The Milan News-Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Community boost
By Sue G. Collins, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: April 26, 2007
In an economy where there is so little good news for nonprofit groups trying to meet the many needs of their communities, the Greater Milan Area Community Foundation has announced that up to $25,000 in grant funds would be available this year, tripling the amount awarded last year.
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Launched just two years ago, the foundation made its first awards last fall, contributing $7,000 to area organizations from dividends earned on a charitable endowment fund set up by a group of local citizens.
This year, thanks to continuing donations and a successful dinner auction that raised around $13,000, foundation board members will be able to consider a larger number of applications.
Chris Wetzler, chairman of the grant committee, said applications will be available May 1 by calling him at 434-3444 or visiting the Milan Area Chamber of Commerce in the old fire barn downtown Milan.
Any registered nonprofit group in the Milan School District, including the city of Milan and four adjoining townships, may apply for grant funds before June 15 and awards will be made in September.
Last year, First Steps of Milan, an education for preschoolers and their parents, and Project Straight Talk, a high school leadership program, received $5,000 and $2,000, respectively, to further their work in the area.
In reviewing the grant package, Wetzler said the committee will consider the applicant's mission statement, geographical impact and budget, among other strict criteria.
"Will the group give comfort where it's most needed? Will our grant be funding a complete program and what is the income structure and history? These are just a few of the questions we'll ask," said Wetzler, who is currently vice president of the board.
Isabelle Schultz is the foundation president and explained that even after just two years, the interest is growing rapidly on the fund and will allow a wider variety of groups to be enhanced this year.
In February, radio personality Lucy Ann Lance of talk radio station WAAM helped create the excitement that contributed to the foundation's only fund-raiser.
"It's important for people to know that their donations are so important and that we don't spend the funds that come in," said Schultz in her welcoming remarks at the auction. "Forty years from now, your donation will still be sitting there, doing good to enhance the life in our community for now and forever."
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