|
LAWRENCE, Kan. (June, 2009) – The Assists Foundation, a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization established by Kansas men’s basketball coach, Bill Self and his wife, Cindy, is pleased to announce its first round of grant and scholarship recipients. Five organizations were each awarded a $3,000 grant from the Assists Foundation and four high school seniors were selected to receive a $2,500 scholarship per year, up to four years to aid in their educational pursuits.
Grant recipients must be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Kansas. The funds provided to these organizations are for a specific project or program that provides direct service to children. The Assists Board of Directors approved the disbursement of 10 grants to community based organizations for this year. Five additional grants will be awarded at the end of 2009.
“We share lofty goals for our community with many individuals and organizations,” said Bill Self. “It’s rewarding for us to be able to distribute these grants and scholarships to those who share in our vision and exemplify our mission – to improve the lives of young people. ”
The recipients of the 2009 Assists Foundation grants are:
Kansas Action for Healthy Kids – their mission is to engage diverse organizations, leaders, and volunteers in actions that foster sound nutrition and good physical activity in children, youth, and schools. They are hosting the Kansas Youth Health Summit and will better inform high school students about wellness, nutrition, and physical exercise and the barriers and opportunities to improve them in their schools and communities. Called to Greatness – the mission is to reach youth, parents and coaches through athletics and equip them through Christian discipleship to become a part of God’s purpose. Called to Greatness is holding a 3 on 3 summer basketball league, providing basketball skill development and Christian character development. G.R.A.D.E. Foundation - stands for Giving Resources for Adolescent Development and Enrichment. They were awarded grant money to provide basic needs and educational supplies to less fortunate families.
Lawrence Public Library – provides and promotes informational, intellectual and cultural resources for the Lawrence community. The library will use the funds provided by Assists as part of a matching grant to upgrade and purchase new self check machines for the children’s department.
Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation - their mission is to foster and create amateur sports by promoting the overall benefits of sports to the youth and general public of Greater Kansas City. The funding will help the Foundation underwrite expenses associated with the Kansas City Kids’ Marathon, a marathon for school-aged children from kindergarten through 8th grade.
The Assists Foundation is also committed to endowing scholarship funds for the Lawrence Schools Foundation and the Kansas City Kansas School Foundation for Excellence. The first four scholarships were awarded to KCK Public School seniors through the Foundation for Excellence. The Assists Foundation Charitable Contributions Committee selected the following students for scholarship: Alyssa Boyce from Sumner Academy, Tawana Evans from Wyandotte High School, Kara Lowe from J.C. Harmon High School, and Phenglao Vang from Washington High School. All scholarship candidates were required to be a high school senior in the KCK Public Schools. They had to be involved in extracurricular and/or community service activities, demonstrate their education and career goals in an essay, and provide at least two letters of recommendation.
About Assists
The Assists Foundation, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that works to provide young people access to better lives. This is accomplished by identifying areas of need and working with other community-based institutions to provide creative and lasting solutions. Please visit our Web site at www.assistyouth.org.
return to previous |
