Operation Round Up Grant Recipients 2023

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 7 applications for November 2023 in the amount of $56,800.

Northside Champions Club - $7,500
(Marion County)
Northside Champions Club was founded to support all activities at North Marion High School not funded by state and local dollars. Funding from the grant will support the Enrollment, Enlistment and Employment Initiative, including career days, career fairs and field trips to businesses and colleges.
 

NEEDS (North East Educational & Developmental Support) Center - $4,000
(Clay County)
The North East Educational and Developmental Support Center provides services to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or other developmental disabilities. Grant funds will purchase laptops and whiteboards for the day program.
 

Rotary Club of Starke - $7,500
(Bradford County)
The Rotary Club of Starke is a service organization supporting various charities and projects throughout Bradford County, as well as around the world. Funding from the grant will be applied to the improvement of existing tennis courts for pickleball.
 

Pay It Forward Outreach - $5,000
(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. Grant funds will be used to support the Hero Connection program for suicide prevention.
 

Children’s Home Society - $6,000
(All counties)
Children’s Home Society of Florida is committed to breaking the tragic cycle of child abuse and neglect. Funds from the grant will be used to transport children from schools to health care services.
 

Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches - $20,000
(Suwannee County)
The mission of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches is to prevent delinquency and develop lawful, resilient and productive citizens. Funding from the grant will be used to purchase classroom smartboards and tables and chairs for students learning disabilities.
 

Good Samaritan Ministry of OPUMC - $6,800
(Clay County)
The Good Samaritan Ministry at Orange Park United Methodist Church has helped almost 10,000 people in Clay County by providing those struggling with food insecurity with healthy, high-quality food and hope. Funds from the grant will be used to purchase two commercial-grade refrigerators for the food pantry.
 

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 10 applications for October 2023 in the amount of $86,000.

St. Phillips Lodge - $5,000
(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 these programs.
 

Lake Region Kiwanis Club - $6,000
(Clay County)
Kiwanis Club of Lake Area Region Keystone/Melrose is a non-profit service organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Grant funds will support the Terrific Kids program and tuition at Camp BOOST.
 

Astor Community Association, Inc. - $4,500
(Lake County)
The Astor Community Association works to promote and foster education, recreation, social activities, and community-building activities for all of its members. Grant funds will be used to purchase a new HVAC system for the thrift shop.
 

Another Way, Inc. - $10,000
(Columbia County)
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 provide a storage shed for the emergency shelter.
 

Education Foundation of Putnam County - $10,000
(Putnam County)
The Education Foundation of Putnam County is an independent local education foundation that helps students and schools in Putnam County. Grant funds will help to expand the school district’s Aerospace Technology classes.
 

Altrusa International of Lake City - $7,500
(Columbia County)
Altrusa is an international nonprofit organization making local communities better through leadership, partnership and service. Grant funds will go toward the Backpack Project and the Bright Shiny Faces program, which provide food and supplies to underprivileged children.
 

K9s for Warriors - $1,000
(Clay County)
K9s for Warriors is dedicated to providing service canines to veterans suffering from trauma as a result of military service post-9/11. Grant funds will support costs in pairing a trained service dog with a deserving warrior.
 

Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless & Hungry - $10,000
(Alachua County)
GRACE is a one-stop homeless resource center serving Gainesville and Alachua County. It provides emergency shelter for 10 military veterans every night. Grant funds will be used to provide basic needs supplies for people without housing.
 

Arnette House, Inc. - $20,000
(Marion County)
Arnette House provides a 24/7 residential adolescent emergency shelter for youth ages 10-17 in Ocala. Funding from the grant will be applied to the purchase of minivans to improve transportation services.
 

Knights of Columbus Holiday Helpers - $12,000
(Clay County)
The Knights of Columbus Council of Keystone Heights provides support in the community by providing services or products to individuals, families or organizations in need. Grant funds will support the Holiday Helpers program, which will supply toys for children and meet needs of families and seniors during the holidays.
 

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 8 applications for September 2023 in the amount of $50,100.

Alachua Habitat for Humanity - $10,000
(Alachua County)
Habitat for Humanity assists low income and very low income families in obtaining decent and affordable housing by building homes using volunteer labor. Grant funds will be used to begin the infrastructure for a community of 22 homes.
 

Fire Rescue Support, Inc. - $10,000
(Marion County)
Fire Rescue Support, located in Belleview, is an organization dedicated to supporting fire rescue personnel before, during and after the call. Funds from the grant will be used to provide the services of a chaplain.
 

