Clemmons Community Foundation awards more than $80,000 in community grants

Published 12:00 am Thursday, April 9, 2020

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The Clemmons Community Foundation announces $82,709 in grants awarded to 12 nonprofit organizations through its recent community grant awards cycle. All awarded programs and services will take place within the next year. As local nonprofits navigate the current and future impacts of COVID-19 on their programs and services, several of the grants were awarded with allowances for adaptations and flexibility. Grants were made possible through the Thad and Mary Bingham Community Fund, Thad and Mary Bingham Donor Advised Fund, Clemmons-Lewisville Community Fund, and two anonymous donors. All applications were reviewed by volunteer teams of more than 15 local community leader whose final recommendations were reviewed and approved by the foundation’s board of directors.

“It is an honor and privilege to award grants on behalf of the foundation’s generous donors and their philanthropic interests,” said Mark Batten, the foundation’s program officer. “Our volunteer review teams recognized that the 12 organizations receiving grants this year are already working creatively and passionately to foster positive impacts in our community, from school-aged children to those in retirement. We are excited to partner with the grant recipients in their continued efforts.”

Arts for Life — $5,000 to support pediatric patients locally at Brenner Children’s Hospital through art, music, and creative writing experience to nurture their minds and spirits while encouraging positive healthcare experiences.

Bookmarks — $7,500 to support a “Book Build,” providing more than 300 new books for Lewisville Elementary School. The program also includes an author visit to the school and assistance with getting the books cataloged for check out.

Cancer Services — two grants totaling $7,775 in support of the patient advocacy program and a survivorship wellness program. The patient advocacy program works closely with cancer patients to reduce barriers in accessing critical treatment support and care. The survivorship wellness program will offer an array of opportunities to engage healthy living and eating through cooking, yoga, and nature walks.

Clemmons Fire Department, in a joint partnership with Lewisville and Vienna fire departments — $10,000 for PPE equipment of students enrolling in the new Fire Academy at West Forsyth High School. Participants in the fire academy will earn the appropriate credentials and training to become a career or volunteer firefighter.

Forsyth Futures — $4,025 to support community engagement activities through Age-Friendly Forsyth in Clemmons and Lewisville, a program that addresses specific needs like physical and mental health, accessibility and mobility, and social engagement of aging adults (60 and older).

Hispanic League — $3,029 for the Middle School Achievers Program serving 67 ESL (English as Second Language) students at Clemmons Middle School. The program includes topics such as the importance of learning English, best-effort participation in the classroom, personal development, self-reflection, and goal setting.

Humane Society of Davie County — $7,500 to help cover medical expenses to prepare dogs and cats for adoption. Covering expenses like spay/neuter surgery, de-worming, microchip, and vaccinations will expedite successful adoptions.

IFB Solutions — $5,000 to provide special tools to K-12 students with unique low-vision needs. Tools may include adaptive aids and smart devices to enhance their core literacy skills. The solutions foster greater access to independent learning and improve readiness for college and career success.

Pretty in Pink Foundation — $5,000 to assist uninsured and under-insured, low-income breast cancer patients obtain life-saving medical treatments.

Senior Services — two grants totaling $12,880 to expand two programs in Clemmons and Lewisville. Additional aging adults will now receive Meals-on-Wheels deliveries. Also, the grant will help fund a part-time local resource specialist to provide supportive resources and services for aging adults and their caregivers.

Shepherd’s Center of Greater Winston-Salem — $5,000 to assist aging adults with the cost of materials to complete minor home repairs and modifications, and transportation assistance for doctor’s appointments, medical treatments, and other essential needs.

YMCA of Northwest North Carolina — $10,000 to create a Group Respite Program at the Jerry Long YMCA for caregivers of an aging spouse or family member.

To learn more about future grant opportunities, visit https://ccf.gives/grants. The next competitive community grant cycle will take place this fall.

About the Clemmons Community Foundation

The Clemmons Community Foundation exists to unlock the full philanthropic potential of Clemmons, Lewisville, and surrounding communities by connecting people and resources in ways that thoughtfully and meaningfully transform our communities with access, opportunity, and an enriched quality of life. The foundation in an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, first formed in 2004 by the Rotary Club of Clemmons and converted to a community foundation in 2012. For more information, call 336-663-6794.