The Clay Electric Foundation approved 9 applications for December 2018 in the amount of $103,900.

Alachua County Youth Fair & Livestock Show Association, Inc. - $15,000
(Alachua County)
The Alachua County Youth Fair & Livestock Show Association is a volunteer group that conducts and operates public fairs and expositions pertaining to agricultural matters and more particularly to the exhibitions of livestock, poultry, crafts, youth projects, and farm products.  Grant funding will be used to replace worn equipment.
 

West Putnam Volunteer Fire Department - $15,000
(Putnam, Alachua, Clay and Marion counties)
The West Putnam Volunteer Fire Department responds to emergency calls in a 62-square mile area of West Putnam County and gives mutual aid to neighboring counties. Funds from the grant will be used to purchase new bunker gear and gas exhaust fans.
 

George’s Lake Area Volunteer Fire Department - $15,000
(Putnam County)
George’s Lake Area Volunteer Fire Department is a nonprofit volunteer community organization that responds to local emergencies. Its volunteers respond to medical and wildfire emergencies, assist with repairing storm damage, and monitor the well-being of senior citizens during major storms, as well as host a variety of community events. Grant funds will be used to help replace the heating and AC system, windows and doors.
 

Oklawaha River Valley Civic Club - $4,000
(Marion County)
The Oklawaha River Valley Civic Club provides assistance to 700 residents of Hog Valley by organizing community events and supplying needed items, such as backpacks and shoes for children. Funds from the grant will pay for electrical repairs to the building.
 

10 Can Inc. - $10,000
(Alachua County)
This organization is an outdoor ministry for military families. They rehabilitate Wounded Warriors by strengthening their family foundation. This is done through outdoor recreational therapy, creating outdoorsmen and providing wilderness experiences for urban families. Grant funds will be used to support the Outdoor Recreational Therapy program.
 

Frank DeLuca YMCA - $2,500
(Marion County)
The purpose of the Frank DeLuca YMCA is to improve lives of all in Central Florida by connecting individuals, families and communities with opportunities based on Christian values that strengthen spirit, mind, and body. Funds from the grant will support the YMCA Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance for those who cannot afford memberships and programs.
 

Child Advocacy Center, Inc. - $13,400
(Alachua County)
The Child Advocacy Center works with child victims to break the cycle of abuse by offering therapy and case management. Grant funds will support the renovation of the Center’s building.
 

Cross Creek Volunteer Fire Department - $15,000
(Alachua, Marion counties)
The Cross Creek Volunteer Fire Department operates exclusively for fire and emergency medical services for the communities of Cross Creek, Island Grove and Lochloosa. Funds from the grant will be used to purchase a generator and gas tank, as well as electrical connections, to be used during power outages and natural disasters.
 

Rotary Club of Palatka - $14,000
(Putnam County)
Rotary Club exists as an international service organization focused on addressing the human condition through investments of time, talent, and money. Grant funds will pay for new equipment for the Rotary Project P.L.A.Y. Park, a community playground.
 

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 7 applications for November 2018 in the amount of $69,250.

Camp Boggy Creek - $10,000
(All counties)
Camp Boggy Creek, located in Eustis, was founded in 1996 by Paul Newman and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf to make it possible for children with serious illnesses to enjoy a camp experience in a safe, medically-sound environment. Funds from the grant will be used to enable five families to enjoy the camp’s therapeutic programs.
 

Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches - $15,000
(All counties)
The mission of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches is to prevent delinquency and develop lawful, resilient and productive citizens. Grant funding will go toward youth living area renovations.
 

Friends of Fort McCoy Library - $7,000
(Marion County)
Friends of the Fort McCoy Library is a nonprofit organization that exists to promote and develop library facilities and encourage the use of them by local residents. Funds from the grant will be used to purchase audio/visual equipment for the auditorium and stage.
 

