Truth Staff
ELKHART -- Even through the Elkhart County Community Foundation awarded 25 local organizations grants of $186,334, the organization's board has set aside $50,000 to respond to the county's economic crisis and address "basic human needs," beginning in March.
During this cycle, 32 agencies submitted requests totaling $302,680.
"The committee is very aware of economic circumstances in Elkhart County," said Jim Siegmann, ECCF program officer.
"Local agencies dealing with issues of food, shelter, clothing and utilities receive a significant percentage of their donations in November and December," he said. "As we get further into the first quarter, their needs will become more acute and visible."
The grant committee made a similar move in 2001.
Meanwhile, grants are awarded in five categories: arts and culture, community development, education, health and human services, and youth development.
The highest grant award during this cycle went to LaCasa of Goshen for neighborhood programming at the Historic Roosevelt Center.
There is a total of $19,000 going to organizations for support for board development, successions or reorganization/business plan.