(Photo above by Alan Brandt)
These outstanding nonprofits and schools were awarded a total of $100,000 to support projects that put the power of technology to use for community benefit, help improve education at all levels, and bring people together either physically or virtually. The three largest gifts went to Crook County High School (Science Department) – $10,000, Heart of Oregon Corps, Inc. – $9,000 and Rimrock Trails Adolescent Treatment Services – $8,659.
An employee selection committee made the tough decisions. They evaluated this year’s applications with an eye for new, creative proposals that would encourage the community to participate in local activities, diversify local interest and bring more outside interest to the area. They also wanted to maintain focus on STEM education.
Since 2011, Facebook has donated $1,065,000 to Crook County schools and qualified nonprofits through its Community Action Grants program and local donations, including the support of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education.
A letter has been sent to recipients with details, including an invitation for them to attend a reception and tour at the data center on Friday, March 13, 1:30pm.
2015 Facebook Prineville Data Center Local Community Action Grant Recipients
Advantage Smiles for Kids – $3,000
To provide orthodontic treatment for low-income, at-risk children inCrook County. Brace Place of Central Oregon will match the award as in-kind treatment.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Crook County – $2,520
To hire a local web designer to update website, making it a user-friendly tool for volunteers, families and children.
Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) – $7,500
To assist in the construction of the new Prineville Bike Park, and obtain additional grants from other sources.
Christmas in the Pines – $5,000
For further enhancement of the lighting and speaker systems of this well-attended local holiday event.
Crook County 4-H – $3,000
For purchase of tablets and accessories, which will enable 4-H youth to access educational resources, fulfill record keeping requirements and more.
Crook County Chamber of Commerce – $7,500
Funding to help put on the 4th of July celebration and to develop a new website that highlights regional attractions in order increase tourism.
Crook County Foundation – $5,000
To help hire performers and bands so the annual Picnic in the Park celebration can remain free to the public.
Crook County High School – $2,500
To pay for a venue for the alcohol anddrug-free 2015 High School Senior All Night Party. Students and parents raise all funds for this celebration; the Crook County School District does not fund this event.
Crook County High School (Computer Science Class) – $2,000
For purchase of 30 licenses so students can access and utilize the self-paced CODE HS program for the 2015/2016 school year.
Crook County High School (Science Department) – $10,000
To purchase the equipment needed to add both a conceptual chemistry course and offer yearly physics classes.
Crook County Historical Society – $2,621
Funding to assist in digitizing theCrook County Journal from 1901 through 1921 so Crook County can participate in the Oregon Historic Newspapers program.
Crook County School District (Special Education) – $4,000
To purchase the assistive technology needed to help special education students learn alongside their non-disabled peers.
Crooked River Roundup – $5,000
To provide funding to improve grandstand seating and make electrical upgrades.
Healthy Beginnings – $1,500
For support of 2 health and developmental screening clinics for Crook County children ages 1 to 5 years.
Heart of Oregon Corps, Inc. – $9,000
To help fund 4 crews of local youth for 8 weeks of summer employment. In the field, youth build their skills while building trails, preventing wildfires and connecting with their public lands.
Humane Society of the Ochocos –$5,000
Funding for security and floodlights at the shelter and Humane Society Animal Shelter.
Oregon Mayors Association – $2,700
To help fund the “If I Were Mayor”contest, which includes elementary, middle and high school students.
Prineville Honey Bee Haven – $5,000
To help create and launch the new Prineville Honey Bee Haven garden,a community resource that will offer learning opportunities to children ofall ages.
Redemption House – $3,500
For purchase and installation of a security system for Redemption House, the only shelter for women and children in Crook County.
Rimrock Trails Adolescent Treatment Services – $8,659
To assist in purchasing 4 smart TVs for use in conference and group therapy rooms.
Soroptimist International of Prineville Charitable Trust (Prineville Senior Center) – Donation of 3 computers for guests to use for research, Internet browsing, and to connect better with family and friends.
Younity (formerly Serendipity West Foundation) – $5,000
For funding of bullying prevention programming in Crook County Middle School and Powell Butte Charter School.
Applications for our 2016 grants will open October 1, 2015. Guideline details: Here.
