TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Nine local non-profits received a financial boost on Wednesday.
The Wabash Valley Community Foundation awarded over $134,000 in grants to the organizations. The funding will help non-profits accomplish things like buying new equipment and supplies and creating new programs. For the United Way of the Wabash Valley, the funding will support the Home Down Payment Assistance Program. It’s a program that helps offset down payment and closing costs that might otherwise prohibit families from owning a home.
“If a family can own a home, we know that through many studies and experiences, that they will experience better health both mentally and physically. Their children will do better in school. Families will be able to put money into savings,” said Dorothy Chambers, Interim Executive Director of the United Way of the Wabash Valley.
The grants are made possible by numerous endowment funds created by individuals, families, and organizations. Wabash Valley Community Foundation President and CEO Beth Tevlin said Lilly Endowment is doubling the donations they receive. She said that in Vigo County, the organization only has about $350,000 left to raise to reach just over $1 million. If the organization does that, it will receive $2 million from Lilly Endowment.
A full list of Wednesday’s grant recipients is below:
American Red Cross – $2,500 in support of marketing costs to raise awareness of blood drives within Vigo County.
City of Terre Haute – $10,000 for the purchase and installation of two water fountains in Terre Haute that are located near heavily populated walking trails.
Crossroads of America Council – Boy Scouts – $10,000 to assist with membership costs and associated fees for Vigo County families.
Indiana American Academy of Pediatrics – $15,000 in support of the “Reach Out and Read” program which provides new books to children at well-child visits for the purpose of promoting early literacy and school readiness. Program is delivered and followed up by trained pediatricians.
SHINE Foster Family Resources – $4,900 for the purchase of essential teen clothing and clothing racks.
Terre Haute Children’s Museum – $25,000 in support of making “Toddler Tuesdays” which provides activities for children ages three months to five years old, more accessible.
Terre Haute Symphony Association – $5,000 in support of afterschool and summer programming in collaboration with the YMCA and Camp Navigate.
United Way of the Wabash Valley – $24,000 in support of the Home Down Payment Assistance Program.
Wabash Valley Master Gardeners – $17,640 for the purchase of a tractor and additional gardening equipment.
