Competitive Fund

The Foundation has a special interest in funding innovative programs that address community needs and in funding facilities and physical improvements that will have a lasting positive impact on the community’s image and quality of life.

The Foundation will consider grant applications covering a wide range of community needs with a focus on community development and beautification, economic development, education and human and social needs. Every effort will be made to maintain a reasonable balance in awarding grants to various areas of need.

Special Interest Areas:

• Community Development and Beautification: A high priority is given to community development projects that encourage neighborhood revitalization and create more livable neighborhoods.  Proposals that improve the quality of life and enhance the image and/or appearance of the communities will be seriously considered.
• Economic Development: An important goal is to retain or create family wage jobs that will result in increased economic self-sufficiency for area families and residents.  The Foundation’s primary economic development role is to serve as a catalyst by building the capacity of the public and the nonprofit sectors to effectively plan and manage economic development projects.
• Education and Arts: The Foundation has an interest in new and innovative programs that promote life-long learning, academic performance, and workforce preparation.  Education programs, including early childhood education, that address underserved age groups and serve children from economically and educationally disadvantaged families will be considered.
• Human and Social Needs: The Foundation places a high priority on innovative programs that strengthen families, address the needs of underserved youth, provide services to senior citizens, and help all citizens reach their potential.  The retention of young adults in the communities is an important goal of the Foundation.