Alzheimer’s Association - $5,800
(Alachua County)
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Grant funds will be used to purchase a specialized computer and software for creating videos for educational programs.
 

Putnam First Cancer Fund - $15,000
(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 assist county residents in obtaining an official diagnosis of cancer in order to qualify for other types of assistance.
 

Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida - $2,500
(Clay County)
The Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida provides a safe, fun experience through which young people can reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Funding from the grant will support the Project Learn program.
 

Alachua Conservation Trust - $2,500
(Alachua County)
The Alachua Conservation Trust works to protect the natural, historic, scenic, and recreational resources in and around North Central Florida. Grant funds will support the Creekside Environmental Ed for Kids program.
 

Better Together - $1,800
(Clay County)
Better Together seeks to keep families together – and children out of foster care – by providing them with a temporary loving home and helping parents work to build a better life. Funding from the grant will be applied to the Better Families program.
 

Florahome Park & Heritage Association, Inc. - $2,500
(Putnam County)
The Florahome Park & Heritage Association exists to serve the Florahome community through the care and enhancement of its historic neighborhood park. Grant funds will be applied to the restoration of the clubhouse exterior.
 

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 8 applications for August 2023 in the amount of $88,500.

Ascension St. Vincent’s Foundation - $5,000
(Clay, Baker counties)
Ascension St. Vincent’s Foundation in Jacksonville is a not-for-profit, philanthropic organization that provides quality, compassionate healthcare to the community’s most vulnerable. Grant funds will support the Mobile Health Outreach Ministry in Clay County.
 

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 applied to the renovation of the Melrose Public Library meeting room to a modern facility that will support education and training in all aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM).
 

Church Women Christian Ministries - $10,000
(Clay County)
The Clothes Closet and Food Pantry, located in Orange Park, helps Clay County residents through times of crisis by helping them meet basic needs. Grant funds will support the Bringing Hope to Those in Need Through Food pantry program.
 

The Education Foundation of Alachua County - $20,000
(Alachua County)
The Education Foundation of Alachua County’s mission is to invest in the future of Alachua County Public Schools students. Funding from the grant will support the Take Stock in Children program, which seeks to help low-income, at-risk students to stay in school and graduate.
 

Clay County Rescue Mission - $20,000
(Clay County)
The Clay County Rescue Mission provides hope to families and individuals who need help with the basic needs of food, shelter and clothing. Grant funds will be applied to the Wipe Out Weekly Living Program, which provides hotel stays for those experiencing homelessness.
 

Help Agency of the Forest - $7,500
(Marion County)
Help Agency of the Forest is a nonprofit organization that meets the needs of families living in the Ocala National Forest. Funds from the grant will be used to supply the agency’s food bank.
 

Beulah Baptist Church - $5,000
(Putnam County)
Beulah Baptist Church in Crescent City offers its “White as Snow” laundry ministry as a free service to help local residents. Grant funds will support the laundry ministry.
 

Feed the Need of Putnam County - $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.
 

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 9 applications for July 2023 in the amount of $81,100.

Mercy Support Services - $10,000
(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 applied to renovations to a quadraplex of apartments to be used as additional housing for the group’s self-sufficiency programs.
 

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 send four campers to the camp’s summer sessions.
 

Clay County Archives - $5,000
(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. Grant funds will be applied to the installation of an official state historic site marker to identify the Branan Field Outlying Landing Field that served as an early training ground for the Blue Angels.
 

Safe to Hope - $3,000
(Putnam County)
Safe to Hope, based in Satsuma, is a non-profit ministry that combines law enforcement experience with education and hospitality in finding Biblical hope for child sexual abuse issues. Funds from the grant will be used for property improvements for future programs.
 

Grace Anglican Church - $1,500
(Clay County)
Grace Anglican Church in Middleburg participates in Soul in the City, a week-long missional summer camp that empowers junior high and high school students to work at various nonprofits in the community. Funds from the grant will pay for student scholarships and meals.
 

Christian Service Center of Columbia County - $15,000
(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 to about 10,000 clients per year. The grant funds will be used for the Christian Service Center’s Client Assistance Program to help residents with utility bills and food assistance.
 

LEEF - $6,600
(All counties)
The League of Environmental Educators in Florida (LEEF) is the professional organization for environmental education in Florida- advancing environmental literacy and promoting stewardship. Funds from the grant will provide professional development training for teachers and support student-led programs.
 

