The Davie Community Foundation made grant decisions for community awards in March totaling $182,045.

Grants were made from the earnings from Community-Unrestricted and Community-Area of Interest Funds in partnership with some Donor Advised Fund holders.

In the first year after completing the 5n5 Community Impact Challenge, the board of directors expanded its focus from youth and literacy to include health, education and poverty, the three focus areas of the Healthy Davie Initiative. The board allocated the greatest percentage of grant dollars for projects related to health as there are large projects in early phases of completion. Opportunities for physical activity for all ages as well as mental health ranked high in the board’s funding decision in an effort to impact the Davie County Community Health Assessment priority area.

Health: $92,000 for three projects including the installation of two professional bocce courts and two professional horseshoe pits with seating at the new Davie County Park; design for a disc golf course at the Farmington Nature Park; and a gift to the budget for The Dragonfly House Capital Campaign.

Education: $29,620 for three projects including the STEM Pipeline Camp and Retreat for middle schoolers; the Nurturing Parent Program through Smart Start; and a two-week summer camp for students with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).

Literacy: $26,000 for four summer reading camps at Cooleemee, Cornatzer, Pinebrook, and William R. Davie elementary schools.

Poverty:  $23,725 for four projects including two day centers, furnishings for a Hope Home and one car loan through the new Davie CARes Project.

Youth: $10,700 for two projects including the Big Buddy Program through BBBS and a Middle School Transition Girls Team Building Night for eighth grade girls at Shady Grove and Cornatzer.

“The Board was pleased to make some larger grants this year thanks to the increase in community fund endowments,” said Jane Simpson, president. “As commitments for the 5n5 Community Impact Challenge continue to be paid, grant dollars should continue to increase. Davie County will truly benefit from the investment made by so many in the community.”

Endowment earnings will benefit Davie organizations and projects. The foundation accepts gifts in any amount, at any time, for an existing fund; the Community Scholarship Fund; or the Community Impact Fund. Options for establishment of named funds in honor or memory of someone are available.

Contact Simpson at (336) 753-6903 or jsimpson@daviefoundation.org  or visit www.daviefoundation.org.