The 2006 YVCF grantmaking process has been completed, and 14 grant recipients were announced at the annual Grant Awards Luncheon held on  National Philanthropy Day, Wednesday, November 15. 

A total of fifty-seven nonprofit organizations submitted Letters of Request for funding, representing a total of $1.6M for program support throughout Yakima County.  2006 Grant Recipients include:

Heritage University     $40,000
Funds to purchase state-of-the-art training equipment for the health sciences program, including the licensed practical nurse, medical technician and future Bachelor of Nursing programs.

Prime Time, Inc.     $12,000
Support for the construction of a universally accessible tree house and interpretive center.

Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce     $31,000
This grant assists the "Citizens For Safe Yakima Valley Communities" project, directed at reducing crime and the causes of crime in the valley.

Sunnyside Community Hospital     $37,000
These funds will help to establish a rural outreach medical clinic to serve residents of the Mabton community.

N. W. Communities Education Center     $20,000
Funding for the digital conversion of technology for improved transmission by Radio KDNA.

Nuestra Casa     $13,000
A grant to support health education offerings and referral services for immigrant women in Sunnyside.

Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing     $14,000
These dollars will purchase technological equipment to provide access to videophone services for the deaf via five libraries in the lower valley.

Wellness House     $14,000
Support for "Women and Cancer: Improving Support in their Own Communities" program, which helps eliminate isolation of women diagnosed with cancer in Yakima County.

Central Washington Mountain Rescue     $5,000
This award will purchase new and replace worn emergency mountain rescue equipment for this 30-member volunteer unit.

American Lung Association     $6,000
Funding for the Asthma Camp staff training at Camp Roganunda, in partnership with Camp Fire USA.

Allied Arts of Yakima Valley     $19,000
This grant award provides for the acquisition of outdoor movie equipment - including inflatable screen - for the "Summer Cinema in the Parks" program.

Yakima Valley Barrios Unidos     $16,000
Support for a mentoring program to curtail youth involvement in gang crimes and violence in Toppenish.

Yakima Folklife Association     $15,000
Funds for a new sound system for production of concerts and the Festival in the Park.

Yakama Nation Wildlife Management     $8,000
This grant supports Yakama Nation boys and girls who will attend the Native American Wildlife and Kids Youth Camp.