The Service League of Cherokee County is honored to award $50,000 in Community Impact Grants to eleven different non-profit organizations committed to enhancing the lives of children in Cherokee County. The grants were awarded April 19, 2024 following a rigorous evaluation process led by a committee of League members.
The League received 25 Community Impact Grant applications. The application review process emphasized alignment with the League’s mission, focusing on projects or programs that directly benefit children or families with children in need within Cherokee County. Proposals were evaluated by the Grants and Special Projects committee based on the applicant’s ability to address identified community needs effectively, with priority given to those that directed funds towards initiatives directly impacting children, rather than administrative costs or salaries. This strategic allocation aimed to maximize the positive outcomes for Cherokee County’s youth population.
Like the Service League, many non-profit organizations are working to improve the lives of children in Cherokee County. The League holds a firm belief that by working together and supporting other non-profits in the community, we can affect meaningful change, and continue to remove barriers facing families and children in Cherokee County. Our Community Impacts Grants are a key part of that collaboration.
The $50,000 in grant funding was distributed among eleven different non-profits. The recipients were:
Anna Crawford Children’s Center: the funds will be used to provide emergency assistance with housing, utility and food costs for families impacted by abuse.
MUST Ministries: the Grant will provide funding for emergency hotel stays for families in crisis in Cherokee County.
Safe Kids Cherokee: the grant will fund the Safe Sleep Program to provide safe places for babies to sleep that might not have one to help reduce infant death rates by funding pack and plays and accessories so children have their own dedicated sleep spaces.
Cherokee Family Violence Center: the grant will fund activities and summer camp for children who have been impacted by family violence.
Cherokee County Homeless Coalition: Families facing homelessness will be provided with hotel stays while families are working to secure long term housing.
4H: the funds will be used to pay for the costs of summer camp excursions for children who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend camp.
Cherokee Makerspace: Grant funding will be used to purchase the materials needed so high school students can create two adaptive wheelchairs to assist children with disabilities.
Cherokee Youth Foundation: grant funding will be used to expand Cherokee Youth Foundation’s soccer program into more local elementary schools to help children participate in sports without the added financial burden on the family.
Circle of Friends: grant funding will be used to expand Circle of Friends current programs to include children between the ages of 11 to 18 and introduce those children to the programs offered by Circle of Friends prior to the children’s high school graduation.
Highland Rivers: the funds will be used to establish calming corners in schools within the Cherokee County School District for children suffering from the effects of mental health issues.
Bethany Place: Bethany Place runs a non-profit assisting single mothers by providing housing and food but also by helping the mothers become self-sufficient. The funds will be used to replenish the food pantry at Bethany Place.
Overall, the Service League of Cherokee County’s annual grant funding initiative reflects its unwavering commitment to supporting children and families in need, fostering a brighter future for the community. This year’s Community Impact Grant funding was made possible thanks to numerous successful fundraisers this past year including a record breaking Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival.
