July 25, 2024

Cameron Foundation approves new grants in June 2024 cycle

PETERSBURG, VA — Concluding its latest responsive grant cycle, The Cameron Foundation has approved $802,785 in funding for 19 nonprofits serving the Tri-Cities region.

A number of the awards were renewal grants for important ongoing work in the community by the nonprofits, while others were made for new initiatives. One new grantee to the Foundation, Real Life, received $65,000 to expand its gun violence prevention program, Project Safe, Alive, and Free (SAF). Project SAF was launched in June 2023 in Hopewell, and based on early indicators that it is helping to reduce shooting incidents involving injury, Real Life will utilize its Cameron funding to expand into Petersburg and surrounding localities.

“The Cameron Foundation’s 2023 Community Health Needs Assessment identifies violent crime rates that exceed the state rate in several of our communities,” said Board Chair Vandy V. Jones, III. “Real Life’s work aligns with this priority need in the region, and its program uses an evidence-based approach to reduce violence, adding to its strength as a community partner in addressing the challenge,” he explained.

Another new grantee, C-Fit Community, received funding for different – and equally important – priorities of Cameron’s. C-Fit Community promotes healthy and active living to improve the well-being and quality of life for Chesterfield County residents. Its $10,500 award will support construction of a Beyond Basics Play Zone at Ettrick Park. The Play Zone will include Story Walk signage that displays picture books; a Toddler Sensory Garden; as well as an Early Learning trail with expert-approved learning games for children and adults to do together.

“Not only does this project offer outdoor activity options for families with young children, but it’s also designed to improve and increase kindergarten readiness,” observed Cameron’s Grants Committee Chair, Jeff Geisz. “Both the health and early childhood development aspects of the Beyond Basics Play Zone are aligned with our work at Cameron,” he noted.

The Cameron Foundation, which is a “health legacy foundation” formed from the sale of Southside Regional Medical Center in 2003, has six funding interest areas. These include: Health Care; Human Services; Community & Economic Development; Education; Historic Preservation & Conservation; and, Arts & Culture.