During its most recent meeting in June, The Cameron Foundation’s board approved $2,745,482 in new grant funding for 25 nonprofits throughout the Tri-Cities and Southside Virginia. This is the Foundation’s second of three grant cycles in 2008, with the third to conclude in October.

“These grants reflect the Foundation’s deep commitment to the nonprofit sector in our region,” said Ann C. Taylor, chair. She added, “Some represent project support, while others will address day-to-day operating expenses for local organizations.”  Other board members include Larry C. Tucker, vice chair; Betty W. Thweatt, secretary; James L. Thacker, Jr., treasurer; Cleveland A. Wright, immediate past chair; Dr. Gurpal S. Bhuller; John H. Clements; Kevin A. Hill; and Dr. Jerry W. Isbell.

This cycle, grants ranged from as little as $2,376 to as much as $575,000.  Wright, grants committee chair, pointed out, “The Foundation’s smaller grants to nonprofit organizations are just as important to the community as its larger ones, and the broad range of needs that the groups will serve contribute to a better quality of life for people throughout south-central Virginia.”

The June grantees include:

Central Virginia Health Services – $ 575,000

Chesterfield CASA, Inc. – $ 30,000

Chesterfield County Public Library – $ 2,825

Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia – $ 2,376

Children’s Home of Virginia Baptists, Inc. – $ 49,625

Colonial Heights Food Pantry, Inc. – $ 34,000

Drive-To-Work – $ 21,388

Gateway Homes, Inc. – $ 25,000

Girl Scout Commonwealth Council of Virginia, Inc. – $ 25,000

Historic Hopewell Foundation, Inc. – $ 80,000

Meals on Wheels Serving Central Virginia, Inc. – $ 35,000

Petersburg Area Regional Tourism Corporation – $ 205,175

Petersburg Symphony Orchestra – $ 98,000

Prince George County Historical Society – $ 186,000

Ramp Access Made Possible by Students – $ 16,000

Southside Health Education Foundation – $ 342,250

Southside Virginia Emergency Crew, Inc. – $ 124,943

Sussex Central High School PTSA – $ 11,500

Sussex County Cooperative Extension – $ 37,665

Sussex County Public Schools – $ 27,684

The Faison School for Autism – $ 35,500

Theatre IV – $ 30,000

U.S. Army Quartermaster Foundation, Inc. – $ 39,420

Virginia Commonwealth University – $ 77,131

Virginia Network of Nonprofit Organizations – $ 50,000

The largest award, which was made to Central Virginia Health Services, will assist with the expansion of primary care services at Appomattox Area Health and Wellness Center, located in Petersburg.  “As a health legacy foundation, one of our top priorities in grantmaking is to promote the health of those living in our service area,” explained Handy L. Lindsey, Jr., president.  

The Cameron Foundation was formed from the proceeds of the sale of Southside Regional Medical Center by the Hospital Authority of the City of Petersburg in April 2003.  The Foundation’s giving is restricted to the area that historically had been served by the hospital, including the cities of Petersburg, Colonial Heights, and Hopewell, as well as the counties of Dinwiddie, Prince George, Sussex, and the portion of Chesterfield County lying south of U.S. Route 10.  

More information about the Foundation, its grant opportunities, and its grant recipients can be found on its website, www.thecameronfoundation.org, or via telephone at 804-732-8900.