The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department and Marshall Opportunity High School were the first two recipients of the Marshall Community Foundation’s Impact Grants. The two agencies submitted funding requests for projects that had a significant impact on the community.
The Sheriff’s Department received $35,000 to update its drone program. The new drones and equipment will meet the latest FAA requirements. The department uses drones for aerial support in search and rescue incidents, hazardous waste observation, fire scenes, and water rescue or recovery.
Marshall Opportunity High School’s Summer STEM Academy received $25,000 for programming provided to support current Marshall Public School students who attend Opportunity High School or Middle School. The five-week course allows students to earn a half credit in either math or science as well as professional certification in remote piloting, and American and Red Cross certifications in First Aid and CPR.
Marguerite Davenport, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said, “The foundation is excited to offer major support to area non-profit organizations, support that will benefit people well into the future.”
Marshall Community Foundation’s Impact Grants premiered late last year as part of a tiered approach to grant-making. Impact Grant requests are designed to support programs and projects that will leave a lasting effect on the community for years to come. The Foundation also offers Mini-grants peaking at $750 and Momentum Grants requesting up to $24,999. “Foundation staff and Board members worked over many months to fine-tune the Impact Grant process to make this opportunity a positive addition to community support options,” continued Ms. Davenport. “The foundation attempts to stay on the pulse of community needs.”
Impact Grants, for requests of $25,000 or more, are awarded once annually and may be used to support capacity building, new major projects, and/or be used as challenge grants. In order to ensure the proposed request meets MCF’s grant making priorities, the Impact Grant process has additional requirements. This process will require a Letter of Intent, a thorough application, site visit, formal presentation, and final report. Grantees seeking an Impact Grant should submit a Letter of Intent by October 1. Organizations/agencies whose letters receive approval will be contacted by Foundation staff with additional information about the application process.
The staff at the Marshall Community Foundation is ready to help with the grant submission process and looks forward to working with local non-profits to support their future endeavors. Please contact Jen London, Grant Manager, by emailing [email protected] or calling 269-781-2273.