In the 1990's, St. Margaret's parishioners Ed and Zoe Hall left a financial gift to the church to do with what the parish decided. It was voted to create an endowment fund that would be used to provide fund projects of nonprofits each year that followed the priorities of St. Margaret's. Since that time, over $2 million has been awarded to nonprofits locally, regionally, and around the world. The grants committee received 36 applications for consideration in this year's process. The committee, led by Sarah Viscardi, interviewed nine organizations and was able to fund eight projects from as far away as South Sudan and as close as the Broadneck Peninsula. With vestry approval, $70,000 was distributed to a variety of programs: 2023 Endowment Grants Selected Grantees Siempre Unidos $11,500 Health education and medical care for people living in the San Pedro Sula (Honduras) garbage dump. Year two of a two-year grant. Annual Father’s Day Foundation $13,260 Interviews and research for the creation of a African American Broadneck Peninsula Historic and Cultural Context Report. Christians United for Evangelism, Education and Development $10,500 14 pregnant heifers and vaccines at St. Paul’s Primary School Dairy Farm, income generation program. Serenity Sistas $10,000 Partial salary of director of new George Phillips Jr. Recovery Center. St. Luke’s Youth Center $9,557 Camp Imagination summer program for 40 children in Southwest Baltimore. Kenya Connect $9,500 Moringa and beehives income generation project. Marshall Hope Corporation $3,183 General operating support for the West Annapolis Pop Up Pantry. The Light House $2,500 Children’s Fund that provides tutoring, school supplies and clothes for homeless children. Thank you to all the committee members including: Heide Ruegg, Beth Arruda, Kim Coble, Doug Fountain, Casey Brown, Christy Hollywood, Janet Gellici, Stephanie Ceruolo, Peter Wiernicki and Sarah Viscardi. Thank you also to all the grant liaisons who interviewed the finalists. |
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