Barton Foundation has $50,000 to give away in grants

The Barton Foundation has $50,000 to give away in grant funding to groups in the South Lake Tahoe area who work to improve community health.

During their annual grant cycles, Barton provides funds to programs and organizations, and this year they will award grants to those who address mental health, substance abuse, and access to healthcare services.

These three issues were identified as the most pressing health needs in South Lake Tahoe’s 2015 Community Health Needs Assessment. Grant proposals addressing one or more of these top three priorities will be accepted until June 30, 2016.

Various organizations, including government agencies, non-profits, and schools, are encouraged to apply. Last year’s grants were awarded in a spring and fall cycle. Spring grant recipients included A Balanced Life, Live Violence Free, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), SOS Outreach, South Lake Tahoe Police Activities League, South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition, Tahoe Magic, Tahoe Turning Point, Tahoe Youth and Family Services. The second cycle in the fall awarded projects for mental health and included the Mental Health Collaborative, Lake Tahoe Unified School District, Live Violence Free, NAMI, Sierra Child and Family Services, and the South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition.

Priority will be given to programs that benefit underserved populations. Grant recipients will be notified in September and awards will be distributed at the annual Philanthropy Day Celebration on Friday, November 4.

Additional grant criteria and the application are available online at bartonhealth.org/grants, or contact Kindle Craig, Barton Health’s director of Strategy and Development, at 530.543.5612.

The Community Health Advisory Committee is comprised community leaders, elected officials, clinicians, Barton Health staff, and private and non-profit stakeholders. They act as an advisory committee to Barton Health’s Board of Directors regarding pertinent community health issues facing the community, including the prioritization of the local Community Health Needs Assessment. To view South Lake Tahoe and Barton Health’s 2015 Community Health Needs Assessment findings, visit www.bartonhealth.org/communityhealth.