Sandy Springs awarded eight grants to nonprofit organizations for arts and recreation programs targeted to underserved populations and low-income communities in the city.
Eligible nonprofit organizations were able to ask for up to $12,500 for continuation programs and $25,000 for new programs. The awarded grants totaled $146,000, Recreation and Parks Director Brent Walker said.
Most of the programs that will receive funds will use them for summer camps, he said.
Continuation Program Grants
Los Ninos Primero, $12,500 – The nonprofit will again provide swim, paddle, and wilderness discovery programs to more than 400 low-income and Latino families in Sandy Springs. Partners will include the Chattahoochee Nature Center and Goldfish Swim School to provide these experiences over nine months. In 2023 Los Ninos Primero received a $25,000 grant for the program.
Northside Youth Organization, $12,500 – Up to 50 children will receive scholarships to cover registration and equipment costs and introduce them to a selected sport over the six months of spring and summer. In 2023 a $15,000 grant was awarded to NYO.
The Healthy Youth USA Foundation, $12,500 – The grant will provide for the continuation of the two-month summer camp program for elementary-age children. All tuition fees for up to 15 children will be covered through this grant. The nonprofit received $30,000 in grant funds for this program in 2023.
Sandy Springs Youth Sports, $12,500 – The grant will fund program registration and associated sports equipment for year-round youth camps and clinics for more than 70 participants. SSYS received a $25,000 grant for this program in 2023.
New Program Grants
Call for Caring, $25,000 – A Family Caregiver Academy will provide two, seven-week training sessions for 40 families with special-needs children. The goal is to improve the quality of life for resident family caregivers and their loved ones. In addition to education. The grant funds will also pay up to 50 percent of companion care for attendees’ loved ones during class.
The Black Lotus Project, $21,000 – Provide the Big Impact Champs: Up to 50 children will attend a free, month-long creative arts summer camp. It will engage underserved youth in a collaborative creative process using new arts and culture programs.
Los Ninos Primero, $25,000 – With this new program, the nonprofit will provide new performing arts and cultural programs for underserved middle and high school students in a year-round program. The more than 400 low-income Latino children will have classes, workshops, and performing opportunities that will include drama, dance, music, and visual arts.
The Healthy Youth USA Foundation, $25,000 – The grant will fund scholarships to attend the After-School Club, which includes participation in the Fall Basketball League. With the scholarship, the participants will get a basketball uniform, water bottle, warm-up T-shirt, and six weeks of instruction. Up to 17 participants will be chosen.