In a significant boost to community development, various local nonprofits have been awarded substantial grants aimed at enhancing economic growth and social services. These grants, totaling over $1 million, will support initiatives ranging from food security to workforce development, showcasing a commitment to uplifting underserved communities.
Key Takeaways
- Over $740,000 awarded to New Jersey nonprofits by FirstEnergy.
- Lane County, Oregon, allocates $200,000 to eight nonprofits for economic development.
- Sacramento County continues its support with $1 million in grants for local nonprofits.
- Evansville, Indiana, distributes $500,000 through the Forward Together Grant Fund.
New Jersey Nonprofits Benefit from FirstEnergy Grants
FirstEnergy Corp. has made a significant contribution to New Jersey’s nonprofit sector, awarding more than $740,000 in grants in 2024. A total of 113 organizations received funding to support various community initiatives, including:
- Food Security: Over $120,000 directed to programs combating food insecurity.
- Community Events: More than $65,000 allocated to local United Way chapters.
- Housing Security: Grants exceeding $58,000 for homelessness initiatives.
- Veteran Support: Over $35,000 dedicated to programs assisting veterans.
Lorna Wisham, vice president of Corporate Affairs & Community Involvement at FirstEnergy, emphasized the importance of these nonprofits in fostering community resilience and providing essential services.
Lane County’s Economic Development Grants
In Lane County, Oregon, local nonprofits are set to receive $200,000 in grants aimed at economic development. The funding will assist organizations in attracting business investments and supporting small businesses. Notable recipients include:
- Everyone Village: Awarded $29,750 to develop a modular medical clinic.
- Daisy CHAIN: Received $27,000 to expand workforce development in reproductive healthcare.
- Center for Rural Livelihoods: Granted $21,000 for facility improvements to support rural entrepreneurs.
Jason Harris, Lane County’s community economic manager, highlighted the transformative impact of these grants on local nonprofits, enabling them to launch new programs and services.
Sacramento County’s Continued Support
Sacramento County has reaffirmed its commitment to local nonprofits by allocating $1 million through the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Grant Program for the fiscal year 2025-26. This funding will support community-based programs focused on:
Applications for the grants opened on January 13, 2025, and will remain open until February 14, 2025, with a grant workshop scheduled for January 28, 2025.
Evansville’s Forward Together Grants
In Evansville, Indiana, the city has awarded $500,000 to 18 local organizations through its Forward Together Grant Fund. This initiative aims to strengthen neighborhoods and provide pathways out of poverty. Key projects funded include:
- Ark Crisis Children’s Center: $35,000 to sustain its childcare program.
- Aurora Housing Our Homeless: $35,000 for street outreach services.
- Building Blocks: $35,000 to improve kindergarten readiness for local families.
Mayor Stephanie Terry expressed excitement about the potential impact of these grants, noting the significant need for support in the community.
These grants represent a collective effort to enhance the social fabric and economic vitality of communities across various regions, demonstrating the power of collaboration between local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations.
Sources
- New Jersey nonprofits receive more than $740K from FirstEnergy in 2024 | ROI-NJ, ROI-NJ.
- Lane County nonprofits to receive $200,000 in economic development grants | Local | kezi.com, KEZI.
- Lane County awards $200K to 8 nonprofits for economic development initiatives, KMTR.
- Sacramento County Continues to Support Local Nonprofits with $1 Million in TOT Grants – Rio Linda Online News, Rio Linda Online.
- Evansville nonprofits share $500K in ‘Forward Together’ grants – Inside INdiana Business, Inside INdiana Business.