By Staff
NEW BUFFALO – The Board of Directors for The Pokagon Fund is pleased to announce the funding of eight new projects in December and January totaling $183,301.
The Pokagon Fund began funding grant proposals in November 2007, and since that time has provided more than $3.4 million in project funding.
Grant funding supports initiatives in the fields of health, human services, art, education, recreation and environment.
The Pokagon Fund is excited to announce a partnership with Executive Service Corps of Chicago to provide capacity building opportunities to its grantees.
Through this $15,000 project, ESC will develop and administer an assessment survey to all grantees to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Based on the results of the assessment, ESC will then provide educational workshops to build stronger organizations.
Workshop topics may include: board development, finance, fundraising and marketing.
"This is an exciting pro-active project The Pokagon Fund board of directors has decided to implement," shares Mary Dunbar, executive director of The Pokagon Fund. "We want very much to see our grantees succeed in delivering their programs and their mission. These educational opportunities will build stronger organizations, and stronger organizations will in turn be better stewards of the grant funding we provide. We all win with this scenario!"
Additional projects funded were:
$8,965 to St. Mary of the Lake and New Buffalo Schools to implement the Girls on the Run program.
Girls on the Run is a national program that is offered to girls in third through fifth grade. The program educates girls on self esteem, confidence and making good choices. During the 12 week course, the girls train for a 3.1 mile competitive run that takes place in May.
$6,600 to the LaSalle Council of the Boy Scouts of America to fund an after school scouting program in New Buffalo.
$4,500 to Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce to underwrite its strategic plan.
$7,750 to New Buffalo Sports Inc. to support its 2009 season
Funding will support the purchase of new concession stand equipment and uniforms for the players.
A $500 unsolicited gift was made to New Buffalo Sports to provide scholarships for young athletes whose families find it difficult to pay registration fees.
$3,500 to New Buffalo Township for additional work to support amending its master plan. The Pokagon Fund originally funded the township's master plan project.