Ridgway Charitable Fund held at the Elk County Community Foundation is now accepting Grant Requests.

/in /by

The Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF) announces they are now accepting grant applications from non profit organizations that serve the residents of Ridgway. 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. ECCF welcomes all applications for funding as part of its mission to promote the betterment of the community and to enhance the quality of the life for all residents.

Funds will be award for such community development initiatives that will enhance the well being of the Ridgway community. Distribution from the grants can be used to meet special project or program needs of 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. 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 sustained themselves. 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. Applications have been revised to make it easier for organizations to apply. New applications will be accepted through September 19, 2008 and are available by calling the ECCF’s office at 834-2125 or via their website at www.elkcountyfoundation.com.

Grants will be reviewed and approved by the end of October. The funds come from the Ridgway Charitable and will be able to award over $20,000. The endowed fund was a gift received from the estate of Sara-Jane Stackpole and is held at the ECCF. Grants approved in 2007 were awarded to the following organizations: Anne Forbes Nursery School, Elk Regional Health System, Elkwood Arts, Dickinson Mental Health Center, St. Leo School, and Ridgway YMCA

Each year the grant money increases and will continue to do so as long as the investment grows. In addition the Ridgway Charitable Fund the Foundation will distribute approximately $70,000 in scholarships and an additional $80,000 plus in other endowed funds this year.
ECCF is a non profit organization that manages endowed funds established by donors for area non profit organizations. Donor gifts are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.