Latest news with #communitygrants
ABC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Townsville City Council cuts events funding ahead of budget discussions
Retiree Neil Renison has for seven years had the job of growing Townsville's only orchestra, a task he says suddenly feels impossible. "We've been dependent on council funding throughout the life of the orchestra," the Barrier Reef Orchestra treasurer said. The orchestra received $50,000 from Townsville City Council last year, a quarter of its annual budget. But without consultation, the council has capped community grants at $25,000 to stretch available funding. "We are going to have to find a considerable amount of money and we may have to curtail some of our activities," Mr Renison said. The ensemble of 60 volunteering musicians exists to provide rare orchestral experiences for regional Queenslanders. Conductors and directors are paid but musicians are volunteering students, pensioners and professionals. Townsville City Councillors have been on a year-long mission to cut costs, citing concern for the cost to rate payers. Some councillors have raised concern for the council's own financial liquidity. Since the beginning of the council term, rates have increased, parking fees doubled and early-bird discounts halved. In a decision that was later abandoned due to a lack of consultation, the council voted to put parking meters on the city foreshore. The grant cuts mean groups that secured $50,000 in 2024 can apply for no more than $25,000 when applications open next month. Like the Barrier Reef Orchestra, an annual festival celebrating Indian culture received $50,000, as did a Christmas installation and fair. The events have been running for years and have consistently been attended by thousands of residents. India Fest secretary Nick Attam was shattered by the cuts, made just weeks before the August event. "We are a not-for-profit, free event, run by volunteers, just to give back to the community," he said. Anne Harley, who founded the city's Christmas festival 20 years ago, said she feared for the future of volunteer-run events. "I can see a real diminishing of community events," the reverend, who wrote to councillors, said. Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney stood by the grant decision and defended not consulting the community. "We can't consult on every single thing that comes through council," Cr Greaney said.
Associated Press
29-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
HealthEquity Community Foundation Awards $35,000 in New Grants
DRAPER, Utah, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The HealthEquity Community Foundation™ today announced the recipients of its second round of community grants, awarding $35,000 across 14 nonprofit organizations. Each selected organization will receive a $2,500 grant to support critical work in one or more of the Foundation's core areas: health and medicine, financial education and literacy, mental health and crisis support, and basic human needs. The Foundation's next grant application cycle will open on August 1, 2025 and eligible 501(c)(3) charitable organizations are encouraged to apply via the Foundation's website: . 'We are proud to support these outstanding nonprofits who are advancing meaningful impact in their communities,' said Dale Miller, President of the HealthEquity Community Foundation. 'These grant awards reflect our continued investment in addressing essential needs, from food insecurity to housing, financial education and literacy, and healthcare access.' Among this cycle's recipients are national organizations that include Ronald McDonald House-Charities of Kentuckiana, where a $2,500 grant from the Foundation will provide 18 nights of lodging and comfort, directly supporting the well-being of families whose children are receiving vital medical care. 'Thanks to HealthEquity Community Foundation's generous support and friendship, a family traveling to Louisville for their child's medical care will receive 18 nights of free lodging, comfort, and support at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana. During their stay, the family will have access to everything they need - from private guestrooms and home-cooked meals to laundry facilities and play areas - so they can focus on what matters most: the health and care of their child,' said Susan Skolnick, Chief Development Officer, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana The 2025 second-round grant recipients include: Each grant reflects HealthEquity's broader commitment to creating lasting change through direct community investment and strategic nonprofit partnerships through the Foundation. A number of grantees also participate in the company's Purple with Purpose volunteer program, operated by HealthEquity which allows teammates to contribute time and talent to causes that matter deeply to them. Grant Categories Include: Health & Medicine – Improving access to medical care and addressing health disparities Financial Education and Literacy – Promoting financial well-being through educational initiatives Mental Health & Crisis Support – Supporting mental health services and crisis intervention Basic Human Needs – Ensuring access to essentials such as food, housing, and safety About HealthEquity HealthEquity and its subsidiaries administer HSAs and various other consumer-directed benefits for over 17 million accounts, working in close partnership with employers, benefits advisors, and health and retirement plan providers who share our unwavering commitment to our mission of saving and improving lives by empowering healthcare consumers. Through cutting-edge solutions, innovation, and a relentless focus on improving health outcomes, we empower individuals to take control of their healthcare journey while enhancing their overall well-being. Learn more about our 'Purple service' and approach at . Media Contact Amy Cerny [email protected] For the latest HealthEquity news, visit our newsroom at
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AAUW State College Used Book Sale saw record attendance. How much was raised?
