The San Juan Island Community Foundation, at the request of the Critical Needs Task Force Steering Committee, today awarded thirteen grants totaling more than $50,000 to local organizations targeted at helping those most affected by the current economic turn-down.

The funded projects range from increasing capacity of existing service providers to creating new pilot programs that are designed to cover unmet needs in our community. Expanded food delivery to the needy, social and health services assistance and children’s programs are addressed by the grants. New projects include a community services database in print and electronic form for easy and comprehensive access to local resources, and the creation of a volunteer coordination center to help match community service projects to local volunteers.

The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (www.cfsem.org), in partnership with the Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan (www.culturalalliancesemi.org), is announcing an innovative program to help local arts and cultural organizations raise sorely needed operating funds. The Community Foundation will launch its $1 million Community Foundation Challenge Arts and Culture, an online giving challenge designed to stimulate giving to arts and cultural organizations in southeast Michigan.

For 25 years, the Community Foundation has supported arts and cultural organizations in southeast Michigan as part of our mission to improve the lives of all who live and work in the region.