Clark County Giving Circle announces grants

The Clark County Giving Circle, a program of the Nonprofit Network of Southwest Washington, awarded grants last week to five local charities that help vulnerable seniors. Funding increased 80 percent this year because more people became members. There are 30 members and 16 people who also donate but aren’t members, said Jeanne Kojis, executive director of the Nonprofit Network of Southwest Washington.

Members are required to donate a minimum of $250; the money is pooled and members vote on how it should be spent. Recipients are:

• Community Home Health and Hospice, which has facilities in Longview and Salmon Creek, received a $4,000 grant to expand a program that helps patients with pet care.

• The Vancouver-based Community Housing Resource Center got $2,500 for Outreach to Our Seniors, a program providing low-cost or no-cost financial counseling and assistance.

• Evergreen Habitat for Humanity was awarded $4,000 to go toward repairing and refurbishing the homes of low-income homeowners.

• Human Dignity Foundation, a nonprofit care facility in Washougal, will purchase a backup generator with the $3,000 grant it received.

• North County Community Food Bank will use its $2,500 grant to buy supplies for senior nutrition and cooking classes, some of which cater to those with health issues such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.

The Giving Circle has distributed more than $90,000 in grants since 2008. Members will chose next year’s focus in June. Visit www.givingcircleclarkcounty.org for more information.