The Post Rock Community Foundation awarded thousands of dollars to local non-profits. Various community groups were recognized for their efforts. Front row (L-R): Sandy Labertew, Kelly Palmer, Kelly Larson, Ladonna Reinert, and Lynn Schneider. Middle row: Dawn Harlow, Joe Dolton, Miriam Buckley, Tammy Cline, Beth Hlad, Nancy Koch, Colleen Ancell, and Judy Coats. Back row Ken Stewart, Steve Schneider, Jude Stecklein, Tommie Berger and Greg Babcock. (Photo by Rita Sharp, Lucas-Sylvan News)By Jennifer McDaniel, for the Lincoln Sentinel
Nearly $78,000 in grant funding was awarded to a dozen local non-profit organizations during the Post Rock Community Foundation’s fall grant reception Thursday.
The event, which officially marked the end of the foundation’s fall grant cycle, served as an opportunity to recognize the various groups and their efforts to make improvements in their individual communities.
In all, the groups shared in $77,800 – including $2,777 from foundation funds and $75,023 from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.
Those organizations receiving grant funding, included the Luray United Methodist Church Food Pantry, which received $1,200 to purchase storage equipment; USD 299 Sylvan-Lucas Unified School District, which received $2,000 to purchase four yearbook cameras; the Lincoln County Health Department, which received $3,100 for books from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library; the Luray FCE park revitalization project, which received $5,000 to replace park equipment; the Hunter Economic Development organization, which received $20,000 to replace community center flooring; the Luray American Legion Rouner Post No. 309, which received $10,000 to replace the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system in the American Legion Building; the USD 299 Sylvan Booster Club, which received $750 to purchase a projector and screen; the Finch Theatre, which received $7,500 to replace windows and make other exterior repairs; the Post Rock Pheasants Forever Chapter, which received $4,000 to purchase a clay target thrower; the Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation, which received, $1,250 to purchase two county signs; Lucas Area Chamber of Commerce, which received $3,000 for a new digital sign; and USD 298 Lincoln Elementary, which received $20,000 to purchase new playground equipment.
“The Post Rock Community Foundation board is made up of dedicated volunteers working to improve and sustain our rural communities,” Sandy Labertew, foundation chairperson, said. “We are very fortunate to be a part of the 26 counties in western Kansas that have received (this) generous grant money through the Dane G. Hansen Foundation to help improve and enrich our rural areas.”
The foundation, which evolved from the Sylvan Area Foundation in 2002, serves 10 communities in the Lincoln and Sylvan-Lucas school districts and throughout Lincoln and Russell counties.
The Post Rock Community Foundation’s next grant cycle begins January 1, and applications are due by February 1. Approximately $28,000 will be available for grants through the Hansen foundation and Post Rock’s Healthy Living Fund.
