Giving Back: 2015 Grantee tour highlights positive work of JVCF

The Jefferson Valley Community Foundation strives on connecting people who care to causes that matter.

Since 2002, the JVCF has awarded 80 grants to 35 organizations with a total surpassing $94,000.

Last week, members of the JVCF Board were able to both hear and see how the grants had been used to benefit the community at a 2015 grantees tour.

Last year the foundation awarded the Friends of the Whitehall Library $2,600 to purchased early learning AWE software. Whitehall Librarian Jeannie Ferriss lauded the software and its benefit to local children.

"It's a wonderful program," she said.

The tour also included a stop at Whitehall High School where students Sawyer Keener, Connor Johnson, Bryn Welker, and Kaya Welch discussed the benefit of a $665 grant the school received for a Shakespeare in the Schools Workshop. Welker said it was a really cool experience, especially because they learned about "The Merchant of Venice", the same play she was reading in English class.

Principal Hannah Nieskens said that the entire high school participated in the workshop, and it really says a lot the students want it to come back. The grant given to the school was part of the Star Youth Grant that was established with money leftover from the Save the Star Theater campaign.

Another stop on the tour was at the local grounds where Whitehall Saddle Club member Lonna Johnson discussed the $2,400 grant they received from the JVCF. The grant was used for a return alley at the grounds. Johnson said the work done turned out fabulous.

The tour also included a stop at the Liberty Place Farmstead Property where Whitehall Public Transportation Director Paula Hippert discussed the $2,500 Barrick/Golden Sunlight Mine grant they received in 2015. Hippert said grant money would be used to help fund a bus garage that was originally intended to be at the Liberty Place corporate headquarters on Legion Avenue.

Hippert said they are now looking to put the garage at the Farmstead Property. JVCF Co-Chair Millie Baycroft said it seems to make more sense to do it at the Farmstead Property where they have more room.

The Whitehall Pool Pals were also a recipient of a Star Youth Grant in 2015. They received $1,000 to build a shade pergola at the pool. Maxine Samuelson said they are hoping to have the work done by spring.

2016 Grants

The Jefferson Valley Community Foundation Grant Cycle for 2016 is scheduled to end September 30.

The $2,500 Barrick/GSM grant and possibly up to $10,000 in JVFC grants are available, depending upon the requests, how well they meet the grant criteria, and how well they are written.

According to Baycroft, priority will be give to projects that provide long-term and direct benefit to local residents, enjoy support from community members, projects that have an ongoing and sustainable funding source, improve the quality of life of local residents and build a thriving community.

Grant forms are available at the Corner Store or by calling Baycroft 560-8119. The 2016 grants will be awarded October 3 at 7 p.m. in the Borden's Conference Room. All local non-profits are invited and encouraged to attend the "Ice Cream Social" event.

Those who plan on attending should call Baycroft at 560-8119.