The Way Free Medical Clinic - $20,000
(Clay County)
The Way Free Medical Clinic, Inc. is committed to improving access to health care by providing free medical services for the uninsured residents of Clay County. Funds will support the Women’s Care Program by providing expanded medical care services.
 

Salvation Army of Clay County - $10,000
(Clay County)
The Salvation Army is an international organization that provides emergency assistance in times of crisis. Grant funds will help to send 48 children to summer camp at Camp Keystone.
 

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 11 applications for June 2023 in the amount of $106,500.

Early Learning Coalition of North Florida - $15,000
(Clay, 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.
 

Santa Fe College Foundation - $15,000
(Alachua, Bradford counties)
The Santa Fe College Foundation inspires, cultivates and assists private donors to enrich Santa Fe College students and the community through scholarships, program enhancements, and facilities support. Grant funds will support the Veterans Bridge Scholarship to help veterans transition from the military to school.
 

Liz McGrath Circle, Inc. - $9,000
(Marion County)
The Liz McGrath Circle is a volunteer group dedicated to helping the people and children of the rural community of Hog Valley. Grant funds will be applied to repairs to the group’s thrift store building.
 

Veterans Helping Veterans, Inc. - $10,000
(All counties)
Veterans Helping Veterans is a not-for-profit organization serving veterans and their families. Grant funds will support the mobile veteran outreach program.
 

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 applied to the purchase of new airbags for the engines.
 

Wheelchairs 4 Kids - $15,000
(All counties)
Wheelchairs 4 Kids is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children with physical disabilities by providing wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications, and other assistive equipment at no charge. Grant funds will support the Let’s Roll program.
 

Haisley Lynch American Legion Post 16 - $5,000
(Alachua County)
The American Legion’s mission is to enhance the well-being of America's veterans, their families, the military, and their communities by their devotion to mutual helpfulness. Funds from the grant will support the Service Beyond Enlistment program.
 

Go Bags for Homeless Children in Columbia County - $2,500
(Columbia County)
Go Bags for Homeless Children in Lake City is an all-volunteer organization that annually provides bags of basic personal items free of charge to homeless children. Grant funds will be used to supply the go bags.
 

Palatka Police Athletic League - $10,500
(Putnam County)
The Palatka Police Athletic League provides opportunities for youths to build leadership skills, trusting relationships, positive attitudes and life skills through mentor opportunities. Grant funds will support the summer camp program.
 

Palatka Band Alliance - $7,000
(Putnam County)
The Palatka Band Alliance supports the arts education program at Palatka Jr/Sr High School. Funds from the grant will be applied to the purchase of instruments for the marching band.
 

Sleep in Heavenly Peace FL Lake City Chapter - $2,500
(Columbia County)
Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a group of volunteers dedicated to building, assembling and delivering top-notch bunk beds to children and families in need. Grant funds will be applied to the purchase of supplies and materials to provide twin beds for local children.
 

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 18 applications for May 2023 in the amount of $194,900.

Happy House, Inc. - $20,000
(Columbia County)
Happy House serves socioeconomically disadvantaged families through a high-quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood program. Funds will go toward the purchase of a shuttle bus for the after-school program.
 

Epic-Cure Inc. - $20,000
(Putnam County)
Epic-Cure is a volunteer organization that seeks to eliminate food waste, feed the hungry, and teach children and veterans about nutrition and healthy food preparation. Grant funds will be applied to the purchase of a fork lift and power pallet jack.
 

Created Gainesville - $15,000
(Alachua County)
Created Gainesville is a nonprofit organization committed to reaching and restoring lives impacted by sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. Funds from the grant will be used to ensure medical, dental and counseling services as well as emergency needs.
 

Bradford County Education Foundation - $20,000
(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. Grant funds will be applied to the purchase of classroom book sets.
 

Pregnancy Crisis Center - $5,000
(Columbia County)
The Pregnancy Care Center of Lake City, Inc. offers counseling, parenting classes, mentoring and other support services for parents. Funds from the grant will support the Mobile Unit Expansion Project.
 

Gainesville Thrives - $10,000
(Alachua County)
Gainesville Thrives works to promote tutoring and mentoring for kindergarten through high school students, as well as other services for families of young children. Grant funds will be applied to subscriptions to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
 

Trinity Foundation of Florida - $3,000
(Clay County)
The mission of Jacksonville-based Trinity Foundation of Florida is to impact the underserved communities of Jacksonville & northeast Florida, the United States, and the nations of the world for the Kingdom of God. Funds from the grant will support application and counseling services for veterans and family members who qualify for benefits.
 

