New Buffalo, MI, The Board of Directors for The Pokagon Fund is pleased to announce the funding of 14 projects in October and November totaling $ 309,758.
The Pokagon Fund began funding grant proposals in November 2007, and since that time has provided over $3.6 million in project funding. Grant funding supports initiatives in the fields of health, human services, art, education, recreation, and environment.
$14,979 to Southold Dance Theatre to bring the Nutcracker Ballet to New Buffalo
One of the most popular and beloved holiday dance programs will be coming to New Buffalo, MI this December. The Southold Dance Theatre will be performing the Nutcracker Ballet at the New Buffalo Performing Arts Center on Sunday, December 7th. Local Kindergarten and 1st grade students will have the opportunity to be a part of the production. Admission is free to all residents of the townships of New Buffalo, Chikaming, and Three Oaks and the villages and cities within those townships. “IN lieu of admission fees, we will be asking attendees to bring a nonperishable food item to support the needy during the holiday season,” shared Mary Dunbar, Executive Director of The Pokagon Fund. “Southold Dance Theatre will be collaborating with the Harbor Country Emergency Food Pantry to collect and distribute the food collected at the event to the people of our community.”
$48,900 to the Friends of Harbor Country Trails to develop a bike trail master plan
The Friends of Harbor Country Trails will be working with Landscape Architects and Planners to study and develop a plan for a non motorized trail system that connects the communities of Michiana, Grand Beach, New Buffalo Township, City of New Buffalo, Chikaming Township and Three Oaks. The project will provide trails for hiking, biking and cross country skiing to the people in The Pokagon Fund service area.
$2,500 to Tri County Head Start for the purchase of bus harnesses and straps
128 children in Dowagiac and Hartford attend the Tri County Head Start and will benefit from the safety features of bus harnesses and seat belts for their transportation to and from school.
$3,200 to the Township of New Buffalo to amend the Master Plan and Zoning Ordinance
New legislation from the Michigan Planning and Zoning Enabling Acts makes it necessary for the Township to amend their master plan and ordinances to be in compliance with new state regulations. This grant will underwrite the fees incurred by McKenna and Associates to provide the work for this project. $130,479 to the Township of New Buffalo for Public Safety
The Pokagon Fund continued to fund the Public Safety expenses incurred by the Township of New Buffalo, providing them $43,493 in each of the months of October, November and December. This gift is in the form of a loan which will be repaid with funds from the Local Revenue Sharing Board when available.
$200 contribution to support the New Buffalo Halloween Parade Committee
$200 contribution to support the Friends of Three Oaks Library Christmas Parade
$41,800 to the Township of New Buffalo for land values study
Using an independent contractor, land values and economic condition factors will be evaluated for all property parcels in the township. This redetermination would put New Buffalo Township in line with the state requirements.
$45,000 to River Valley School District to support their Social Studies curriculum
Due to a state mandated curriculum change in the area of social studies, it is necessary to purchase new text books for 700 + students in grades K-12.
$22,500 in unsolicited contributions to the following organizations to support holiday giving
During the holiday season, The Pokagon Fund Board of Directors contributes funds to organizations that support families during the holiday season with food baskets, warm meals, clothing, food, and toys. The following organizations will be receiving funds this holiday season.
• $5,000 to Irish Connection
• $5,000 to New Buffalo Service League
• $5,000 to Harbor Country Food Pantry
• $5,000 to Senior Nutrition Services
• $2,500 to Toys for Tots |
