The Kosciusko Community Foundation announced a new grant program Thursday committing $100,000 to fight the effects of poverty in Kosciusko County.
Foundation Executive Director Suzie Light announced the program at the community workshop featuring Dr. Ruby Payne. She said the program is part of what the foundation hopes will be a wider community response to the rising effects of local poverty."The foundation has seen recent trends in the increase in numbers of students who qualify for free or reduced lunches at school," Light said. "There's also been a dramatic increase in Real Services clients who qualify for energy assistance. This year, 500 families qualified. That's the most since the program began."
Those eligible to apply for grant money through the program include nonprofit organizations, churches, schools and service groups with clear plans to move local people out of poverty.
"Successful applicants will provide specific steps with measurable outcomes to help move people out of poverty," Light said.
For more information, visit the foundation's Web site, www.kcfoundation.org
