BCF’s 2017 Grant Recipients:
The following organizations received grant funding from the Bellevue Community Foundation prior to the kick off at Saturday’s event. These Grants totaled $30,100:
Bellevue Economic Enhancement Fund will receive $5,000 for the expansion of Bellevue’s Avenue of Flags. For the past several years the flags have flown along Mission Avenue and Franklin Street in Olde Towne and onto Galvin Road from May to November. Three years ago, the Avenue of Flags continued to expand west along Highway 370. Their goal is to continue expanding the avenue of flags in other areas of our community.
Assistance League of Omaha has been awarded $2,500 for its Operation School Bell program which will provide winter clothing for 218 needy students at 18 Bellevue schools. Operation School Bell has a positive effect on student self-confidence, attendance, behavior and peer relations.
Students Activities Values Education (SAVE Program) receives $5,000 for its bi-weekly academic mentoring program for under served BPS students. SAVE provides kids the opportunity to participate in an extracurricular activity is the primary initiative to encourage active involvement in a child’s education and community. By creating that connection between academic success and athletic/extracurricular support, their programming helps kids reach their potential both in the classroom and on the field.
Bellevue Public Library Foundation has been granted $4,600 in matching funds for a mobile computer lab to launch tech classes for Bellevue Residents ages 5-105. The Bellevue Public Library provides resources, services, and programs that serve the diverse informational, educational, and recreational needs and interests of the community.
City of Bellevue Recreation Department shall receive $5,000 to replace two baseball/softball scoreboards at Baldwin Field. The Department of Recreation offers a variety of activities that appeal to the diverse interests of our community and strives to meet the leisure needs of our citizens. The Recreation Department offers 50 different activities throughout the year, providing recreational outlets for an estimated 97,000 participants.
Bellevue Public Schools Early Childhood Center will receive $2,000 for expansion of it’s outdoor classroom. The Early Childhood Center is an educational center intended for children birth to eight years old and their parents. The center is open to families that reside in the Bellevue Public Schools attendance area or active duty military families.
American Legion Post 339 is awarded $2,000 for the Victory apartments which services homeless and low-income veterans. Martin Graves Post 339, Bellevue American Legion Post has existed since 1927 in Bellevue. Post 339, functions to provide a service to Veterans, their families, children and youth and to the community as well.
Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership (Food Bank) has received $2,000 to assist in the upgrade of its facility at Washington Park in Bellevue. Through a variety of programs, from behavioral health, to food and nutrition, to family support, and providing transportation, ENCAP uses best practices and innovative programming to make a meaningful difference in the community.
Sarpy County Historical Society is awarded $2,000 for the second phase of digital preservation of over 100 years of City and County newspapers. The Sarpy County Historical Society oversees and operates the Sarpy County Museum. The society has a long and proud tradition of working with community partners to preserve and promote the rich history of the area. They continually provide educational opportunities for the young and old in our community through our partnerships with local community schools, guided tours, and ongoing program offerings.