March 1, 2007
Cameron Foundation grants over $1.37 million in awards to 23 non-profits in the Tri-Cities and Southside region
In its first grant cycle of 2007, The Cameron Foundation’s board of trustees is pleased to announce it has made awards totaling $1,373,228 to benefit 23 local nonprofit organizations serving Virginia’s Tri-Cities and Southside regions.
Cleveland A. Wright, president of the board of trustees, said, “Each year, we see how our work with nonprofit organizations strengthens communities throughout the region. This newest round of grants sets the pace for our continued success in 2007.” The Foundation’s governing board consists of nine community leaders who serve without monetary compensation. In addition to president Wright, trustees include: Ann C. Taylor, vice president; Dr. Jerry W. Isbell, secretary; Kevin A. Hill, treasurer; and Dr. Gurpal S. Bhuller, John H. Clements, James L. Thacker, Betty W. Thweatt and Larry C. Tucker.
The Cameron Foundation provides resources to improve both the health and quality of life of people living in the cities of Petersburg, Colonial Heights and Hopewell, as well as the counties of Dinwiddie, Prince George, Sussex and the portion of Chesterfield County lying south of U.S. Route 10. Tucker, chairman of the Foundation’s grants committee, pointed to the variety of grant recipients and the important work each is doing. “There are so many different needs in the community that we play a role in answering. The organizations receiving funding this grant cycle reflect that diversity,” he added.
Meeting board approval, the February 2007 grant recipients include:
Colonial Heights Department of Recreation, Parks & Tourism $24,262
Connect Network/Connect Southside $145,241
Crater Community Hospice $32,075
Crater District Area Agency on Aging $33,050
Crater Regional Partnership $50,000
Crater Small Business Development Center $195,000
District 19 Community Services Board $32,100
Foster Grandparent Program $40,000
Goodwill of Central Virginia $240,000
High Street Association, Inc. $15,250
Hopewell/Prince George Healthy Families $41,200
InterFaith Adult Daycare $20,090
Petersburg Public Library/Petersburg Virginia Oral History
Civil Rights Project Committee $15,000
Petersburg Public Schools $202,260
Rawls Museum Arts $4,000
Rebuilding Together * Petersburg $50,200
Senior Navigator $10,000
Southside Retired and Senior Volunteer Program $59,000
Swift Creek Mill Theatre, Inc. $60,000
Theatre IV $30,000
Virginia Association for Competitive Swimming $9,500
Virginia Supportive Housing $40,000
Young Audiences of Virginia $25,000
Handy L. Lindsey, Jr., the Foundation’s executive director, explained that the grants are to be used for project-specific, capital, general operating, and technical assistance purposes. “The board is committed to furthering the long-term viability of nonprofits in our service area. My staff and I are asked to review not only project-specific requests, but also to consider what a nonprofit might need to strengthen its infrastructure. We strive to take the long view because to achieve a meaningful impact takes time and a sustained commitment,” he explained.
Formed in April 2003 with the proceeds of the sale of Southside Regional Medical Center, the Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization that focuses its giving on seven program areas, including health care, human services, civic affairs, community and economic development, education, conservation and historic preservation, and cultural enrichment. Each grantee must be an eligible charitable nonprofit organization or municipal agency. Through a competitive process, grants are reviewed year-round. Awards are made three times annually – in February, June, and October.
More information about the Foundation and its grant opportunities can be found on its website, www.thecameronfoundation.org, or via telephone at 804-732-8900.