The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette is awarding its latest round of grants. The $102,492.65 will help five organizations with larger projects.
The Furniture Bank is buying a truck thanks to donations from several groups, including the Foundation. The organization that helps those with a housing emergency received a $20,000 grant.
The bank is run by First United Methodist Church with several nonprofits and the City of Lafayette. Volunteer Jeanne Norberg says the box truck will pick-up furniture donations and can now deliver it to people getting back on their feet.
“We’re getting more and more calls from people who have donated furniture, so we need to have more ability to pick it up. Also, the people who receive this through the social service agencies need a means to get it home. Up until now, they’ve had to scramble to find appropriate vehicles.”
Others receiving grants from the Foundation include Lafayette Urban Ministry for new mattresses and a water heater at its emergency shelter, and the local YWCA for a phone system.
The Long Center and Duncan Hall each won a $20,000 grant. The Long Center is using the money for theater re-rigging.
Duncan Hall Executive Director Aura Lee Emsweller says her facility needs a new heating system.
“We’re getting a three segment boiler instead of a one segment, which will be more efficient, and replacing the pipes throughout the Hall,” she says. “The leaks will stop, which is always a good thing!”
The Foundation will announce another round of grant funding in October.
"In recent years, we have seen a trend for larger requests that have more impact on agency operations," President and CEO Greg Kapp says. "As we grow our discretionary endowment, we will have more capacity to respond to the many requests that we receive."
More information about the Community Foundation's grant programs is HERE.