Four nonprofits share $10,000 in grant funding
Four nonprofits in Olivet are bolstering programs that cater to diverse needs and foster positive change, thanks to grants totaling $10,000 awarded by The University of Olivet.
The University of Olivet Community Investment Grant program aims to strengthen and make a tangible difference in the Olivet community. This year’s four grants will help expand student success initiatives, fortify the Olivet fire department and support a local event dedicated to alleviating food insecurity among community families.
Olivet Lions Club
$600 to purchase meat for the annual Community Harvest Dinner. This event benefits the Olivet Good Neighbor Program, which supports low-income community families with food and personal-care items.
Olivet Fire Department
$3,000 to purchase a battery-powered ventilation fan for easier ventilation in large buildings and living spaces from the inside. The fan will also more efficiently remove smoke and odors from a building.
Olivet Community Schools, Fern Persons Elementary
$3,411 to purchase iPads to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Students will use the iPads to practice fine motor skills, take assessments, use communication apps to help improve communication skills, and view their schedules through a visual schedule maker.
Olivet Community Schools, Fern Persons Elementary
$3,000 to use toward the Fit Kids program, which will help provide nutritious snacks for students and educate them about making healthy choices and staying active.
Mindy Otto, Fern Persons Elementary School physical education instructor, was thrilled to hear she received a grant for the Fit Kids program. “With this grant, I’ll be able to purchase nutritious and various snacks that are appropriate for growing, active and curious children. I want to expose them to some things they may have never tried before, including plant-based items, and talk to them about what goes into our foods,” she said.
Steven M. Corey, president of The University of Olivet, believes the university and its faculty and staff have a social and individual responsibility to the community of Olivet. “Olivet is home to our students for four years, and it’s the permanent home to many of our faculty and staff, including my family. A strong, vibrant, thriving school system, city, and community-based organizations make for an even stronger, vibrant, thriving community. We are proud to have the resources to support our community through our Community Investment Grant program. It is an honor to assist this year’s selected organizations in the important work they do for the benefit of the citizens of Olivet and the greater community.”