Friends of Dudley Farm - $4,750
(Alachua County)
Friends of Dudley Farm is a volunteer organization that supports the preservation and interpretation of Dudley Farm Historic State Park, located in Gainesville. Grant funding will pay the costs for roundtrip school bus transportation of Alachua County elementary school children to the farm for field trips for the 2018-19 school year.
 

The Foundation for Florida Gateway College - $15,000
(Columbia, Baker, Gilchrist & Union counties)
The Foundation for Florida Gateway College exists solely to provide financial support for Florida Gateway College and the students it serves. Funds will be used to purchase 4 two-year scholarships from Florida Prepaid, one each for Columbia, Baker, Gilchrist and Union counties, as part of the Take Stock in Children program.
 

Kiwanis Club of Lake City - $7,500
(Columbia County)
Kiwanis empowers communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children. Funds from the grant will be used to renovate Columbia High School’s greenhouse, which provides produce for the Kids Feeding Kids program.
 

Alachua Lions Club - $10,000
(Alachua County)
The Alachua Lions Club is part of Lions International, the largest service club in the world. Among its many programs, the club has sponsored Alachua Scouting for 84 years. Grant funds will be used to remodel the Boy Scout hut on the club’s property.

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 13 applications for October 2018 in the amount of $111,590.

Veterans Helping Veterans - $15,000
(Marion County)
Veterans Helping Veterans is a not-for-profit organization serving veterans and their families. Grant funds will be used to provide gas cards and assist with utility payments for veterans in financial difficulty.
 

Military Museum of North Florida - $8,000
(Clay County)
The Military Museum of North Florida, located in Reynolds Industrial Park in Green Cove Springs, honors all service men and women from every branch of the service with pictures and displays of uniforms, weapons and equipment from each major conflict. Funds from the grant will go toward renovating and updating the museum displays.
 

Soldiers Freedom Outdoors - $10,000
(Clay, Bradford counties)
Soldiers Freedom Outdoors seeks to provide a safe, holistic place where military veterans can heal from post-traumatic stress disorder by engaging in outdoor activities. Grant funds will be used to expand the equine therapy program.
 

Clay County Archives, Inc. - $5,650
(Clay County)
The Clay County Archives preserves records and artifacts related to Clay County history, ensures public access to these items, and promotes programs and provides resources that increase public awareness and appreciation for Clay County. Funds from the grant will be used to purchase a portable seating system so schools can schedule group visits to historical sites.
 

Community Hospice - $3,240
(Columbia County)
Community Hospice is a community-based nonprofit palliative and hospice care provider serving 11 counties in North Central Florida. The organization helps more than 14,000 patients and their families live better with advanced illness. Grant funds will support special recognition for veterans in hospice care and aid its volunteer recruitment initiative.
 

Girl Scouts of Gateway Council - $10,000
(All counties)
The Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, headquartered in Jacksonville, is the largest provider of girl-specific programs, serving nearly 10,000 girls in 16 counties in Northeast and North Central Florida. Funds from the grant will support the STEM To-Go program, which will expose girls to careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
 

Penney Farms Retirement Community - $3,200
(Clay County)
Penney Farms Retirement Community, located outside Green Cove Springs, is an inclusive Christian continuing care retirement community seeking the abundant life through interaction and service. Grant funds will be used to support the complementary nursing and aromatherapy programs.
 

College of Central Florida Foundation - $10,000
(Marion, Levy counties)
The CF Foundation seeks to change lives through education by providing community awareness, advocacy and funding to the college. Funds from the grant will support the CF Patriot Fund, which assists students when unexpected financial emergencies occur.
 

Haven Hospice - $15,000
(All counties)
Haven Hospice is a not-for-profit, community hospice organization providing comprehensive services for end-of-life and palliative care. Grant funds will be used to implement an Advance Care Planning Program in Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Clay and Putnam counties.
 

Early Learning Coalition of North Florida - $5,000
(Clay, Bradford, Putnam, Baker counties)
The Early Learning Coalition serves parents, caregivers and educators of children ages birth to pre-kindergarten by managing and evaluating early child care and early education programs through a quality school readiness delivery system in Baker, Bradford, Clay, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns Counties. Funds from the grant will be used to support the themed literacy program.
 

