Summer programs and projects serving approximately 10,414 youth across Humboldt, Del Norte and Curry counties have received grants ranging from $500 to $2,000 through The Summer Youth Partnership grant program.
The collaborative program is supported by the Humboldt Area Foundation and Wild Rivers Community Foundation (HAF+WRCF), the Mel & Grace McLean Foundation, The Patricia D. & William B. Smullin Foundation, Providence’s Community Health Investment, and the Community Assistance League Community Health Fund.
A total of $57,363 in grants were distributed to 41 charitable organizations and projects that, from June 1 to Sept. 1, provide youth in the region with quality educational and outdoor activities, artistic and recreational programs, and scholarships to ensure all youth in the region can participate in healthy, engaging summer activities. (See full list of grantees below.)
Speaking at a recent reception for grant recipients, Gina Zottola, HAF+WRCF’s Vice President of Advancement and Philanthropic Innovation, said, “My heart is full because of all your hard work, and our foundation is here to support you and celebrate your efforts to create wonderful opportunities for our youth.”
Meredith Knowles, HAF+WRCF’s Director of Grantmaking, said the collaborative grant program enables organizations to provide youth with essential opportunities and resources, helping them to develop skills, build confidence and thrive among their peers.
“We’re eager to see how this year’s recipients will inspire and elevate the next generation, creating lasting impacts on their community and beyond,” Knowles said.
Grant examples:
Grants distributed in Humboldt County include: Eureka Community Services for a variety of summer camp programs and classes that promote self-esteem and increase leadership roles for youth; Ink People Center for the Arts for programs that provide free access to mentors and facilities for students pursing arts education; and Playhouse Arts for a series of acting workshops for at-risk youth.
In Curry County, grants were distributed to Brookings-Harbor Community Helpers, Inc. to provide healthy meals and snacks to thousands of children; the Port Orford Public Library Foundation for a free summer reading program focused on reusing and recycling; and the Safey City program that teaches children about gun safety, crossing intersections, water, fire and other safety fundamentals.
In Del Norte County, grants were distributed to the NCIDC – Del Norte Indian Education Center which offers cultural enrichment activities and academics to native youth; Friends of the Coast Guard Auxiliary for its water safety program; and Open Door Community Health Center for its youth wellness and gardening program.
In Trinity County, HAF-WRCF distributed nine grants totaling $5,450 via its Trinity County Summer Youth Program through the Trinity Trust.
For more information about grant opportunities, visit www.hafoundation.org/apply or call 707-267-9916.
2024 Grant recipients:
Del Norte County
Boys & Girls Club of the Yurok Tribe
California Tribal TANF Partnership
CASA of Del Norte
Crescent City Downtown Divas
DNATL Community Food Council
Friends of the Coast Guard Auxiliary
Hmong Association of Crescent City
Hmong Cultural Center of Del Norte County
DCIDC – Del Norte Indian Health Center
Curry County:
Brookings-Harbor Community Helpers, Inc.
Brookings-Harbor Rotary Club
Curry County Juvenile Department
Gold Beach Rotary Foundation
Port Orford Public Library Foundation
Safety City (Brookings Police Department)
South Coast Community Aquatics, Inc.
Wild Rivers Coast Foundation for Dance
Humboldt County:
Playhouse Arts
Blue Lake Parks and Recreation
Westside Community Improvement Association
Mid Klamath Watershed Council
Dream Quest Willow Creek Youth Partneship
4-H Trail
Lost Coast Camp
Redwood Discovery Museum
City of Arcata Recreation
Hydesville Elementary School
City of Fortuna
Mattole Valley Resource Center
Arcata Community Pool/North Humboldt Recreation & Park District
Southern Humboldt FRC
County of Humboldt, Library
CUMBRE Humboldt
Recycled Youth
North Quest Star Camp
Friends of the Lost Coast
Dance Scene Studio
Ink People Centers for the Arts
Eureka Community Services – Recreation Division