Community Corner

Encinitas Community Grants Awarded to Civic, Art Programs

The City of Encinitas and Mizel Family Foundation Community Grant Program (CGP) made donations for civic and art organizations.

Editor's note: The following release is from the City of Encinitas.

At its June 19, 2013 meeting, the Encinitas City Council was pleased to make 2013-14 funding allocations for the City of Encinitas and Mizel Family Foundation Community Grant Program (CGP) in two categories: civic and arts. Sporting alluring names such as “Scrumptious Schoolyards” and “Try It You’ll Like it Workshops,” funded programs include K-12 projects, visual and performing arts programs, family events at the San Dieguito Heritage Museum and San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy, and much more. A complete list of recipients is here.

The CGP has evolved since its inception in 1998, when it was established to support programs that enrich the five communities of Encinitas. Beginning in 2007, the Mizel Family Foundation has matched the City’s General Fund allocation, thus doubling the funding. Including this year’s allocation, the CGP has provided $740,064 in City funds.

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More Programs Funded More Fully

Grant administrators Jim Gilliam and Gina Zenns report, “2013 marked a defining point. We received 59 applications and funded 42, including six first-time recipients. A total of 13 applicants received 100% of their request and 18 received 80%; this is a first for the grant program.”

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These results were by design, they say. “The level of funding at 100% and 80% of the applicants’ request marks a significant increase over previous years. The evaluation panel was determined to reward the highest ranked applications by increasing their funding.”

Three-Time Recipient: PACT

The Positive Action Community Theatre (PACT) teaches life skills through inclusive performing arts programs to children, teens and adults with special needs. Summer workshops run July 13-August 31, 2013. Participants unleash their creativity in programs such as group singing and choreographed dancing while learning life skills such as self-esteem and cooperation.

Executive Director Kathryn Campion reports, “We are so pleased to be a CGP recipient again. The funding is essential as tuition covers only about one-quarter of our expenses and we also offer scholarships.”

She says, “As can be seen in this improv photo, our program enables children with disabilities to gain social skills, develop confidence and generate friendships. Having an ability to express oneself through art is important for everyone. It is vital for people with disabilities.”

First-Time Recipient: Healthy Day Partners

Healthy Day Partners (HDP) provides Encinitas Union School District (EUSD) schools with sustainable programs in support of wellness and environmental education that help students make informed healthy lifestyle choices.

Co-founder Mim Michelove says HDP will use the grant funds “to further serve the community through our one-acre organic educational farm at Ocean Knoll Elementary. The students will grow fresh produce for the salad bars at all nine EUSD schools. We will also provide produce for St. Andrew's Food Pantry.”

Patch Video: Ocean Knoll Mini-Farm Receives Donation from Chipotle and Agriculture in the Classroom

She notes, “The CGP funds will allow us to provide field trips to students at other Encinitas schools. Our goal is to have all EUSD students know where their food comes from and experience the feeling of connection to the healthy crops grown for their lunches as well as for their neighbors in need.”

Do You Have a Wish to be Granted?

If you are a nonprofit with a desire to enrich the lives of your fellow Encinitans, plan to apply for a 2014-15 grant. The application process begins next March. Good luck!

 


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