Riders With Caring Hearts - $1,500
(Columbia County)
Riders with Caring Hearts is a small group of motorcycle enthusiasts banding together to conduct periodic charity rides to benefit deserving local charities. Grant funds will be used to support the Columbia County School District Homeless Education Program.
 

YMCA of Florida’s First Coast Take Stock in Children - $10,000
(Clay, Baker counties)
The YMCA is the First Coast’s largest service provider, touching more than 109,000 people in 2016, with programs that emphasize its core values of carling, honesty, respect and responsibility. Funds from the grant will be used to support Take Stock in Children, a mentor and scholarship program.
 

Feeding Northeast Florida - $15,000
(Baker, Putnam counties)
Feeding Northeast Florida is the region’s largest food bank and hunger-relief network, working to establish food security across eight counties. Grant funds will go toward the Backpack Program, which provides food for children over the weekend.

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 11 applications for September 2018 in the amount of $84,100.

Art League of North Florida/Gateway Art Gallery - $5,000
(Columbia County)
The Art League of North Florida develops programs and services that serve the needs of artists through advocacy, networking, fundraising and grant development, and promotes the visual arts as an integral part of education. It offers several community art programs, such as the Girls’ Summit for at-risk preteen and teenage girls (with Altrusa), the Veterans’ Art Program, Art for Hospice, and the Life Style Enrichment Center. Funds from the grant will be used to purchase art supplies and materials for these programs.
 

Pay It Forward Outreach Corp - $2,600
(Marion County)
Pay It Forward Outreach Corp is a charitable Christian donation program assisting families facing economic hardships by providing furniture, housewares, clothing and other essentials. The organization plans to use the grant funding to support its “Sustainable Home” program, which provides families with furniture and housewares.
 

Putnam First Cancer Fund - $7,500
(Putnam County)
The Putnam First Cancer Fund uses contributions to provide financial assistance to patients with cancer for basic living and timely access to diagnosis and treatment, and to facilitate education, awareness and cancer screening programs and activities. Grant funds will be used to provide professional home sitting services for patients who cannot be left alone during chemo and radiation treatments.
 

Kiwanis Club Santa Fe - $3,000
(Alachua County)
Kiwanis empowers communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children. Funds from the grant will be used to help construct The Santa Fe Trail, a natural walking and fitness trail in High Springs.
 

Middleburg American Legion Post 250, Inc. - $7,000
(Clay County)
The American Legion is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in its communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to servicemembers and veterans. Grant funds will be used to help renovate the post’s community meeting house.
 

Heart of Putnam Palatka Christian Service Center - $9,000
(Putnam County)
The Palatka Christian Service Center helps residents from all areas of Putnam County who are in a crisis situation. Funds from the grant will be used to support Project ASSIST, which aims to prevent homelessness by helping with rent/mortgage, utility and other housing expenses.
 

Keystone Heights Shrine Club Association, Inc. - $15,000
(Clay, Bradford, Putnam counties)
Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth in thousands of clubs around the world. The group supports Shriners Hospitals for Children®, a health system of 22 locations. Grant funds will be used to provide transportation for local patients and families to and from the children’s hospital in Tampa.
 

Melrose Library Association - $6,000
(Alachua, Putnam counties)
The Melrose Library Association seeks to enhance the quality of life of Melrose residents by increasing the use of the library by current patrons, attracting new patrons and obtaining additional resources for the library. Funds from the grant will be used to improve physical access to the library for individuals who require assistance.
 

Keystone Heights Senior Center - $15,000
(Clay County)
The Keystone Heights Senior Center is a branch of Clay County’s Council on Aging, the trusted source for the health and welfare for seniors in the area. Grant funds will be used for continued improvements to the building, including new office, patio and library areas.
 

GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club - $6,500
(Alachua, Columbia counties)
The GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club is the largest civic club in the area with 94 members. The historic building is used often for a variety of community events. Funds from the grant will help replace the HVAC unit in the building.
 

St. Phillips Lodge #55 - $7,500
(Alachua County)
St. Phillips Lodge #55 is part of the Masonic organization and offers such community service projects as Adopt a Family, Unity in the Community, back-to-school supply giveaways and youth football sponsorships. Funds will be used to support the back-to-school program and the annual Christmas toy drive.
 

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 7 applications for August 2018 in the amount of $85,000.

Challenge Enterprises of North Florida - $15,000
(Clay, Alachua, Putnam counties)
Challenge Enterprises, based in Green Cove Springs, promotes the power of people and possibilities for individuals living with disabilities. Funds from the grant will be used to install an auto generator for one of the organization’s small group homes.
 

Community Church of Keystone Heights - $10,000
(Clay, Bradford, Putnam counties)
The Community Church of Keystone Heights sponsors an annual Back-to-School Outreach event, providing nearly 300 children with clothing, shoes, hygiene products and haircuts before the school year begins. Funds from the grant will be used to purchase items for the event.
 

South Putnam Christian Service Center - $10,000
(Putnam County)
The South Putnam Christian Service Center is a volunteer organization that assists those in need of food, clothing, prescription medication, propane, transportation and utility bills. Grant funds will be used to purchase food to increase the number of families that can be helped by the program.
 

Feed the Need of Putnam County, Inc. - $15,000
(Putnam County)
Feed the Need of Putnam County exists to end childhood hunger over the weekends in Putnam County by providing nourishing meals to more than 850 children. Funds from the grant will be used to purchase food for the program.
 

Putnam Project Lighthouse - $10,000
(Putnam County)
Putnam Project Lighthouse hopes to help families with special needs members live safer lives by helping Putnam County’s most vulnerable citizens obtain wearable tracking devices. Grant funds will be used to assist families who do not have GPS tracking insurance coverage for their loved ones who might be in danger of wandering, including autistic children and adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
 

Magnolia Point Women's Club - $15,000
(Clay County)
The Magnolia Point Women’s Club is a volunteer organization whose mission is to nourish the bodies, stimulate the minds, and increase the self-esteem of Green Cove Springs' neediest and most vulnerable children from elementary through high school. Grant funds will be used to support the Maggie’s Meals program, which will feed 170 children by packing nutritious food in backpacks to send home each Friday during the school year.
 

Foundation for Rural Education Excellence, Inc. - $10,000
(All counties)
The Foundation for Rural Education Excellence enhances academic success and career opportunities for rural students in northeast Florida. Funds from the grant will be used to offer computer science courses to middle school students in the rural school districts served by Clay Electric.
 

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 6 applications for July 2018 in the amount of $69,175.

Stirrups'n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center - $15,000
(Marion, Alachua, Lake, Levy counties)
Stirrups ‘n Strides’ mission is to provide therapeutic horseback riding and carriage driving to anyone with physical, mental or emotional challenges, and to improve the quality of life for these individuals with the opportunity for emotional, educational and physical growth through horsemanship and competition. Funds will be used to purchase equipment for therapy sessions and to assist with building a community room.
 

North Point Youth - $10,000
(Putnam County)
North Point Youth is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to mentoring middle school students in Putnam County. Grant funds will contribute to the expansion of its after-school program.
 

Doctors Lake Estates Civic Club - $5,000
(Clay County)
The Doctors Lake Estates Civic Club is a volunteer organization in Clay County. Funds from the grant will be used to help with the installation of a public park open to the neighborhood and surrounding communities.
 

Our Father's Business, Inc. - $10,000
(Alachua, Clay, Putnam counties)
Our Father’s Business, based in Melrose, operates the YES Vision Literacy Initiative. YES solicits community engagement dollars and provides a tax-deductible donation source for partners who want to support eye screening and free eye care projects for school-age children and youth. Grant funds will be used to support this program.
 