The AAUW State College Used Book Sale saw record attendance when it was held May 17-20 at the Penn State Snider Ag Arena. The 63rd annual sale brought in more than 7,627 shoppers, which is a 4.5% increase over last year, according to a press release from the nonprofit. Sales totaled $211,475, and after expenses, which include the cost of maintaining the book workshop throughout the year and putting on the sale, the branch will net $161,475 for local community grants that reflect the AAUW's mission to advance equity for women and girls. 'The increased attendance at this year's sale tells us that readers still seek out paper books,' Mary Ann Blair, used book sale co-chair, said in the release. 'I have seen that smile of discovery as someone spots a particular title or author. Our generous community supplies the books and our volunteers and community partners continue to make the sale a treasured event. ' The funds raised will be used to support programs of nonprofits that empower girls and women in areas such as STEM, health, literacy and economic self-sufficiency. Last year, AAUW State College awarded local scholarships, in part from an endowment, to help five undergraduate women complete their education. Funds were also used to send four women to the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders. Proceeds from the sale are also used to help offset increases to expenses associated with it. According to the release, the cost of running the Used Book Workshop throughout the year, where book donations are accepted and processed, has increased significantly and Penn State parking costs during the sale continue to rise. If you have books to donate for next year's sale, the AAUW State College Used Book Workshop will open for donations starting July 8 at 2197 High Tech Road near State College Regional Airport. Next year's sale will be held May 9-12, 2026, at the Penn State Snider Ag Arena. For more information about AAUW State College, visit
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Florence Bank awards $150K to 40 local nonprofits
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – Florence Bank, Tuesday night, split $150,000 between 40 local nonprofits as part of their annual customers' choice community grants program reception. The grants program was founded in 2002, which allows customers of the bank to vote for their favorite local non-profits in the hope that they receive a piece of the funding. To qualify for a grant, recipients must receive 50 votes to be eligible. Last year, over 7-thousand votes were cast, making 40 nonprofits eligible for a grant. Cancer Connection in Northampton received the highest award on Tuesday, of $5,000. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
£1.58 million boost for Mansfield through shared prosperity fund
Mansfield District Council has secured £1.58 million through the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The funding, allocated by the East Midlands Counties Combined Authority (EMCCA), will give the council an extra £1.58 million pounds to be distributed to community grants, local events, skills support and business growth initiatives. The grant was discussed at a council meeting for the Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Finance on Friday (May 9). The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is a £2.6 billion fund open to all parts of the UK. It aims to reduce inequalities between communities and promote economic growth by providing funding for local projects and initiatives. Mansfield 's total allocation for this year will spread out across £508,181 for capital projects, £1,010,117 for revenue projects, and £63,262 for management and administration. READ MORE: Monty Don names two plants that need to be cut back in May for huge blooms next year READ MORE: I ate at Bingham pub that's best known for its beer and it was pretty much perfect The funding will support projects within five key themes – including healthy, safe, and inclusive communities, thriving places, supporting for businesses, employability and skills. Mansfield CVS and Nottinghamshire County Council 's Business Advisory Service are key delivery partners for Mansfield District Council's UKSPF programme. Cllr Craig Whitby (Lab) said the funding was a boost to Mansfield, though it is 'much less' than the grant funded in previous years. Mansfield recieved an allocation of £2.955m in 2022, which covered the district until 2025. In the Autumn 2024 Budget, the UK Government announced the continuation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) would be reduced for a further year in 2025/26, documents say. Cllr Craig Whitby (Lab) told the Local Democracy Reporting Service after the meeting: 'This latest round of UKSPF funding gives us the opportunity to build on the success of previous community projects – like the outdoor gym at Manor Park – and support local businesses, events, and skills development across the district. I'd like to thank Mayor Claire Ward and the East Midlands Combined County Authority for backing Mansfield with this vital investment.' The council will now enter into funding agreements with EMCCA. They will then enter into partnership and delivery agreements with key delivery partners, including Mansfield CVS – for the Community Grant Fund – Nottinghamshire County Council 's Business Advisory Service and West Notts College and Futures – for employability and skills programmes.
