2009 WCF Giving in 2009 to Date

In response to increasing economic pressures to non-profits to serve more with less funding available, the Winona Community Foundation has revamped it guidelines and focus within the Community Granting program. In 2009 the Winona Community Foundation Grant Committee has been striving to make our granting process as user friendly to our local non-profits as we can while supporting projects that have a positive community impact. Thoughtful planning and collaborative efforts provide a solid base for successful community minded projects and is something that is encouraged of all our applicants.

March Review

Able Foundation, Inc is to receive $2,000 for the treatment demonstration tables and chairs for new centralized facility to provide effective and efficient training to staff and residents.

Nordic Ski Club/St Mary’s University/City of Winona Cooperative Trail Project is to receive $2,000. This project is to provide man made snow on publicly funded and used cross country ski trails. Assuring consistently good conditions, extending ski season and improves healthy outdoor recreational opportunities in our community.

Project Get Outdoors will receive $5,000 to expand program efforts in the Winona community. Project GO links children to nature exploration and outdoor recreational opportunities in their local communities.

Great River Shakespeare Festival will receive $2,000 for an education and outreach project with the goal of creating audiences for the future by enriching the play-going experience and making the work of the Fest accessible and affordable. Project targets students, teachers and underserved populations for whom live theatre is new.

Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center will receive $1,187 for the purchase of network camera with audio for use in the outpatient therapy department to assist in training and counseling. There by enhancing treatment by use of taped therapy practice and/or sessions.

June Review

Camp Invention will receive $1,000 to partner with WSU and provide a camp for one-week STEM enrichment program for elementary students that focuses on developing critical thinking skill, creativity, teamwork and a passion for science. Five activity-oriented modules integrating science, math, arts and history are used.

Project FINE-Diversity Youth Quest will receive $5,000 This is a great program in Winona County designed specifically to assist its newest and youngest community members of the immigrant community become well equipped to succeed alongside their American peers mentally, socially and academically as they learn to embrace the American culture, and mature into responsible adults who will contribute positively to their community.

Winona ORC

will receive $5,000 in funds to alleviate transportation related costs. Funds will be allocated directly to the purchase of a new 2009 passenger bus awarded partly through the MN Dept. of Transportation Bus Grant Program. ORC is responsible for 20% of cost.

Review of applications takes place on a quarterly basis, but applications can be accepted anytime throughout the year for any review date, as this is now an ongoing process. We encourage any qualified organizations dealing with basic needs in our community to apply. The maximum for community grant requests at this time is $5,000.  Please check our Web site www.winonacommunityfoundation.org  then with Foundation staff at 507.454.6511 for more specifics on application requests. “We are happy to help out with this process or other community needs at any time”, notes Grants Program Coordinator Jeni Arnold, “this local community granting process is an exciting way we all can help make a difference”. These grants are funded through the General Community Grant Fund. The deadline for application review in September will be noon September 1^, 2009.