NEWS: 09 GRANT AWARD RELEASE

St. Louis Park Community Foundation to Awards $50,000 in grants

Now in its 7th year of granting, the St. Louis Park Community Foundation (SLPCF) will award $50,000 in grants on Wednesday, November 18 at 8:30 am at the Westwood Hills Nature Center.

The following applicants were awarded funds: Children First to promote Asset Champions Network in St. Louis Park; Meadowbrook Collaborative for “Homework Help” youth activities; Perspectives to support programs for homeless, at-risk, and special needs children; Bookmark in the Park to promote reading through activities; St. Louis Park Friends of the Arts for the Our Town: Verses and Voices, Poetry from SLP; Teens Alone to provide crisis counseling to students; The Bridge to serve runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth; St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP) to provide backpacks, gifts, holiday program, and food for disadvantaged children; St. Louis Park Little League for scholarships; Cornerstone to support domestic abuse prevention programs; St. Louis Park, Park and Recreation Department to support reduced registration for Summer Parks and Recreation Playground neighborhood program; and Wayside House for new “Celebrating Family” program. The SLPCF is also contributing funds to support the St. Louis Park Arts and Culture Grant program which will be awarding grants early in 2010.

The SLPCF strives to enhance the high quality of life enjoyed in St. Louis Park, focusing on youth activities, improving and beautifying the environment, and building strong livable neighborhoods. It has joined forces with many of the organizations that make St. Louis Park a unique, vibrant, and caring community. Since 2002, the Community Foundation has awarded over $350,000 in grants to important not-for-profit community organizations that serve St. Louis Park and support the strategic priorities. The SLPCF also continues to collaborate with the city of St. Louis Park and the St. Louis Park Friends of the Arts on the St. Louis Park Arts and Culture Grant program, benefiting a variety of performing and visual arts projects.

The St. Louis Park Community Foundation (SLPCF) is seeking volunteer members from the community to fill several vacancies on its Board of Advisors. Advisors serve 3-year terms (with the option to renew a second term) and are expected to attend monthly meetings. In addition to the monthly meetings, Board members serve on committees or fulfill volunteer duties that add 3 to 5 hours per month. The Board meets the third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 am at City Hall. New Board members will be inducted at the January meeting.

Specifically, the SLPCF currently seeks a diverse representation of active St. Louis Park residents who have organizational leadership, fundraising/development, database management, marketing, web, or grant writing experience. Community members with a strong interest in the mission of the SLPCF and supporting the Vision St. Louis Park are encouraged to inquire.

Applicants may contact Board Chair Sharlene Romero at info@slpcf.org or 952-903-4848. For more information about the SLPCF, visit www.slpcf.org or contact any Advisory Board member.

The SLPCF exists solely through the dedication and generosity of individuals and businesses in St. Louis Park.

Creating a legacy one gift at a time. Experience GIVING in the Park.