Fort King Heritage Association, Inc. - $15,000
(All counties)
The Fort King Heritage Association was formed to protect, preserve and develop the history of Fort King, a National Historic Landmark in Ocala that served as the headquarters for the Army of the South during the Second Seminole War (1837-42), and then Marion County’s first courthouse and public building (1842-44). Grant funds will contribute to the purchase of two figures dressed in authentic attire that will illustrate the fort’s story for visitors.
 

Concerned Citizens of Bradford County, Inc. - $15,000
(Bradford County)
Concerned Citizens of Bradford County, Inc. is an outreach organization dedicated to the needy, deprived, seniors, and especially to the proper rearing of children to become model citizens. The group specializes in educating, teaching character, building confidence and modeling positive behavior through its after-school club, summer day camp, senior club and youth sports. The money will be used to provide personnel for the 8-week summer day camp program.

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 8 applications for June 2018 in the amount of $88,010.

Police Athletic League of Clay County, Inc. - $5,000
(Clay County)
The Clay County Police Athletic League works with the community to prevent juvenile crime and violence by building the bond between law enforcement officers and kids. Funds from the grant will be used to provide scholarships to assist low-income families with the cost of participating in the League’s sports programs.
 

Unity Family Community Center - $10,500
(Alachua, Levy, Marion counties)
Unity Family Community Center, located in Williston, seeks to improve the quality of life of families and individuals by providing services and opportunities designed to create change, such as health initiatives, social services and economic development programs. Grant funding will be used to support the center’s afterschool program.
 

Florida Center for the Blind, Inc. - $15,000
(All counties)
The Florida Center for the Blind, Inc. is a nonprofit serving Marion and surrounding counties. The organization provides services to any individual who is blind or visually impaired. Funds will be used to support the intervention program to provide rehabilitative training and intervention services to any individual who has a severe visual impairment or progressive disease to enable them to have the skills to maintain their confidence and independence as their vision is deteriorating.
 

Putnam Habitat for Humanity - $12,000
(Putnam County)
Founded in 1991, Putnam Habitat for Humanity serves residents of Putnam County based on need. Funds from the grant will be used to support the Putnam Service Project, which provides critical and emergency home repairs to low-income homeowners in Putnam County.
 

Church of the Good Samaritan Anglican - $12,000
(Clay County)
The Church of the Good Samaritan in Middleburg provides a monthly food distribution program for the needy in Clay County. The program also provides access to medical and other services. Grant funding will be used to purchase refrigeration units, generators and a temperature-controlled shed for food storage.
 

Another Way, Inc. - $15,000
(Columbia, Levy, Suwannee counties)
Another Way, Inc. provides hotline, safe shelter, individual and group counseling, court accompaniment, food, clothing, hygiene items and many other supportive services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Funds from the grant will be used to purchase two vans to transport program participants.
 

Girls on the Run of Alachua County - $3,510
(Alachua County)
Girls on the Run of Alachua County inspires girls in grades 3-8 to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. Grant funding will be used to cover program participation costs.
 

Women's Empowerment Services - $15,000
(Clay County)
Women’s Empowerment Services of N.E. Florida has a mission to empower women who are in disadvantaged positions due to various life events with the skills and confidence necessary to get a job, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and regain a home for themselves and their children. Funds from the grant will be used to support the John B. Moss Memorial Fund for emergency shelter, which helps women avoid homelessness by helping them with temporary shelter expenses, security deposits, housing application fees and short-term rent.

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 9 applications for May 2018 in the amount of $99,275.

Elder Care of Alachua County - $15,000
(Alachua County)
ECAC provides in-home and community-based services that enable elderly clients to remain independent in their own homes for as long as they are able. Elder Care is perhaps best known for its Meals on Wheels program, but it also provides many other services that increase the quality of life for the frail elderly who live on a very limited income. Funds will be used to support the meal program.
 

