Eighteen Howard County non-profit agencies and organizations received program and project grant awards at today’s annual Grants Day meeting. The awards, supported by fund-raising activities throughout the year, are part of our club’s focus on community service and a commitment to supporting local worthy causes.
A special committee considers grant applications based on merit. Applications must be sponsored by a club member in good standing. This latest round of grants includes money for Rotary district projects and totals about $59,000. Recipients announced today were:
Athletes Serving Athletes - helps those with disabilities take part in running activities. The grant helps pay spring, summer and fall race registration fees for these special athletes.
Blossoms of Hope - enhances quality of life through beautification projects and support for the community; cancer-related and other causes. The grant helps pay for office space rental.
Community Action Council of Howard County - the county’s designated anti-poverty organization’s work includes core programs for food, energy and housing, weatherization and early childhood education. This grant supports family engagement picnics during the summer.
Gilchrist Hospice Care Howard County - the leading nonprofit provider of serious illness and end-of-life care. The grant supports renovation for the Gilchrist Center’s Comfort Haven Family Room.
Howard Community College Educational Foundation/Fueling Dragons Program – provides nutrition for students facing food insecurity. This grant covers some costs for grab-and-go breakfast and lunch programs.
Grassroots Crisis Intervention – offers behavioral health, crisis intervention and homeless services to individual and family consumers in need. This grant helps meet the cost of food and supplies for meals prepared by the Grassroots kitchen.
Highland House for Women – supports ongoing recovery for pregnant women aged eighteen and above with substance disorders. The grant will contribute to expenses for the 14-bed-facility’s crucial start up period.
Hills to Climb – gives at-risk youth a chance for inspirational, immersive and high-quality outdoor experiences in a camp setting. The grant supports Hills to Climb’s plans to have several options for summer programming lasting 3, 5, 7 or 10 days, for up to 60 kids
The Howard County Conservancy – educates children and adults about the natural world, works to preserve the land and its legacy for future generations, and models responsible stewardship of our environment. The grant pays for materials and equipment needed to install structures for shade and storage in the Nature Preschool Natural Play Space.
Howard County General Hospital Foundation – this grant is the second installment in our fiveyear commitment toward the hospital’s new Emergency Department Behavioral Unit. An existing space is being renovated to serve up to 24 patients for safer, more healing health care.
James’ Place - advocates for assisting the well-being of persons battling the disease of substance addiction. The grant will help provide funds for those moving from treatment, detox or detention into recovery housing to begin rebuilding their lives.
Maryland State Dental Association Foundation – offers dental care to the community’s underprivileged with “Mission of Mercy” clinics. The grant pays for oral health products given away at various mini-clinics and other outreach events over the next year.
Neighbor Ride – gives seniors comfort and peace of mind with affordable, passenger-focused transportation services using a volunteer-based drivers’ network. The grant enables the continuation of Food Bank deliveries as an essential need for elderly, food-insecure residents.
Paul Magnus Foundation – offers qualified families grants to cover housing expenses while their child with a heart defect is receiving care in the hospital. The grant supports monthly reimbursement for living costs.
Rebuilding Together Howard County - aids low-income homeowners by furnishing free critical repairs to keep their houses safe and healthy places in which to live. The grant funds a new survey to gather client feedback about homeowner experiences with Rebuilding Together.
Respite Retreats – has programs to give periods of rest or relief for cancer patients, their caregivers and family members. This grant will fund In-Person Retreats with uplifting and therapeutic activities offered at no cost to participants.
Sobar – works to curb the stigma of not drinking by offering/promoting innovative, healthy nonalcoholic beverage options at events where alcohol is commonly consumed. The grant supports job placement and Sobar Secure initiatives to start a non-alcoholic beverage program for bars,restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Ulman Foundation – aims to change lives by creating a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, affected by cancer. The grant contributes to monthly virtual support group operating out of Howard County Hospital, plus the Howard County Cancer to 5K program’s 12 weeks of training for young adult survivors, patients, and family members.
