Each year, the Foundations of East Chicago (FEC) awards General Operating Grants to programs and organizations whose missions align with FEC’s goal; to benefit the people of East Chicago. Recipients of these grants can use the funding for various operating expenses from facility work to supplies to services provided to East Chicagoans in need. FEC receives many applications for General Operating Grants each year and, this year, had more applicants than funds to give. Some of the organizations and programs that were selected to receive FEC assistance in 2016 are:
-Bethany Retreat House: This house offers East Chicago residents a place for escape and reflection. Anyone is welcome to visit the Bethany Retreat House to take time to reflect on their own life and their relationship with God.
-Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Indiana: This organization offers a fun and safe after-school and summer environment for kids in East Chicago.
-Calumet College of St. Joseph: This school will be using the FEC grant money to fund costs incurred by various services being provided to East Chicago residents, students and nonprofits.
-Carmelite Home: The Carmelite Home services orphaned youth in the East Chicago area. The FEC grant money will be used to purchase a van to transport the children to school and activities.
-Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities offers many programs to help the poor and vulnerable in Lake County. The grant money will be used to improve the East Chicago facility and keep the office open and operating throughout the entire business week.
-Communities in Schools of Lake County: This organization works to keep kids in East Chicago and throughout Lake County in school and helps them to succeed there.
-Concerned Calumet Citizens Committee, Inc.: This organization offers activities and meetings for past and present citizens of the Calumet area. Their grant money will be used towards social media education classes so they can learn to better-market their mission.
-East Chicago Arts Initiative: This is a new organization that provides arts programs in East Chicago schools and community buildings which work to improve the lives of East Chicago residents.
For more information on FECs 2016 grant recipients, visit foundationsec.org.
