Johnson County Community Foundation staff members pose with award recipients at the foundation’s Franklin office.
Submitted photo by Maleta Schmidt
The Aeronautical Center of Technology in Greenwood will have a new tool in its mission to train new pilots safely and effectively — a state-of-the-art flight simulator.
By purchasing a Jaws of Life machine, the Amity Volunteer Fire Department will be able to save more lives. Programs supporting local seniors, after-school activities for youth and early literacy have all been given a boost.
These, and more local organizations, have all found assistance through a single source — the Johnson County Community Foundation.
The community foundation announced recipients of $213,500 in funding Monday, the allocation of its Big Impact Unrestricted Granting cycle. Grants ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 were given out to nine organizations focusing on everything from arts and culture to economic development to health and human services.
“All of these grants help strengthen the county’s economic position, and everybody becomes more successful,” said Gail Richards, director of special projects for the foundation. “It makes everybody in the community stronger.”
The Johnson County Community Foundation manages an extensive grants program, awarding funds to groups and initiatives throughout the county each year. The annual program offers grants to nonprofit organizations for charitable programs and projects that are based in Johnson County, or that serve Johnson County residents.
The 2023 Big Impact grant awards reflect the foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Johnson County, Richards said.
“The hope is to provide a larger percentage for program success than some other grant programs, which are smaller,” she said. “We’re hoping to provide more of the equipment costs, so those organizations don’t have to make up as much money.”
Earlier in 2023, the foundation accepted applications for 38 community-minded, collaborative programming through its big impact grant program. Organizations were required to make requests between $20,000 and $30,000 for any one proposed program.
Each chosen organization brings something unique to Johnson County, Richards said.
Recipients of this year’s grants are:
- Aeronautical Center of Technology — Flight simulator program, $20,000
- Amity Volunteer Fire Department — Jaws of Life, $30,000
- Boys & Girls Club of Johnson County — After-school program expansion, $20,000
- Franklin Community High School FFA Alumni and Supporters — Franklin FFA – ACE building fund, $23,500
- Friends of the Greenwood Public Library — Early literacy with Fable the Fox, $20,000
- Gateway Services — Access Johnson County public transit, $25,000
- Interchurch Food Pantry of Johnson County — Permanent drive-through distribution, $20,000
- Johnson County Senior Services — Going the Extra Smile, $25,000
- Reach for Youth — Mental health and positive youth development services at Clark-Pleasant Schools, $30,000.
