The Foundation is now accepting proposals from area non-profits for its annual Community Impact Grants.
According to a press release from Haley Wildridge – Community Outreach Associate – West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation – the organization will concentrate on projects and initiatives that benefit residents of Madison County for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
Community Impact Grants will be awarded in amounts up to $20,000. Organizations may apply for any amount within that range.
“Our Community Impact Grants have grown over the past three years, allowing us to award $145,500 since 2020,” said Foundation President, Frank McMeen. “We hope the growth of these grants will inspire organizations to dream big with their proposals this year.”
The Foundation awarded Community Impact Grants to six groups for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, totaling $55,000:
- All Saints Immigration Services – To fund the transition of a part-time assistant to a full-time legal representative role allowing the organization to serve more clients
- Habitat for Humanity – To fund home repair projects for low-income senior home owners
- Regional Inter-Faith Association (RIFA) – To fund Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) fresh produce boxes to be distributed through Jackson Housing Authority to low-income senior adults
- Jackson Arts Council – To fund the Jackson Art Box project to provide an art therapy outlet to students in the Jackson-Madison County School System
- Jonah Affordable Housing – To fund assistance for low-income to moderate-income tenants to obtain affordable housing and retain housing during hardships
- Scarlet Rope Project – To fund trauma therapy for victims of sex trafficking
“Because of the Community Impact Grant from The Foundation, the Jackson Arts Council was able to deliver 385 art boxes to Jackson-Madison County school counselors in the fall of 2022,” said Lizzie Emmons, Executive Director of the Jackson Arts Council.
“We are proud to partner with local non-profits like the Jackson Arts Council to help our friends and neighbors,” said Haley Wildridge, Community Outreach Associate at The Foundation. “Hearing feedback from our award recipients about how the grant dollars are impacting Madison County makes us excited to learn about new projects and initiatives we can support.”
In the Early Childhood Action Plan 2023-2026 published by Bright Start West TN, data shows that “90% of brain development occurs before age 5.” With less than one-third of West Tennessee third-graders testing proficient in reading or math, there is a critical need for early childhood investments.
To further support these efforts in West Tennessee emphasizing services for vital development ages, priority will be given to projects impacting early childhood health and well-being.
501(c)(3) organizations and funds of The Foundation that serve the residents of Madison County are eligible to apply. Proposals will be accepted beginning February 1, 2023 until April 14, 2023.
The Foundation will host an information session on Thursday, February 23 at 10:00 a.m. Those interested in attending the session may RSVP by contacting Haley Wildridge at [email protected] or (731) 984-2146.
Proposal guidelines, frequently asked questions, and more can be found at www.wthfoundation.org/news/community-impact-grants-2023.
Resource for Bright Start West TN: https://www.brightstartwtn.com/
