Posted on September 26, 2009

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Community Foundation Update (9/26/09)

Alabama

The Jefferson County Department of Health and the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham have announced ten grants totaling $133,000 from the JCDH Public Health Fund administered by the foundation. The awards are the first in support of the work of the Health Action Partnership, a coalition of some sixty agencies led by JCDH. Four projects in eastern Birmingham will receive a total of $83,000 in support of their efforts to improve health outcomes in the area, while another six projects will receive a total of $50,000 in support of HAP's goals in the county.

California

The Thelma Pearl Howard Foundation at the Los Angeles-based California Community Foundation has announced grants totaling $340,000 in support of organizations serving children in preschool through eighth grade in Los Angeles County. Fourteen grants of $25,000 each were awarded to arts organizations with programs that focus on literacy and academic skills development, motor skills development, and improving attitude and behaviors toward school. Recipients include Deaf West Theatre, Inner City Arts, and A Place Called Home.

The Mountain View-based Silicon Valley Community Foundation has awarded $891,539 in grants to help meet the growing need for programs that teach language and vocational skills to immigrants and refugees. Seventeen organizations, community colleges, and adult schools will receive grants for a range of programs, from traditional vocational and English as a Second Language instruction to a new educational "telenovela" that provides language and entrepreneurial training by telling the stories of immigrant women starting their own businesses.

Illinois

The Chicago Community Trust has announced that it will accept grant proposals for its Asian Giving Circle through October 30. The current grant cycle will support projects that increase the fundraising capacity of nonprofits.

North Carolina

The Asheville-based Community Foundation of Western North Carolina has named Elizabeth Brazas as its new president. Brazas succeeds Pat Smith, the foundation's first full-time president, who helped increase the foundation's assets from $5 million to more than $130 million while overseeing more than $100 million in grantmaking.

Ohio

The Columbus Foundation and Scotts Miracle-Gro have announced new grant opportunities through the Scotts Miracle-Gro Community Garden Academy to help neighborhoods develop and maintain community gardens in Franklin County. Grants of up to $4,000 are available for qualified projects in low- and middle-income neighborhoods. Applicants may request support for community or non-traditional gardens, including farmers' markets, school gardens, artistic gardens, and beautification efforts in the form of a garden.

Oregon

The Portland Beavers and Portland Timbers Community Fund, an advised fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, has announced that it will receive 2009 Corporate Philanthropy Awards from the Portland Business Journal in the Small Company category and for Innovations in Philanthropy (i.e., partnerships established with local nonprofits). The fund distributes at least $100,000 every year to organizations in the four-county metro Portland region. The Beavers are a minor league baseball team affiliated with the San Diego Padres, while the Timbers are part of Major League Soccer.

Tennessee

The Nashville-based Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has announced that its annual Joe Kraft Humanitarian Award will be presented to R. Clayton McWhorter in recognition of his leadership and dedication to the people of the region. McWhorter, who serves as chairman of a venture capital firm, helped establish HealthTrust and served as its chairman, president, and CEO until its merger with Columbia/HCA in 1995. The following year, he created LifeTrust America, an assisted living and senior services company.

“Community Foundation Awards Nearly $900,000 to Help Immigrants and Refugees Learn English.” Silicon Valley Community Foundation Press Release 9/23/09.

“Beavers Honored for Philanthropy.” Portland Beavers and Portland Timbers Community Fund Press Release 9/17/09.

“The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Honors R. Clayton McWhorter With 16th Annual Kraft Humanitarian Award.” Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Press Release 9/24/09.

“Foundation Awards $340,000 for Arts Education.” California Community Foundation Press Release 9/23/09.

“Elizabeth Brazas Named Second Full-Time President in Foundation's History.” Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Press Release 9/23/09.

“Grants Process.” Chicago Community Trust Request for Proposals Press Release 9/22/09.

“The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and the Columbus Foundation Announce Grant Opportunities for Community Gardens.” Columbus Foundation Press Release 9/21/09.

“$133,000 in Grants to Boost Community Health.” Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham Press Release 9/25/09.

Primary Subject: Philanthropy and Voluntarism
Secondary Subject(s): Education, Community Improvement/Development, Minorities, Arts and Culture, Health
Location(s): Alabama, Asheville, California, Chicago, Columbus, Illinois, Jefferson County, Los Angeles, Mountain View, Nashville, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Portland, Tennessee

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