BASIC NEEDS
Renewable Energy Innovation Hub: Greenspeed Research – $30,000
Greenspeed expanded the use of its modern manufacturing STEM facility focused on renewable energy development as a community innovation hub. The grant monies provided financial stability for this initiative and its participants (support, equipment, and mentorship for high school and college teachers/students and small start-ups to pursue their own research projects).
Work Program: Interfaith Sanctuary – $30,000
This work program funding covered transportation, nutrition, and case management costs for the expansion of the shelter’s work program with Boise Parks & Recreation. Two new crews of shelter participants were added that supported a new partnership with Boise State University to help prepare Sanctuary guests for getting back to work.
CULTURAL ARTS
Community Building through Story: Jannus/Refugee Speakers Bureau – $30,000
Jannus brought The Moth storytelling program to Boise for a community event to leverage the power of storytelling for building community. Funds were used to hire a coordinator, continue the development of cultural events and partnerships, and expand the Refugee Speakers Bureau (to advance understanding between the refugee and non-refugee communities).
EDUCATION
Extended Kindergarten: United Way of Treasure Valley/Sacajawea Community School – $28,600
Grant funds extended half-day kindergarten to a full-day to improve early learning/numeracy/literacy in the lowest achieving learners at Caldwell’s Sacajawea Elementary School. Of note, a pilot project conducted in 2014 improved the number of students reaching benchmark from 23% at the beginning to 89% upon conclusion.
ENVIRONMENT
Re-signage of the MK Nature Center: Friends of MK Nature Center – $25,000
Funding was used for an integrated upgrade of the signage at the MK Nature Center utilizing color, design and texture for multi-sensory learning. Uniform, lively and accessible signage provided educational support for the hundreds of annual school tours, and will engage the thousands of individuals and families who visit the Nature Center annually.
HEALTH
Increased Access to Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Methods for Underserved Women: Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest – $30,000
This program helped to make long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs) accessible for uninsured, underinsured, and low-income area women to prevent unplanned pregnancy, which disproportionately affects low-income women and is a major cause of income and health disparities.