland and Buena Vista Township. Utilizing three programs – Critical Home Repair, Weatherization and A Brush with Kindness, Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity addresses the varied needs of homes in specific target areas of Saginaw County, serving low- to very-low income individuals and families. Funds for this grant were provided by the Neighborhood Revitalization Fund and the Lulah C. McMullen & Family Endowment Fund.
Second Quarter Grant Highlights
Bethlehem Lutheran Church received a $2,500 grant for its Saginaw Teen MOPS (Mothers Of Preschoolers) group. The group is for all young/teen moms with young children. Its purpose is to provide a place where young/teen moms can come together for mentoring and encouragement, in a non-judgmental, supportive, faith-based environment. The church hopes this group will help teen moms become more self-sufficient, confident, mature, and equipped young women. Funds for this grant were provided by the YWCA Fund for Women and Children.
A $6,000 grant was awarded to the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra (SBSO) to support its hosting five auditioning conductors during its upcoming season. Each conductor will spend a week in Saginaw, meeting SBSO patrons and sponsors, community leaders and college administration and faculty as well as working with the SBSO. Each conductor will have three rehearsals with the SBSO musicians, culminating with a concert at the end of their one week visit. Conductors scheduled to audition are Alexander Platt, Maruisz Smolij, Stilian Kirov, Andrés Franco and Laura Jackson. Funds for this grant were provided by the Senior Citizens Enrichment Fund.
Saginaw Valley Agricultural Association received a total of $18,000 in grants for the expansion and improvement of the horse arena located at the Saginaw County Fairgrounds in Chesaning. Due to rapid growth of programs and clubs that utilize the arena, an expansion is needed to accommodate all. The arena itself is in need of new, rock-free sand to serve as the footing of the arena. The current footing has stones and debris that may cause injury to a horse’s hooves and may cause potential lameness. The conditions make it difficult to promote and even dangerous for horses to use the arena. The SCF Unrestricted Fund provided $10,000 and The Dow Chemical Company Foundation Community Donor Advised Fund provided $8,000 toward this project.
The next competitive grant deadline is Nov. 1. Organizations interested in applying for a grant through SCF can learn more by contacting Kendra Kempf, program officer, at (989) 755-0545 or email. For additional information, visit our Grants page.
Read the complete report on first and second quarter grants.