The Pokagon Fund has announced its latest round of grants. The $526,000 going out for the month of May will be spread among 18 organizations in Harbor Country, Dowagiac, and Hartford. The biggest grant is for $260,000, going to New Buffalo Township in support of the township building renovation. Also included is $65,000 to Harbor Country Summer Day Camp for a new summer camp for kids from the New Buffalo and River valley school districts, and $56,000 for Three Oaks Township’s recycling program. Since 2007, the Pokagon Fund has given out grants to community projects focused on education, the arts, recreation, environment, health, and other areas, using a portion of Four Winds Casino revenues. Since its inception, the fund has given out more than $22 million.
Below is a full list of the grants announced this week.
1. $10,000 to Blessings in a Backpack to meet the need of food assistance by providing backpacks of food for River Valley School District Students over the next two years.
2. $10,000 to Southhold Dance Theater to support the production of the Nutcracker Ballet in Harbor Country in December, 2016.
3. $1,500 to Animal Lovers, Inc., in support of their sterilization program for animals in Harbor Country.
4. $5,000 to the River Valley School District to purchase new Marching Band drums, carrying cases, and musical stands.
5. $1,000 to the Three Oaks Flag Day Committee to support the Flag Day Festival 2016.
6. $13,334 to the New Buffalo Business and Community Association to support the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra concert and fireworks on July 4, 2016.
7. $65,000 to the Harbor Country Summer Day Camp to support summer camp for New Buffalo and River Valley School District students.
8. $6,000 to Hartford Public Library to support the purchase of six new computers for the Children’s Technology Center.
9. $9,977 to the E. Root Fitch Foundation to support the renovation of the recreational court.
10. $5,000 to Hartford Public Schools to support the 5th Grade Band Instrument Program.
11. $5,000 to A.C.T.I.O.N. Dowagiac to support the food ministries project.
12. $5,000 to Sister Lakes Fire Department to support the purchase of new wildland fighter gear.
13. $5,000 to the Domestic Violence Coalition to support the Domestic and Sexual Assault Response Team (S.A.R.T).
14. $37,650 to the Village of Grand Beach to support the beautification of the entrance to the Village of Grand Beach.
15. $56,038 to Three Oaks Township to support the Three Oaks Recycling Program and to establish walking trails within the Three Oaks Conservation Area.
16. $25,000 to the Village of Michiana to support the repair of Bus Stop 42 Beach Stairs.
17. $6,000 to Catholic Charites, Diocese of Gary to support the Wheelchair Ramp and Home Safety Repair program for needy families in Harbor Country.
18. $260,122 to New Buffalo Township in support of the New Buffalo Township building renovation (fourth installment of a total of $2 million).
