Local not-for-profit organizations whose programs enhance community health are encouraged to apply for funding from the Mary Clark Thompson Grants program of the F.F. Thompson Foundation.
This program, which issues grants each spring and fall, enables the Foundation to directly invest in projects and organizations that care for us all. Based upon grant application, program plans and financial need, individual projects may receive grants ranging from $500 to $2,500 annually.
Grants are awarded on the following criteria:
• Benefit to the health status of the community
• Plan, goal and time frame
• Commitment to community partnering
• Alignment with Thompson Health mission
Successful applicants represent a wide range of not-for-profits and programs. For example, fall 2009 grants went to The American Red Cross for classes centered around the topic of caring for family members with Alzheimers and dementia-related illness, Society of St. Vincent DePaul for its Santa’s Helpers program, Sonnenberg Gardens for the Therapeutic Horticulture Program, Seeking Common Ground for the Finger Lakes Farm-Cafeteria program at the Bloomfield School District to preserve locally grown produce for use out-of-season, Happiness House for the Hand Drumming Project, Ontario County Sheriff’s Office for the Seniors and Law Enforcement Together Council (SALT) and The Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council YMCA Raingarden.
The application deadline for spring grants is March 19. Applications are available by visiting the F.F. Thompson Foundation area of the Thompson Health Web site, www.thompsonhealth.com., or by calling (585) 396-6155.