Hawthorne First United Methodist Church - $9,575
(Alachua County)
First United Methodist Hawthorne and the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion have entered into a collaborative effort to serve the most vulnerable population within Hawthorne and surrounding areas. Hawthorne Area Resource Center (HARC) will serve as a food pantry and resource center. Funds will be used to purchase a walk-in cooler, stronger shelving, smoke detectors and front porch railing for the Center, and to help people with hardship situations.
 

Vision is Priceless Council - $1,500
(Clay County)
Vision is Priceless serves as the premier community resource for improving the vision health of First Coast children and adults through screening, referral, and education. Grant funds will be used to purchase 30 pairs of eyeglasses.
 

Happy House - $15,000
(Columbia, Suwannee counties)
Happy House serves socioeconomically disadvantaged families through a high-quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood program. Funds will go toward renovating the facility’s kitchen.
 

Mossman Home Preservation Foundation - $10,000
(Putnam, Alachua counties)
Mossman exists to serve its members by providing them a venue to exhibit their artwork, meet one another, teach classes and promote a friendly and inspiring artistic atmosphere within the community; to strengthen its community culturally and economically by fostering the visual and performing arts; and to encourage community participation by hosting free to the public events such as art openings, social gatherings, and club meetings. Grant funds will be used for various art education programs.
 

Food Bridge of Middleburg United Methodist Church - $10,700
(Clay County)
The Food Bridge of Middleburg United Methodist Church is an all-volunteer ministry that helps to provide food for more than 1,200 needy families in 13 counties on a bi-weekly basis. Funds from the grant will be used to purchase a commercial walk-in freezer.
 

Pilot Club of Palatka - $15,000
(Putnam County)
The Pilot Club’s mission is to influence positive change in communities throughout the world, with a main focus on brain health and awareness. Grant funds will be used to improve the playground at E.H. Miller School, including the addition of ADA-approved equipment.
 

Lee Conlee House, Inc. - $15,000
(Putnam County)
The Lee Conlee House is the certified domestic violence center serving Putnam County. Its mission is to stop the campaign of violence by providing crisis intervention, emergency shelter, advocacy, treatment, prevention, and education through the establishment of community partnerships. Grant funds will be used to support the Children of Hope program, a youth-targeted domestic violence program.
 

Sanderson Christian Revival Center - $7,500
(Bradford, Baker, Union counties)
The Sanderson Christian Revival Center, located in Baker County, operates a Giveaway Program that offers free clothing, furniture and miscellaneous items at no cost to families in need. The program helps 1,500 local residents annually. Funds from the grant will mainly be used to purchase a new storage shed with foundation.

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 7 applications for April 2018 in the amount of $66,407.92.

Christian Service Center of Columbia County - $10,000
(Columbia County)
The Christian Service Center of Columbia County is a nonprofit serving the residents of Columbia County since 1984. The scope of assistance provided includes food, clothing, utility bills, gas assistance, bus tickets, emergency lodging and prescription assistance. The organization serves approximately 10,000 clients (includes all family members) per year. The grant funds will be used for the Christian Service Center’s Client Assistance Program to help residents with their utility bills.
 

Tomorrow's Equestrian Center - $11,607.92
(Levy, Alachua, Marion counties)
Tomorrow’s Equestrian Center, Inc., located in Williston, provides therapeutic riding programs to children and adults with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities. Funding from the grant will be used to purchase a new mower to maintain the property.
 

BASCA, Inc. - $15,000
(Clay counties)
BASCA, Inc. focuses on helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve a higher quality of life and sense of belonging. Funds will be used to support the BASCA CREATIONS Project. This project is part of a life skills development program and teaches social and communication skills as well as helping individuals to stay on a task and complete it; follow directions; work independently and in teams; develop their creative nature; and be self-reliant. Examples of creative activity choices include arts, crafts, dancing, music, writing, photography, woodworking and ceramics.
 

