The 63 nonprofit leaders accepted their checks during the meet-and-greet event that also offered nonprofit leaders the chance to collaborate and share challenges and strategies over a lunch prepared by students at the center.
“We were glad to see everyone enjoying this celebration of their successes, feeling grateful not only for their grant but for the chance to gather with other nonprofit leaders and share stories and ideas,” said Jennifer Kelley, the auction’s executive director. “It was a great opportunity for everyone.”
Grants will be used by the nonprofit organizations to fund wide-ranging programs that support local children and families in need. These initiatives address needs that are vital to the well-being of children in area communities, including food and housing insecurity and related emergency assistance; childcare and afterschool programs, recreation, education and the arts; family resources; and healthcare, including mental health support, victim outreach and support, and preventative health and wellness training.
The auction had over $800,000 in requests in 2023 and awarded $609,700 to 63 agencies. For a list of organizations that received funding, click here.
The auction’s board president, Doug Morrissette, is pleased with the process the organization uses to determine grant eligibility.
“We have a Distribution Committee that works tirelessly over many months to review grant requests, and these committee members also look at the health of each organization and its past use of funding to ensure that every dollar the auction grants has impact,” Morrissette said. “We are confident that funds we raise and distribute significantly work to improve the lives of local children and their families by ensuring their basic needs are met, and they have opportunities to thrive.”
Cindy Hemeon-Plessner, chair of the Distribution Committee, said, “The committee is charged with problem-solving, analysis, empathy and community awareness, so we can assure all who donate, bid and volunteer that the funding is being spent wisely.”
The next round of grant applications will be due by October 15. To apply for funding or learn more, visit childrensauction.org/apply-for-funding.
In past 42 years, the auction has distributed $8.6 million to nonprofit organizations in the community.
Learn more about the auction visit www.childrensauction.org, or follow the Children’s Auction on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.