The North Penn Community Health Foundation is pleased to announce the award of 38 grants totaling $519,475 to 35 non-profit organizations in the Greater North Penn community. The foundation provides grants to non-profit organizations serving the needs of residents in 24 townships and boroughs located in the North Penn, Indian Valley, Ambler and Central Bucks communities.

Over the past twelve months, the Foundation has been working with non-profit organizations to learn of their needs and those of the clients whom they serve to update the community needs assessment report commissioned by the Foundation. The Foundation continues to explore opportunities to partner with these organizations with the goal of improving the health, wellness and quality of life of children and families, adults and senior citizens, people with disabilities and disadvantaged populations residing in our service community.

In connection with the United Way Initiative, the Foundation also provided a grant to DeSales University ($60,000) in support of the North Penn Non-Profit Academy. The Academy will provide opportunities for non-profit organizations to collaborate with one another over the next several months and to explore, in a series of six laddered-learning workshops designed to refine and implement business skills needed to operate non-profit programs cost-effectively and to position organizations for future growth and long-term sustainability.

The Foundation also is providing support to two non-profit organizations that will focus their attention on improving access to health and human services and the promotion of wellness and informed decision making. A grant to the Montgomery County Community College Foundation ($19,997) supports a feasibility study to review opportunities to expand dental clinic services at the Blue Bell campus. A grant to the North Penn Visiting Nurse Association ($30,000) supports health education, prevention and wellness activities.

Upper Gwynedd Township is moving forward with a requisition to purchase a replacement C-100 vehicle. Support for this project is provided through a donor-advised fund supported with funding from Merck & Company, Inc., local businesses and individuals. The North Penn Area Chiefs of Police, whose police departments participate in the use of this vehicle, continue to seek donations in support of this project. Donations are being accepted by the North Penn COMMUNITY HEALTH Foundation.

The Foundation’s Friends organization, the successor group of the former North Penn Hospital Auxiliary, provided funds for three grants of $25,000 each approved by the Board of Directors. Their contribution underwrites grants to the North Penn Scholarship Fund Association, Inc.; the North Penn Valley Boys and Girls Club, Inc., and the North Penn Visiting Nurse Association. The Friends sponsor numerous fundraising activities throughout the year and continue to operate the Gift Shop located at Central Montgomery Medical Center. Through the dedication of hundreds of volunteers, the Friends continue to raise funds for people in need.

The Foundation’s Board of Directors has authorized a grantmaking budget of $1,000,000 for FY 2003/2004. The Foundation accepts requests for grant support throughout the year. Proposals are reviewed by staff and a grant review committee. The Board of Directors considers grant requests submitted by the grant review committee on a quarterly basis at their meetings scheduled in September, November, March and June.