Grace Episcopal Church - $4,600
(Clay County)
Grace Episcopal Church of Orange Park offers a community outreach program called Laundry Love, a ministry that provides detergent, bleach, dryer sheets and quarters for less advantaged citizens to enable them to use a laundromat once a month. Funds from the grant will go toward the use of laundry machines at a local laundromat.
 

Hope Therapy, Inc. - $5,000
(Clay County)
Hope Therapy, Inc. is a nonprofit equine-assisted activities and therapy program in Middleburg. Its mission is to improve the quality of life of children and adults with various diagnoses with the help of horses. Grant funding will be used to support the scholarship fund to allow clients of all ages to participate.
 

Lake Area Ministries - $15,000
(Clay, Putnam, Bradford counties)
Lake Area Ministries (LAM), an all-volunteer organization, is primarily a food pantry focusing on feeding needy families. As funds allow, the organization assists with other basic needs. The funds will be used to assist families in need with electric bills, transportation assistance to medical appointments or job interviews, and non-narcotic prescriptions.
 

Vivid Visions, Inc. - $5,000
(Suwannee County)
Vivid Visions, Inc. is a state-certified domestic violence shelter and outreach program serving Suwannee County that provides emergency shelter, emotional support and other services. Funds from this grant will be used to purchase new beds, mattresses, flooring, food, personal hygiene products and household supplies for the shelter, and will also help with the development of a new website.

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 9 applications for March 2018 in the amount of $106,775.

Kiwanis Club of Starke - $11,500
(Bradford County)
Kiwanis empowers communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children. Funds from this grant will support the Bradford 4-H, Take Stock in Children, and Community in Schools dropout prevention programs.
 

Rodeheaver Foundation - $10,000
(all counties)
Founded in 1950, the Rodeheaver Boys Ranch is a 790-acre sanctuary for boys who need a home, a family, and roots for a brighter future. Grant funds will be used to provide a part-time tutor for the new Learning Center.
 

Waste Not Want Not, Inc. - $15,000
(Multiple counties)
Waste Not Want Not is a volunteer-based group whose mission is to prevent the discarding of food and other items that can be used to fight hunger and poverty. The group does this by rescuing food daily from numerous sources for distribution to local charitable organizations, and through other cost-effective initiatives. Grant funds will be used to support the food rescue and distribution program.
 

Putnam Health and Fitness Center - $5,375
(Putnam, Clay, Volusia counties)
The Putnam Health & Fitness Center, located in Pomona Park, exists to enhance the quality of life of everyone in the community through the use of volunteers, health promoting programs, physical exercise, and available facilities, equipment, and resources. Funds from the grant will be used for parking lot improvements.
 

Lake Butler Rotary - $9,500
(Union County)
Rotary Club exists as an international service organization focused on addressing the human condition through investments of time, talent, and money. Grant funds will be used to support the Lake Butler Farm Share program.
 

Lake Butler Woman's Club - $10,400
(Union, Alachua, Baker counties)
The Lake Butler Woman’s Club, Inc. is a charitable organization of women in Union County. Members help with projects at schools, and in the community, district and state. Funds from the grant will be used to help continue the renovation of the club’s historic building.
 

Mercy Support Services, Inc. - $15,000
(Clay County)
Mercy Support Services serves the people of Clay County, Florida who are circumstantially in need by providing services that guide them to self-sufficiency. A non-profit organization, Mercy works collaboratively to provide "a hand up, not a hand out" to families and individuals in need. Funds from the grant will be used to replace aging appliances in the Supportive Housing Program with more energy-efficient models.
 

Melrose Volunteer Fire Department - $15,000
(Alachua, Clay, Putnam, Bradford counties)
The Melrose Volunteer Fire Department serves surrounding counties for fire protection and medical responders in emergencies. Grant funds will be used to purchase five sets of structural bunker gear for new firefighters, plus upgrade flashlight equipment.
 

Clay County Habitat for Humanity - $15,000
(Clay, Bradford counties)
Clay County Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing in Clay County area. As an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, it works in partnership with local families and volunteers to build and rehabilitate simple, decent homes for qualified families in need. Grant funds will go toward construction of new homes.

