Foundation announces available $11,000 of grant money from sustainable fund

BY MICHEAL BURKE
Journal Times

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 3:43 PM CST

RACINE — The Racine Community Foundation Tuesday announced the availability of $11,000 in grant money to be awarded under the Sustainable Racine Fund.

The fund was created in 2006 when Sustainable Racine closed its Downtown office and moved its assets to the care of the Racine Community Foundation. The assets had been donated as a result of golf events sponsored by Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-All Saints and other contributors.

The Sustainable Racine Fund grant money represents 5 percent of the total in the fund, said Marge Kozina of the Racine Community Foundation.

The fund still has its own advisors, and they “still want to carry out wishes of the original intent” of Sustainable Racine, Kozina said.

The 2008 Sustainable Racine Grant awards will be made for two purposes:

- Neighborhood enhancement — To help neighborhood groups enhance the livability of their area and to promote a positive quality of life there.

- Environment — To provide bold and creative programs to heighten sensitivity, increase knowledge and empower citizens to take positive action toward the community’s environment.

Examples of projects supported by Sustainable Racine grants were:

- The North Beach playground.

- The Rubberville playground.

- The Janes (Elementary School) Native Garden.

- The Caledonia rain garden.

- Numerous community gardens.

All grants from the fund will be made to nonprofit organizations for the benefit of entities located in Racine County east of Interstate 94. Grant awards will be a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $2,000.

Guidelines and application forms may be picked up at the Bank of Elmwood’s main branch, 2704 Lathrop Ave., Racine, and the Racine Community Foundation offices, 245 Main St., garden level, Racine. Potential applicants may contact Roberta Rogstad at the Bank of Elmwood with questions at (262) 554-5873.

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