Fort Bend Cares Grants $170,000 to 28 Area Charities

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The best part about fundraising is distributing the funds to those in need, which was celebrated at the Fort Bend Cares Grants Reception on June 10th at the offices of Hrbacek Martinez & Nestor. Through the generosity and support of sponsors and donors, Fort Bend Cares distributed $169,775 to 28 non-profit organizations that serve disadvantaged children and youth in Fort Bend County.

Volunteers on the Fort Bend Cares Grants Committee carried out a rigorous review of grant applications from local non-profits before presenting their recommendations on which organizations should receive grant funds to the Board of Trustees. Reviews may include site visits, meeting with program directors and consideration of factors such as the number of children impacted, whether the organization meets a physical, emotional or educational need and the alignment of the charity’s mission with that of Fort Bend Cares.

Grants Committee Team Leader Patty Ward said, “I continue to be amazed at the passion and care exhibited by leaders of non-profits who work hard every day to improve the lives of children in our community. It is tough to narrow the field of grant recipients but one every Grants Committee member takes seriously to ensure funds raised have the biggest impact possible.”

New grant recipients this year include Sunshine Kids Foundation to provide events and activities for pediatric oncology patients in Fort Bend and The Xena Project for an art therapy program for military veterans and their families.

Escape Family Resource Center was awarded the Founders Grant, named after Fort Bend Cares co-founders Dr. Robert McClendon and Jim Rice. Escape Family Resource Center provides education, intervention and support to prevent child abuse and neglect. In honor of Fort Bend Cares friend and supporter Jim Richard, Texana Center was the recipient of the one-time Judge Jim Richard Memorial Grant. Texana Center plans to use the funds to teach social skills and provide after-school programs to children with autism.

Fort Bend Cares raises money for grants through a variety of events and individual donors. Its primary fundraising event, Road Trip, is scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2016 at Fluor in Sugar Land. To sponsor this event or to volunteer with Fort Bend Cares, contact Executive Director Angie Wierzbicki at angie@fortbendcares.org or 832-819-2005.

For a complete list of 2015 grant recipients and for more information on Fort Bend Cares, visit www.fortbendcares.org.