Angels Camp, CA…The Calaveras Community Foundation (CCF) has awarded twenty (20) competitive grants for 2019. The combined total of these grants equals over $110,000. The three initiatives for 2019 were: Seniors Initiative, Youth Initiative and Community Enrichment Initiative. Eleven groups serving Calaveras County’s aging senior population were granted over $66,000. Four community food pantries in Valley Springs, Copperopolis, and Angels Camp received funds to continue providing local seniors with nutritious food. Common Ground Senior Services’ Meals-on-Wheels program delivers meals to seniors. Calaveras Humane Society offers seniors preventative/emergency veterinary care for their pets. Mark Twain Medical Center Foundation’s project offers health screenings for men. Central Calaveras Fire Protection District will install smoke alarms, reflective street signage and offer chimney cleaning while DRAIL makes home modifications, installs ramps and is a source for medical equipment. Calaveras Senior Center will repaint their building and make long-delayed repairs. Hospice of Amador & Calaveras offers respite care for Calaveras County caregivers. Funding from the Federlein Family Fund at the San Francisco Foundation made these grants possible.

The Youth Initiative was funded for more than $14,000 and benefited three projects.
Calaveras Sings Theatre Arts Repertory (CSTAR) will purchase microphones for use during their performances. Funding from the Martha and Paul Moeller Fund supported this project. Columbia College Foundation’s Promise project allows qualified local high school graduates to attend Columbia College full-time, tuition free, for up to 30 units the first year after high school graduation. Rail Road Flat Ballpark has been reopened and a play set will be added for children and signage in the parking lot will keep everyone safe. Funds from Calaveras County Employee account, Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort Fund and Calaveras Youth Fund helped to support these grants.

CCF’s Community Enrichment Initiative benefited six projects for nearly $30,000. The Community Betterment Fund fully funded Murphys Creek Theatre’s project of replacing Black Bart Playhouse’s aging sound system. Gold Rush Writers will hold their 14th annual Gold Rush Writer’s Conference. FOCUS (Friends of Calaveras Animal Services) provides spay/neutering and rabies vaccinations. Funds for materials to create a mural at the Government Center (to promote the Youth Mentoring Program) were awarded to Calaveras County Office of Education. Arnold Rim Trail Association’s Signage Enhancement Project will provide distance markers and “You Are Here” maps for the trail. Manzanita Writer’s Press will continue to gather lore and family histories for those debilitated or disabled seniors who cannot attend classes to participate in the “Voices of Wisdom” print anthology.

CCF is most grateful to all our donors for their generosity and desire to help fund worthwhile and innovative projects here in our local communities. Since it’s inception in 2000, CCF has provided over $2,300,000 in competitive grants, scholarships and assistance. To learn more about CCF, call (209) 736-1845 or visit the website:www.calaverascommunityfoundation.org