NEW BUFFALO – The Pokagon Fund in September and October gave $89,109 in grants to 12 projects.
The fund supports health, human services, art, education, recreation and the environment.
The fund is a private foundation that has been supported for the last two years by 2 percent of the electronic gaming revenue from the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo Township.
The awards were:
– St. Mary of the Lake’s Kaleidoscope Preschool, new playground equipment and low-income scholarships, $15,000;
– Southold Dance Theatre’s Dec. 5 production of “The Nutcracker” at the New Buffalo Performing Arts Center, $14,979;
– Senior Nutrition Services, purchase of a food delivery van, $23,048;
– U.S. Marine Corps, Toys for Tots program in the New Buffalo area, $3,000;
– New Buffalo Lions Club, $6,500 for the Harlem Ambassadors basketball game with local teachers, coaches and alumni on Oct. 30;
– Grand Beach, $5,000 for zoning ordinance amendments;
– Chikaming Township, $6,757 for paving costs for the Hike and Bike Trail;
– New Buffalo Pageant, $1,000 for a scholarship;
– Sarett Nature Center, $3,625 for its Nature to Go! classroom program in the River Valley and New Buffalo schools;
– New Buffalo Halloween Committee, $200 for the parade, prizes and candy;
– New Buffalo Service League, $5,000 for gift cards for food, clothing and gasoline for people in need;
– Senior Nutrition Services, $5,000 for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for seniors.
In August, the fund’s percentage from Four Winds Casino dropped from 2 to 1 percent. It will remain at that level until August 2012, when it will decrease to 0.75 percent and will remain at that level.
The fund’s board meets monthly to review grant applications. People who want more information may visit the fund’s Web site at www.pokagonfund.org.