Cook County Community Foundation announces 2021 grant recipients
Jul 22, 2021 11:00AM ● By Editor
The Cook County Community Fund (CCCF) announced its 2021 grant recipients today with more than $23,000 in funds being distributed to Cook County non-profit organizations for various community service initiatives. Grants are awarded through a competitive grant application process and recipients were determined as most impactful in the Cook County community by the Advisory Board of the Directors of CCCF.
The 2021 grants awarded by the Cook County Community Fund include:
Boreal Community Media will receive $3,436 to run three technology camps to give local students a chance to develop skills and interest in technology. One camp will be focused on 3rd to 6th graders; the second on 6th to 9th graders; the third will be an “Introduction to Videography.”
The $3,000 grant to the Cook County Historical Society will be used to produce unique public experiences to promote and celebrate the historic, artistic and cultural legacies of the region. Experiences will include history tours and lectures, artist “talks” and demonstrations, and community conversations.
Grand Marais Arts plans to subsidize access to arts education in the areas of painting, printmaking, ceramics and mixed media for pre-school thru middle school youth. The $3,000 grant will ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation by local children while ensuring that contract instructors are compensated appropriately.
The $4,000 grant to the Grand Marais Playhouse will allow production of a play performed by local community members during the summer of 2021 for our local community and visitors. The play will be performed in front of a limited audience following pandemic guideline and also live-streamed to reach a larger audience.
ISD 166 will receive $3,000 to rebuild community connections in safe ways with a variety of community engagement activities offered through early learning and out of school time programs. The project will also focus on rebuilding social/emotional skills in children that have been in isolation.
The North Shore Music Association received $2,000 to purchase sheet music and compensate the director for the rehearsal and performance of 2 classical music concerts by the Borealis Chorale and Orchestra. The group, which is open to participation by all, will consist of approximately 70 vocalists and 20 instrumentalists.
The Duluth Area YMCA $5,000 grant will be used to increase nature play and environmental education for young children. Nature play for young children is one of the most inclusive activities and has been shown to improve behavior, motivation and enthusiasm to learn.
In addition to the CCCF grants, the Frank G. DiMaio Fund also awarded a $4,000 grant to The Violence Prevention Center to present LUNAFEST 2021: Films By and About Women. This event creates a safe space for all women to share their stories and encourages community dialogue around injustices women face. It also highlights and celebrates women's resilience and strengths. When individuals become aware of these injustices in our community, there is a greater possibility of system change.
“We’re pleased to be able to provide financial support to all of these deserving programs which will enrich our community and region,” said Leah Ekstrom, Chair of the Cook County Community Fund Advisory Board, “We thank these organizations and all that submitted grant requests for their dedication to improving Cook County.”
The Cook County Community Fund, created in 2003, is a regional affiliate of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, which makes grants to nonprofits and to individuals for scholarships and also provides leadership on important initiatives in northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. Since its start in 1983, the Community Foundation has distributed more than $53 million and holds more than 400 funds. Learn more at dsacommunityfoundation.com.
Contact:
Michelle Morris
Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation
218-726-0232
