The Community Foundation has announced $75K in Millennium Trust grants to Community Cycles, Dental Aid and Eco-Cycle.
Since 1999, the annual grant cycle has advanced inspired ideas that ignite action around urgent community issues. Every year, Millennium Trust donors are selected at random to serve on the advisory committee. The committee determines Millennium Trust funding priorities for the year and makes grant recommendations to The Community Foundation Board of Trustees.
“This year, the committee was especially interested in projects that support at-risk youth, and those that address economic disparities in our community – including affordable housing, health and mental health, and education,” says Elvira Ramos, Program Director.
Specifically, the three current grantees will apply their grants ($25K each) as follows:
Community Cycles
Transitions Earn A Bike Program (T-EAB)
T-EAB will expand a partnership between Community Cycles and local school districts, to support disabled young people and provide job opportunities. T-EAB builds confidence, increases life skills, and opens doors to safe, meaningful employment and positive, fun social interactions. Disabled students take a six-week session on basic bicycle mechanics, while earning a bicycle, helmet, lock and light. T-EAB gives students capabilities in bicycle mechanics, meets their essential transportation needs, and provides ongoing community support. Graduates are eligible for a paid apprenticeship at Community Cycles or paid internships at local bicycle shops.
Dental Aid
Boulder Valley School District / Dental Aid Tele-Dentistry Program
This program will provide oral health education and preventive, diagnostic and restorative services in school locations. Using portable equipment and digital cameras, digital x-rays, and computers, a registered dental hygienist (RDH) will apply fluoride varnish, do cleanings, apply sealants and conduct exams. Through electronic communication with Dental Aid clinic-based dentists, the RDH will also be able to perform restorative procedures, such as interim therapeutic restorations, under the indirect supervision of a Dental Aid dentist.
Eco-Cycle
Employment Empowerment through Electronics Recycling Project
This project establishes a partnership between Eco-Cycle and Blue Star Recyclers to increase the economic self-sufficiency of people with autism, disabled, low-income and at-risk youth. Facilitating successful transitions to adulthood, the project will create new job opportunities for a Boulder County population that faces extremely limited employment options: young adults with autism and other disabilities. It will also provide low-cost computers for Boulder County families who otherwise can’t afford essential technology for school and employment.
Since its inception, the Millennium Trust – a permanent fund of The Community Foundation – has awarded more than $1 million in grants to the community. The fund was created by donations from thousands of Boulder County residents who each gave their last hour of income in 1999 to help meet the needs of Boulder County in the new millennium.