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 6 applications for February 2018 in the amount of $58,275.

Black Creek Bowl Association - $3,000
(Clay County)
The mission of the Black Creek Bowl Association is to increase positive public awareness of historic Middleburg, its natural wonders, sports facilities and awesome people. Grant funds will be used to sponsor three scholarships for Middleburg High School seniors.
 

Bradford County Education Foundation - $14,275
(Bradford County)
The Bradford County Education Foundation exists to improve the quality of education by increasing community involvement and support for the eight Bradford County Public Schools. Funds from the grant will be used to provide its after-school tutoring program.
 

St. Johns River State College Foundation - $10,000
(Putnam, Clay counties)
The St. Johns River State College Foundation is a charitable organization that exists to support the growth and development of the college in ways that are beneficial to its students, faculty, staff and campus facilities. Grant funds will be used to support the First Generation Scholarship Program, which provides scholarship funding to first-generation college students.
 

Food Pantry of Green Cove Springs - $15,000
(Clay County)
The Food Pantry is an all-volunteer organization that provides Clay County with emergency food for families and individuals in need. Funds from the grant will be used to purchase nonperishable food items.
 

Teen Court of Clay County - $10,000
(Clay County)
Teen Court is an alternative juvenile delinquency program that offers first-time respondents, ages 10-17, a second chance while holding them accountable for their actions. Every position in the courtroom is held by a teenager with the exception of the judge, who is an adult member of the Clay County Bar Association. A trial routine is followed and teens get hands-on experience as attorneys, clerks, bailiffs, and jurors. Grant funds will be used to support Counseling services and scholarship programs.
 

Friends of the Micanopy Library - $6,000
(Alachua, Marion counties)
The Friends of the Micanopy Library is an organization that assists the library in purchasing items outside its county-funded operating budget. Grant funds will be used to extend the after-school Micanopy Tutoring program to students from Marion County.

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 7 applications for January 2018 in the amount of $67,500.

Heart of Putnam Food Pantry - $13,000
(Putnam County)
The Heart of Putnam Food Pantry is a volunteer organization in Palatka that exists to provide supplemental food to clients. Funds from the grant will be used to replace the air conditioning units in the organization’s building.
 

God's Kitchen - $2,500
(Putnam County)
God’s Kitchen is a volunteer organization in Palatka that provides and delivers one hot meal per day to adults who are permanently or temporarily homebound due to a mental or physical disability. Grant funding will be used for meal preparation and delivery expenses.
 

Boy Scouts of America, North Florida - $7,500
(All counties)
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices in their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scouts Oath and Law. Funds from the grant will benefit the Exploring Program, which provides boys and girls ages 13-20 with opportunities to learn from experts in various career fields through hands-on, experiential education.
 

Young Life Clay County - $10,000
(Clay County)
Young Life is a faith-based organization that serves disaffected youth, pregnant and parenting teens, and adolescents with disabilities. Grant funds will be used to support the YoungLives program, which focuses on pregnant and parenting teen girls from all backgrounds.
 

Chances for Children - $14,500
(Columbia County)
Chances for Children Child Advocacy Center was created in 2010 with the idea of providing a one-stop environment for children after allegations of abuse. Funds from the grant will be used to pay for 364 one-hour individual counseling sessions.
 

Keystone Heights Jaycees - $10,000
(Clay, Putnam, Bradford counties)
The Keystone Heights Jaycees is a service organization that serves the Lake Region area by providing funds and/or products to individuals and families who are struggling. Grant funds will be used to purchase gifts for its Toys for Kids program.
 

J.P. Hall Children's Charities - $10,000
(Clay County)
J.P. Hall Children’s Charities is a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve the quality of life of underprivileged children in Clay County. Funds from the grant will be used to support the Charities’ Annual Christmas drive, which provide toys and clothing for needy children in Clay County.