Posted: Wednesday, November 23, 2011 12:00 am
DANVILLE - Danville Regional Foundation recently marked the anniversary of its "Make It Happen" grants.
The grants provide up to $10,000 to "make something happen," said Karl Stauber, president and chief executive officer of Danville Regional Foundation.
"The goal is for more residents to be involved in making this a community of bright spots and success stories," said Stauber. "Make It Happen is a catalyst for community leaders and citizens who are passionate about improving the region's quality of life. It encourages people to take action for positive change. "
Make It Happen grant applicants must meet the following conditions:
Grant recipients must be a recognized nonprofit, religious institution or local governmental entity;
The project must clearly define how, what and why the effort will have community benefits;
Benefits must be concrete and tangible to people in this region;
The project must relate to at least one of Danville Regional Foundation's focus areas in health, education, workforce development, community capacity and economic development;
Funds are to be used for charitable purposes and must benefit communities or neighborhoods, rather than just the applicant's constituents;
Funds provided by the foundation need to be used in 90 days or less.
Organizations can apply for more than one Make It Happen grant per year; however, each project must be distinct and each grant must be completed before submitting another request.
Applicants should submit up to three pages in a letter explaining what they want to see happen and why.
Applicants must be clear about demonstrated community benefits and results, requested amount, a budget, time frame and partnerships.
Application may be submitted electronically, mailed, or hand-delivered to Danville Regional Foundation.
Grant decisions will be made in two weeks or less.
More information about Make It Happen grants, the foundation, and other grant opportunities can be found at www.drfonline.org or by contacting Starling McKenzie, senior program officer, at [email protected] or (434) 483-4273.
The mailing address is Danville Regional Foundation, 512 Bridge Street, Suite 100, Danville, Va 24541.
Make It Happen grants approved to date include:
Riverview Rotary, $4,900, Community Read Project: Switch;
City of Danville Department of Parks and Re-Crossing at the Dan, $10,000, community garden to serve as model for others, increase access to healthy food, exercise, and community engagement;
Danville Public Schools, $10,000, improvements to patio space at School Board office to create a downtown Bright Spot.
Danville Community College, $4,000, grant funding to support a DCC/HS Student Entrepreneurial Conference;
Caswell County Senior Services, $10,000, Moving More Caswell - equipment and installation of outdoor exercise and fitness station on the Caswell County Walking Trail to increase exercise and reduce obesity.
Camp Grove Neighborhood Educational Opportunity Center, $10,000, community garden to increase access to healthy food, exercise, and community engagement;
City of Danville Department of Parks and Rec, $10,000, equipment and installation of outdoor exercise and fitness station on the Riverwalk Trail to increase exercise and reduce obesity;
Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber Foundation, Inc., $8,000; support for The Live Healthy 100 Day Wellness Challenge in 2011 to promote exercise and healthy food choices;
ENH Community Development, Inc., $10,000, expansion of Healthy kids on Wheels program to improve access to healthy foods and train youth leaders.
Danville Running Club w/Danville Parks, Rec and Tourism, $5,500, lighting for Langston School track to increase opportunities for exercise and community engagement;
Moffett Memorial Baptist Church, $2,098, Tutorial and Free Meal Project - nutrition project and vegetable garden project to increase access to healthy food and improved food choices;
Town of Gretna, $10,000, increase exercise, physical activity, Health and Wellness in school-age children with playground equipment for Elba Park;
Community Blessing Center and Fellowship Hall of Milton, Inc., $10,000, Community Park with playground equipment, nature trail, and stage;
Writers' Block International, $10,000, promotion of family literacy;
Caswell County Schools, $4,400, outdoor classroom/garden project at Stoney Creek Elementary School on behalf of Caswell County 4-H. Funding will be used for gazebo, storage building, solid and raised beds, plants and gardening tools;
Young Professionals - Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce, $10,000, bus stop shelter design competition to increase awareness of public transit options in Danville, provide shelter to public transit riders and provide an aesthetic alternative to traditional bus stop shelters;
Caswell County Schools, $10,000, to grade the track and surrounding area and pave track at Oakwood Elementary School;
Caswell County Parks and Recreation Dept., $10,000, a community playground including equipment and installation;
Pittsylvania - Caswell Youth Livestock Association, $10,000, Youth Clinics related to agricultural and livestock education, animal husbandry and livestock judging;
Southside PTO, $7,578, outdoor classroom;
Danville Public Schools, $10,000, Happy, Healthy Hearts campaign at Galileo High School;
Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, $10,000, five workshops over 90 days to educate people on health options in the region;
Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber Foundation, Inc., $10,000, Duke World MBA Rugby Tournament;
First Baptist Church of Gretna, $10,000, a program to improve the food choices of children at Gretna Elementary School by sending home backpacks with easy to prepare foods for weekends;
City of Danville, Dept. of Human Services, $10,000, to aid in the creation of an outdoor learning and gathering center at the public library on Patton Street;
Danville Parks, Recreation and Tourism, $10,000, Kids and Cops Summer Camp to give middle school students an opportunity to learn, interact and become active in their community;
Danville Area Association for the Arts and Humanities, $10,000, Green Art Collaboration Project;
Danville Disc Golf Association / Martinsville / Henry County Coalition for Health and Wellness f/a, $9,810, increase physical activity and community involvement of residents in 18-hole disc golf course at Ballou Park;
United Way of Danville - Pittsylvania County, $5,670, Day of Action - Day Reading project;
Stoney Creek Elementary School, $10,000, walking track for community, staff and students;
Danville Community College, $10,000, wellness program;
Mbros, Inc., $10,000, to build a basketball court and park on Main Street in Yanceyville, N.C.;
Pittsylvania Baptist Association, $10,000, Operation InAsMuch to provide materials cost for six major project to offer aid and comfort in troubling times;
Virginia Tech, $9,971, Dan River Partnership for a Healthy Community Website;
E.A. Gibson Middle School, $10,000, Youth Science Initiative;
Danville Host Lions Club, $9,675, Children's PediaVision Screening Project - to purchase PediaVision Screener plus carrying case;
Southern Virginia Mt. Bike Association (Gavin Hermann), $1,800, Installation of bike wash at trailhead of Angler's Park;
Chatham Youth League Baseball, $10,000, Harris Fields upgrades for increased health and wellness opportunities for 500 youth and the number of visitors in Pittsylvania County.