More than $180,000 in grant funding has been awarded by Foundations Community Partnership‘s (FCP) Board of Directors to benefit 17 Bucks County non-profit organizations and the families they support. The grant program is an integral part of Foundations’ mission to improve the lives of underserved youth and their families in Bucks County. The grants included 9 in Bucks Innovation and Improvement Grants (BIIG) and 9 Capital Improvement Grants.

 BIIG grants support organizations that are developing innovative ideas to improve the quality of life for children, youth, and families in Bucks County. Capital Improvement Grants support non-profit organizations’ capital campaigns, including structural improvements to a facility (bricks & mortar, such as new buildings or addition to existing buildings), or extensive renovation or addition of durable equipment to an existing structure.

“Special Equestrians is thrilled to receive the generous capital grant from Foundations Community Partnership to upgrade our information systems,” says Denise Quirk, PhD, Executive Director, Special Equestrians. “With new computers and data management software, we will be able to significantly enhance our community outreach, volunteer management, and participant outcomes tracking. We are very grateful for the support from FCP to keep our programs strong.”

“We are pleased to support the efforts of so many Bucks County non-profits that are serving the needs of our community,” says Karen Lasorda, Chairwoman, FCP Board of Directors.

Bucks Innovation and Improvement Grants (BIIG) were awarded to the following nine organizations and programs:

A Woman’s Place will use the grant to expand their First Response Program. The First Response Team provides 24-hour in-person emergency assistance following an incident of domestic violence.

Aark Summer Camp Transitional Year will use the grant to offer an expanded summer camp program that serves children and teens at high risk for behavioral health problems.

The Ann Silverman Community Health Clinic will use the grant to expand integrated medical and behavioral health care services at their free medical clinic, which screens and refers family members with depression.

Bethany Christian Services of the Greater Delaware Valley will use the grant to support their Care for Refugee Youth program, which shelters unaccompanied refugees in a Bucks County group home.

Christ’s Home will use the grant to provide family services to residents  to support their transition after discharge.

Easter Seals of Southeastern PA will use the grant to train staff in their Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports program, which works with children at high risk for behavioral health problems.

Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Academy will use the funding to support their Equine Assisted Learning summer camp, which works with special needs children and youth.

St. Mary Medical Center will use the grant to provide a mental health counseling program for children in Pennsbury School district.

The Peace Center will use the grant to support their Teen Peace and Justice Summer Institute/Academy, which helps teens improve their understanding of inequality and justice.

Nine organizations received Capital Grants:

Aark will use the grant to enhance their new education center and wildlife clinic, which provides programs and services to special needs organizations and children.

Bucks County Opportunity Council will use their grant for a technology upgrade, which benefits their volunteer income tax assistance program, serving low income and special needs families.

Children’s Developmental Program, which services special needs children, will use the grant to make improvements to their school’s security system.

Friends of Nockamixon State Park, Parks & Recreation Foundation will use the grant to install an ADA kayak launch system and dock, which provides ADA compliant access to docks for the special needs population.

Grand View Health Foundation will use the grant to purchase Microsoft Surface Pro 4 tablets for the EMS, which will facilitate electronic communication between EMS and the hospital emergency room.

Peace Valley Nature Center received a pledge from Foundations Community Partnership for their project to provide better access to the park and educational services, as well as increase capacity for special needs children, youth and families.

Needlework Guild of America will use the grant to replace windows to stop heat loss in work areas. The Guild provides clothing and linens to low-income families.

Penn Foundation will use the grant to support their Hope Within Reach Capital Campaign, which will add an outpatient office for substance abuse.

Special Equestrians will use the grant to update their client data management system. Special Equestrians provides life changing equine-assisted therapies and recreational activities that offer proven physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits for riders with disabilities and at-risk youth.