Foundation gives $134,246 to fund various projects

Kent State Salem plans to renovate an underused
gymnasium.

SALEM — The Salem Community Foundation has announced it has granted seven requests for funding $134,246 for community projects.

Kent State University Regional Campus will receive a pledge of $40,000 to stimulate financial support to assist with the renovation and construction of the Kent State University Salem Health and Science Wing.

Board President John Tonti stated the two-phased Kent project will create more than 24,000 square feet of new and renovated space to include clinical laboratories for nursing, radiology and other imaging technologies, modern fully equipped laboratories for anatomy, microbiology, chemistry and physics, with upgraded computer labs and classrooms.

Kent State Salem plans to renovate an underused gymnasium to accommodate the health science education program. The main objective of the project is to expand the ability to provide educational opportunities to area residents that will allow them to begin careers within local industry.

The St. Paul Home and School Association will receive $8,058 in a grant to purchase SMART Boards, which are interactive whiteboards that will help educators illustrate ideas and enhance discussions in the classroom.

A $50,000 grant was approved for the Salem branch of the Butler Institute of American Art for maintenance and support for continuing programs. It was noted that this is the 17th year the foundation has given financial assistance to the facility. The Emeny Fund, established in the foundation in 1995 by the late George Emeny, provides funds to the museum’s operating expenses.

The Shade Tree Commission will get $20,000 that will allow planting of nearly 60 trees in early spring and late fall of 2008. This is the 26th year the commission has received support from the foundation.

A grant of $763 was approved for the Salem Junior Girls Softball program. Funds from the Raymond Reasbeck Fund established in 1984 to promote amateur sports will be used to buy equipment for 100 girls age 9 to 14 for the 2008 softball season.

The popular Summer Concert Series in Waterworth Park will be subsidized for the 2008 summer months for its 11th season with help from a $5,000 foundation grant. 

Some $10,425 was given to the Hope Cemetery Association to buy a zero-turn radius mower to keep the grounds trimmed.

Grant applications may be obtained from the foundation’s Web site, www.salemcommunityfoundation.org, or by phoning the office at (330) 332-4021. The committee that screens applications will meet March 20. Applications should be sent to Melissa Costa, grant coordinator, at P.O. Box 553 before then.

The foundation’s board of directors will meet April 3 for the combined regular and annual meetings. All foundation members are invited to attend the annual meeting. Membership consists of the board of directors and donors who have contributed at least $100 and reside in the Salem area. Financial statements for 2007 will be available for review, and election of officers will take place.