WCCF awards $6,000 in grants to charities
Washington County Community Foundation has completed its discretionary grant cycle for 2016. Grants totaling $6,000 were awarded to local charities in the following funding areas:
Arts & Humanities: Washington Symphony Orchestra received $1,000 to purchase equipment to streamline the ticket-scanning process at its performances. The wireless scanners and accompanying software will allow patrons to use traditional paper tickets with barcodes as well as digital tickets on smart phones.
Education:
• Citizens Library Association received $1,000 to renew the annual maintenance contract and site licenses for the 20-library WAGGIN network for Washington, Greene, and Fayette counties.
• The Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh received $1,000 to purchase a computer and the SkyX software needed to operate the 10-inch reflector telescope at Mingo Creek County Park Observatory.
Environment & Animal Welfare: The Foundation for California University of Pennsylvania received $1,000 for the Assessment of the Southern Redbelly Dace in Kings Creek, Washington County. The project will document the presence of this “critically imperiled” species, and survey results will be shared with the appropriate state resource agency, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Health & Fitness: The Mon Valley Initiative received $1,000 to improve Meadow Park in Charleroi. Improvements to this formerly blighted property will be made in partnership with the Greater Charleroi Community Development Corp., with the goal of providing a functional green space in the community.
Human Needs: Tri-County Patriots for Independent Living received $1,000 for Internet Café Support. Money will be used to purchase a new computer with software that can assist consumers facing a variety of special needs, such as low vision or hearing difficulties.
Cumulatively, WCCF has awarded more than $7.8 million in grants and scholarships to improve the quality of life in Washington County since December 1995. For more information about WCCF, visit www.wccf.net.