Lake Butler Masonic Lodge #52 F&AM - $11,000
(Union County)
The Lake Butler Masonic Lodge #52 F&AM is a group committed to bettering themselves, their community and the world. Grant funds will be applied to repairs to the Masonic Lodge building.
 

Union County 4-H Association - $20,000
(Union County)
The Union County 4-H Association provides learning opportunities for 4-H clubs, school enrichment programs, day camps and more. Funds from the grant will support the Head, Heart, Hands and Health Program, which consists of learning projects to further develop youth.
 

R3 Special Operations Response Corp - $1,000
(Alachua County)
R3 Special Operations Response Corp is a special response organization focusing on the rescue and recovery of victims of sex trafficking. Grant funds will support the program.
 

College of Central Florida Foundation - $10,000
(Marion County)
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.
 

Clay Education Foundation - $12,900
(Clay County)
The Clay County Education Foundation funds teacher mini-grants and provides classroom and enrichment supplies that extend beyond that for which general funds are available. Grant funds will be used to support the STEM Loan Library. These dollars will be matched 100 percent by the State of Florida’s funding for education foundations.
 

The Nehemiah Project - $5,000
(Putnam County)
The Nehemiah Project in Palatka promotes the recovery of individuals and families faced with mental health and substance use challenges through training and education. Funds from the grant will be applied to the program’s educational and programming costs.
 

Hawthorne Area Resource Center - $14,000
(Alachua County)
Hawthorne Area Resource Center is a collaborative effort between the First United Methodist Hawthorne and the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion to serve the most vulnerable population as a food pantry and resource center within Hawthorne and surrounding areas. Funds will be used for food pantry provisions and supplies as well as Social Services support to families in crisis.
 

Alachua 4-H Association - $20,000
(Alachua County)
The Alachua 4-H Association provides learning opportunities for 4-H clubs, school enrichment programs, day camps and more. Grant funds will go toward the purchase of a passenger van to transport local youth to state and national programs.
 

Junior Achievement of North Florida - $2,500
(Clay County)
Junior Achievement of North Florida is based in Jacksonville and provides financial literacy, workforce readiness and entrepreneurship programs to youth in grades K-12. Funds from the grant will support the JA Inspire career exploration program.
 

Garden Club of Baker County - $500
(Baker County)
The Garden Club of Baker County exists to stimulate the love of gardening and horticulture and encourage awareness of the importance of gardening through service projects. Grant funds will assist with the development of educational slide presentations and the purchase of annual Christmas flowers for Meals on Wheels clients.
 

Volusia County 4-H Association - $5,000
(Volusia County)
The Volusia 4-H Association provides learning opportunities for 4-H clubs, school enrichment programs, day camps and more. Funds from the grant will support STEM summer camp programming.
 

The Clay Electric Foundation Board did not meet this month.

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 13 applications for March 2023 in the amount of $165,900.

St. Catherine’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul - $15,000
(Clay County)
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Orange Park is an international organization of lay persons which allows men and women to join together in offering person-to-person service to the needy. Grant funds will be used to assist the needy with basic needs such as electric bills, water bills and rent costs.
 

Kiwanis Club of Starke - $10,000
(Bradford County)
Kiwanis empowers communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children. Funding from the grant will support math and science education programs for K-12 students.
 

ACORN Dental Clinic - $15,000
(All counties)
Founded in 1974, the ACORN Clinic uses volunteers to provide high-quality, low-cost health and dental care to low-income patients with and without insurance and with little financial resources to pay for their medical needs. The funds will support the Rural Sponsorship Program, which will provide funding for dental care to rural patients.
 

YMCA of Florida’s First Coast Take Stock in Children - $14,000
(Clay County)
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.
 

Clay County Habitat for Humanity - $15,000
(Clay County)
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 support the Homeownership Mortgage Assistance and Bill Relief program.
 

BASCA, Inc. - $9,400
(Clay County)
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 renovate classrooms used in the Day Program.
 

Foundation for Florida Gateway College - $20,000
(Columbia County)
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 provide eight scholarships for the Commercial Vehicle Driving program.
 

