Ridgway Charitable Fund Grants $18,000 Locally

The Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF) brought together non profit organizations that serve the residents of Ridgway, who where chosen to receive a grant from the Borough of Ridgway Charitable Fund. The Borough of Ridgway Charitable Fund’s purpose is to provide financial support to those non-profit organizations whose application reflects a purpose or project that will benefit the residents of the Borough of Ridgway. The endowed fund was a gift received from the estate of Sara-Jane Stackpole and is held at the ECCF. As directed by Sara-Jane, the ECCF board of directors appointed an advisory committee made up of Ridgway community leaders and resident to review and distribute those grants that will enhance the quality of the life for all residents. This year’s Advisory Committee included Joe Bullers, Linda White, Mike Renaud, Derrick Goode, and Mary Jane Oknefski.

This year’s recipients are:

CAPSEA, Inc. requested and received $5000 to purchase a new phone system to make certain that victims of abuse and their children have access to services and shelter 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The current system is over 15 years old and in of constant repair.

Dickinson Center Inc., Elkwood Arts program received $5000 and will be purchasing a snack/drink combination Vending Machine that will be operated at Dickinson’s location on Servadia Drive. The machine will not only serve the staff and clients but provide a new training opportunity for the Elkwood Arts consumers with intellectual/developmental disabilities. They will be stocking, inventorying, and tracking the sales of the machine as part of their program.

Guardian Angel received $3500 toward their 2014 back to school packs they give to Ridgway students. This past year they served 131 children from 51 families from the Ridgway community.

The Elk County Humane Society is the only shelter in Elk County, it is imperative that we remain open to care for abused, abandoned, and stray animals that are not protected by any other agency. They received a grant of $3000 to help with their wellness care of animals entering the shelter. They are receive flea/tick treatment and are spayed /neutered before they are adopted.

The final award of $1,500 went to the Tri-county Rails to Trails for the upkeep and maintenance of the trails that are heavily used by residents of Ridgway, Elk County and by many visitors from outside the area. People of all ages enjoy these trails.

Funds distributed were awarded for these community development initiatives that will enhance the well being of the Ridgway community. This year applications requests totaled over $30,000. The Ridgway Charitable Fund only had $18,000 to distribute this year. Donations are encouraged to grow the fund and to increase the amount of granting dollars available. Individuals, along with groups and business can make a tax deductible contribution by sending it to the Ridgway Borough Charitable Fund, c/o Elk County Community Foundation at P.O. Box 934, St. Marys, PA 15857

Annually grants from the Ridgway Charitable Fund are distributed and can be used to meet special project or program needs of non profit organizations. The Foundation encourages organizations that will serve a particular need of the community and will make a lasting impact on the overall community to apply in August of each year. The Foundation seeks to fund

projects or activities that will serve the needs of many in the community rather than the needs of a few individuals. Projects should include activities that are innovative and have a plan to be self sustaining. In addition, grants are made to support programs serving all persons regardless of race, religion or creed and are made only to charitable organizations.

Organizations that feel they meet the above criteria are invited to submit their application to the foundation for the 2014 round of grants by Aug 15, 2013. ECCF is a non profit organization that manages endowed funds established by donors for area non profit organizations or student scholarships. Donor gifts are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. For more information about opportunities at the Foundation please contact Paula Fritz Eddy at 814-834-2125 or visit our website at www.elkcountyfoundation.com.