October 24, 2013
Cameron Foundation announces new grant awards during annual ceremony
Petersburg, VA — Concluding its last competitive grant round for 2013, The Cameron Foundation’s Board has announced the recipients for the October cycle, which include 19 grantees receiving awards totaling over $708,000. “Most of the funding commitments made this cycle will benefit residents in the areas of health and human services, both of which are among the core funding interests for the Foundation,” said Foundation President J. Todd Graham. This latest round brings the Foundation’s grant awards to nearly $3.3 million for the year.
Among the approved funding, a $110,000 award to support FeedMore represents the single largest commitment this cycle. The funds will assist FeedMore in providing weekend backpacks to children during the school year, distributing food to families through six Mobile Pantry stops locally, and delivering meals to homebound residents. FeedMore’s programs provide hunger relief to the most vulnerable populations across Central Virginia. The Cameron Foundation’s funding supports FeedMore’s efforts to provide these services locally in the Tri-Cities and surrounding counties. Complementing this work, the Foundation also approved a general operating support grant to Colonial Heights Food Pantry in the amount of $82,000. “These organizations work hand-in-hand to address some of the most basic needs that people can have in our community,” commented Board Chair Larry C. Tucker. He added, “And, they take a strategic approach to answering these needs. We are pleased to support them in their collaborative work.”
Chaired by Director Cleveland A. Wright, The Cameron Foundation’s grants committee includes Larry C. Tucker (ex-officio), Pam Martin Comstock, Chequila H. Fields, J. Tolleison Morriss, VI, Ann C. Taylor, and James L. Thacker, Jr. Carolyn Thompson of Colonial Heights and Dr. Marion H. Wilkins of Waverly also serve as community representatives on the committee. Wright noted that each grant cycle, the committee is tasked with responding to numerous worthy requests. He said, “We see the good work that these nonprofits are doing throughout our region, and it’s always rewarding when we know that these grant funds will support the quality of life for people in towns, cities and rural communities all across Southside Virginia.”
The October grantees include:
Art on Wheels – $11,500
Bensley-Bermuda Volunteer Rescue Squad – $31,005
ChildSavers of Richmond/Memorial Child Guidance Clinic – $30,000
Colonial Heights Food Pantry, Inc. – $82,000
Commonwealth of Virginia Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney – $24,000
Crater Community Hospice – $50,000
Crater Health District – $69,500
FeedMore, Inc. – $110,000
FLITE Foundation – $35,000
Gateway Homes of Greater Richmond – $35,000
Greater Richmond Fit4Kids – $35,000
Greater Richmond SCAN – $35,000
Old Brick House Foundation – $5,000
Reach Out and Read Virginia – $10,000
Serenity, Inc. – $40,000
Shepherd’s Center of Chesterfield – $8,000
The James House Intervention/Prevention Services, Inc. – $55,000
The Read Center – $30,000
Virginia Dental Health Foundation – $12,000
The Foundation announced its October grant decisions during its annual ceremony on October 24. The event was held at the Foundation’s headquarters. Additionally, the Foundation presented recognition awards to the two organizations that were chosen for this year. Gateway Homes, Inc. was honored with the 2013 Cleveland A. Wright Award for Outstanding Community Service, and CARES, Inc. was given an honorable mention through the Handy L. Lindsey, Jr. Award for Excellence in Organizational Management.
ABOUT THE CAMERON FOUNDATION
The Cameron Foundation is a private foundation that supports the work of nonprofits and partner agencies to improve the quality of life of residents in the cities of Petersburg, Colonial Heights, and Hopewell; the counties of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Sussex; and the portion of Chesterfield County lying south of Route 10. Founded in 2003, The Cameron Foundation was formed from the proceeds of the sale of Southside Regional Medical Center by the Hospital Authority of the City of Petersburg. Since it began grantmaking in 2004, the Foundation has awarded approximately $63 million to organizations serving the residents of the Tri-Cities and surrounding counties.
More information about the Foundation, its grant opportunities, and its grant recipients is available on its website, camfound.org, or by telephone at 804 732 8900.