Youth Arts & Recreation Grant Fund Our Contributions The Youth Arts and Recreation Committee was formally approved by the United Way of Union County Board of Trustees in early 2001 to address the need to increase the access to art and recreation opportunities for the youth in Union County.
Since its inception, the Committee has awarded nearly $40,000 to programs that enhance the quality of life for children who would be unable to participate in these extracurricular activities. Funded programs include: CCS Grow Program Marysville High School Band Boosters City of Marysville Pool Marysville Junior Baseball/Softball Fairbanks Elementary PTO Marysville Victory Center Foster Friends Village of Plain City Pool
Your Contributions Money to the Youth Arts and Recreation Grant Fund comes from several sources. A large portion is allocated by the United Way of Union County Board of Trustees from money raised during the annual campaign. You can make a donation to the Youth Arts and Recreation Fund at any time during the year by calling the United Way of Union County at 937.644.8381. Additional funds are raised by the Youth Arts and Recreation Committee through various projects throughout the year, including the Caring Hearts Project. Here, committee volunteers visit area schools to teach students about how they can make a difference in their community, especially by teaming their efforts with others. Students then work together to collect loose change that is contributed to the Youth Arts and Recreation Grant Fund that helps needy children in the county. The 2003 Caring Hearts project was the most successful in its brief four-year history, raising nearly three times as much money as any previous year, proving our area youth truly care about those less fortunate. (You can read more about the 2003 Caring Hearts project in the Spring, 2003 issue of Contributor.) 2003 Caring Hearts Project Results Participating Schools Money Raised Claibourne-Richwood Elementary $1,165.49 Creekview Intermediate $282.39 Edgewood Elementary $1,358.05 Fairbanks Elementary $731.67 Fairbanks High School $107.45 Mill Valley Elementary $532.38 TOTAL $4,178.43 The Goal It is the mission of the United Way of Union County’s Youth Arts and Recreation Grant Committee to financially support eligible organizations that provide services or sponsor individuals wishing to participate in arts or recreational activities throughout Union County. Who’s Eligible? Youth recreation providers that are not United Way Member Agencies are encouraged to apply for grants from the Youth Arts and Recreation Committee. The hope is that this United Way financial support will enable more youth in Union County to participate in the wide variety of recreation opportunities available. Applications The Youth Arts and Recreation Committee accepts grant applications for worthy projects year-round. Applications are due to the United Way of Union County office by the first of each month. The committee is comprised of representatives from the following: The United Way of Union County Board of Trustees; Youth sports associations from Marysville, Milford Center, Plain City, and Richwood; Municipal parks and Recreation; Human Services; Arts community; School employee; Two at-large members. Committee members review grant applications and make funding recommendations to the full Board of Trustees, which votes on each project.