Eight non-profit organizations are getting their wish!
NBC4 and Telemundo 44, in partnership with the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation, provided grants totaling $225,000 so these important groups can continue to help people in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
"I'm pleased that our grant program has become a beacon of opportunity and positive change for communities, and is fostering our next generation of storytellers, innovators and leaders," said Valari Staab, President, NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations.
More than 25 community leaders and station employees evaluated the more than 100 applications then awarded grants to the following organizations in the Washington region:
Armed Services Arts Partnership ($30,000)
This organization helps veterans, service members, military family members reintegrate into their community through the arts. This grant will double the number of classes in creative writing, storytelling, improv, and stand-up comedy for veterans.
Building Bridges Across the River ($10,000)
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This organization provides paid internships in the arts to youth in the poorest neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. Students learn about various fields in the classroom then get hands-on training in fields like lighting design, sound engineering, scenic design, stage management, arts administration and video production.
Central American Resource Center ($50,000)
This organization will use the Project Innovation grant to identify and recruit 25 local women to form a Latina Advisory Group. They will work together to provide a safe and culturally competent space to learn and foster financial growth and leadership development among Latina women.
City Blossoms ($30,000)
City Blossoms focuses on providing kid-driven green spaces to build healthy neighborhoods and provide community-focused gardens. The grant will enable more field trips to the spaces, increase free programming offered there and add more community events held around the region.
GALA Hispanic Theatre ($15,000)
Developing and presenting works that explore the Latinx performing arts is the mission of this organization. The grant will expand its Paso Nuevo after-school program where 75 low-income, at-risk Latinx and multicultural youth capture the life stories of seniors in a nearby center on video and in performances.
One Common Unity ($35,000)
Breaking the cycle of poverty and violence helps build healthy communities, and this organization's Fly by Light Youth program helps do just that. This unique program helps youth develop their storytelling and address social issues through the arts. The grant will provide cameras, iPads and training.
Space of Her Own ($5,000)
This organization helps under-served girls in Alexandria, VA progress academically, communicate openly and give back to others. The grant will be used for its SOHO Club which provides activities for fifth-graders to enjoy long-term mentoring relationships and ongoing learning opportunities.
Sustainable Community Initiatives ($50,000)
Through its Home Essentials Program, this organization donates appliances, building materials and furniture to neighbors in need. This grant will help the organization buy a small truck to help make deliveries and add skilled staff who can help with electrical, plumbing and carpentry needs.
Across the country, 68 non-profit organizations received more than $2 million as part of the NBCUniversal Foundation's Project Innovation.
