This past year, the Grant Committee became increasingly aware of the effects Covid was having on not-for-profits and school districts alike. Therefore, many of our grants in 2020 were in response to needs that emerged out of the pandemic. In total, $35,000 in grants was awarded to 13 different organizations last year. Half of those grants included school districts needing assistance with purchasing new technology to accommodate e-learning or supplies to ensure student and staff safety. While some of these grants are not our typical focus, 2020 was not our typical year. The 2020 Grants are as follows:
- Canal Corridor Association to update the signage along the I & M Canal in Grundy County to allow information on the local area to be accessed on a smartphone.
- Coal City Early Childhood Center for supplies needed to comply with Covid protocol as well as during after school care.
- Coal City High School Theatre Department to provide opportunities for students to participate safely in the theatre program.
- Grundy County 4-H Association to assist in creating a virtual livestock auction.
- Grundy County Association for the Handicapped to update the HVAC unit in the Community Day Service Building of Illinois Valley Industries.
- Grundy County Corn Festival to assist with expenses
- Grundy County Health Department to operate the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Class.
- Grundy County Special Education Cooperative to purchase a social emotional learning curriculum for students in grade 4th-12th.
- Goose Lake Prairie Partners to assist with events for the 2021 year.
- Illinois District Show Series to assist in creating a virtual livestock auction.
- Mazon Verona Kinsman Elementary School to purchase student Chromebooks.
- Saratoga School for supplies needed to comply with Covid protocol.
- South Wilmington Grade School to assist in purchasing Chromebooks for students as well as update technology for teachers.