Child Evangelism Fellowship of Florida/Camp Good News - $10,000
(Putnam County)
Camp Good News, located in Hawthorne, is a day camp for children and youth. Funding from the grant will be used to construct a pole barn over the basketball court.
 

Art League of North Florida/Gateway Art Gallery - $5,500
(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 support youth programs.
 

Operation New Uniform - $10,000
(All counties)
Operation New Uniform helps veterans network and transition to fulfilling careers after their military service. Grant funds will support programming designed to help veterans transition from the military to civilian careers.
 

United Way of Suwannee Valley - $10,000
(Columbia County)
The United Way of Suwannee Valley is committed to advancing the common good in its community by building strong relationships with community partner impact agencies that share the goals of improving people’s lives and strengthening communities. Grant funds will support the Mission United program, which assists military veterans transition to civilian life.
 

ACE Mentor Program - $12,000
(Clay County)
The ACE Mentor Program of America, Inc. helps mentor high school students and inspires them to pursue careers in design and construction. Funding from the grant will be used to fund field trips, scholarships and/or technical training for Clay County students.
 

Lake Area Ministries - $20,000
(Clay, 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 for the food assistance program.
 

The Clay Electric Foundation Board did not meet this month.

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 14 applications for January 2023 in the amount of $135,320.

ReNew Recovery Cafe - $15,000
(Volusia County)
ReNew Recovery Café in Daytona Beach offers free, low-barrier, trauma-informed community-based services to diverse populations on the path to recovery. Funds for the grant will be applied to the renovation of the center’s kitchen to help prepare meals for members.
 

Seamark Ranch - $15,000
(Clay County)
Seamark Ranch, Inc. (a nonprofit corporation) was organized in Northeast Florida in 2001 to provide a solid Christian home for abused, neglected, abandoned, orphaned, and homeless children in need of a chance. The Ranch is dedicated to an environment filled with grace, love and service which fosters emotional healing in reclaiming the lives of such children. The Ranch's major source of revenue is private contributions. Funds will cover a portion of the children’s mental health program.
 

Concerned Citizens of Bradford County, Inc. - $1,000
(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 6-week summer day camp program.
 

Frank DeLuca YMCA Family Center - $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.
 

ISKCON of Gainesville - $13,920
(Alachua County)
ISKCON of Gainesville, commonly known as Krishna House, administers food programs that fight food insecurity in the community. Grant funds will help increase the number of meals that can be served each week.
 

Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center - $3,000
(Marion County)
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 applied to scholarships for riders.
 

Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc. - $10,000
(Putnam County)
Catholic Charities is a nonprofit organization that provides services to the most vulnerable in our community, advocating for justice, human dignity and quality of life. Funds from the grant will support the Emergency Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance to clients for essential utilities, housing, transportation or medication.
 

Altrusa Club of Starke - $10,000
(Bradford County)
Altrusa is a network of clubs that each serve their community’s local needs. Grant funds will support a literacy program for students in kindergarten through second grade.
 

Frazier Outreach Foundation, Inc. - $1,000
(Levy County)
The Frazier Outreach Foundation in Williston seeks to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged families with children by providing food, clothing, education and other resources. Grant funds will be applied to the food distribution program.
 

Putnam Pantry, Inc. - $7,900
(Putnam County)
Putnam Pantry provides food weekly to people in need in Putnam County. Funds from the grants will help purchase a refrigerated trailer to transport fresh and frozen food.
 

Phoenix Equine Ranch, Inc. - $1,000
(Putnam County)
Phoenix Equine Ranch promotes and encourages a healthy and productive life for people with physical, cognitive and multiple disabilities through therapeutic horseback riding activities. Grant funds will be used to purchase a mounting ramp.
 

Bradford Food Pantry - $20,000
(Bradford County)
The Bradford Food Pantry seeks to supply sufficient amounts of basic food groups to as many underserved families in Bradford County as possible. Funds from the grant will be applied to the purchase of a walk-in freezer.
 

Clay County 4-H Foundation - $15,000
(Clay County)
Clay County 4-H serves more than 4,000 youth, ages 5-18, throughout Clay County by providing a safe environment in which to explore their interests, develop leadership ability, and create relationships with caring adults. Grant funds will support the Targeting Life Skills for Clay County Youth program.
 

Communities in Schools of Bradford County - $20,000
(Bradford County)
Communities in Schools of Bradford County surrounds students with a community of support empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Funds will be used for programming to increase the graduation rate of Bradford County students.