Tuesday, May 3, 2011 – Pacific Sun
by Jason Walsh
In an effort to target lower income older adults, the Marin Community Foundation has approved $1 million in grants to 17 Marin nonprofits that fit into the foundation’s focus on “successful aging.”
The grants are intended to bolster such offerings as employment services, food delivery and community center programs. San Rafael’s Whistlestop, for instance, received $200,000, according to MCF, for its sponsorship of computer and art classes, English language education and exercise programs. Ten projects receiving grants will put the funds toward volunteer opportunities for older adults—such as Audubon Canyon Ranch and the Novato Historical Guild.
Foundation president Thomas Peters said programs that offer multiple benefits—such as those that promote volunteerism– were specifically given consideration for grant monies. “They reduce the risk of social isolation, they improve the volunteers’ quality of life and they are of tremendous value to the agencies themselves, given the budgeting challenges they face.”