SIA Foundation Awards Over $62,000 in Grants; Over $1 Million Since Inception

LAFAYETTE, Ind. - June 30, 2015 - PRLog -- Representatives from nine Indiana non-profit organizations gathered today at SIA’s Training and Reception Center as $62,840.50 in capital grants were awarded by the SIA Foundation.

The SIA Foundation awards grants twice a year to Indiana not-for-profit organizations which seek funding for capital projects in one of three areas – arts and culture, health and welfare, or education

Grants awarded during the current grant cycle marked over $1 million in capital grants awarded to Indiana non-profits since the foundation was established in 1997.

“When the SIA Foundation was established with an initial $1 million gift from Subaru of Indiana Automotive, we wanted to have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of Hoosiers by providing capital grants to charitable organizations and schools across Indiana that had an immediate need,” stated SIA Executive Vice President, Tom Easterday, “Having now surpassed $1 million in capital grants, with those grants addressing capital needs at over 250 charitable organizations or schools, it is clear that the SIA Foundation is making an impact.”

Recipients for this cycle represent non-profit organizations from: Tippecanoe, Porter, Newton, Marion, and Montgomery counties:

Taltree Arboretum & Gardens, Porter County - $1,600.00
Taltree Arboretum & Gardens is an oak preserve of formal gardens, woodlands, wetlands and prairies that offers a variety of events, classes and exhibits year-round. Funds will be used to acquire Automated External Defibrillators, or AEDs, for summer camps.

West Lafayette Jr. / Sr. High School, Tippecanoe County - $8,000.00
This grant will be used to purchase a trailer in order transport equipment and instruments needed for the Sound Of West Side Marching Band. This trailer will transport all items to and from events including instruments, uniforms, and props for the shows and the She Devils Dance Team.

Joyful Journey, Tippecanoe County - $7,194.00
Joyful Journey is committed to providing compassionate and loving adult day service & caregiver support in a home setting. They cater to individuals with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Dementia, Autism, Down syndrome, etc. Funds will go towards purchasing a refrigerator/freezer, stackable washer and dryer, plates, utensils, and a water softener.

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art, Marion County - $9,267.00
The Eiteljorg Museum collects and preserves Western art and Native American art and cultural objects of the highest quality, and serves the public through engaging exhibitions, educational programs, cultural exchanges and entertaining special events. Funds will provide an interactive, educational touch screen kiosk to enhance visitors’ learning experiences during Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure and major exhibitions in the special exhibits gallery.

South Newton High School, Newton County - $5,000.00
This grant will fund equipment in order to start a school garden, where produce will be harvested and used in a variety of ways. The program will educate students in work ethic, professionalism, and aspects of running a business and being part of a workforce. Equipment will include gardening tools and supplies, two iPads for accounting, canning supplies, dehydrators, and rain barrels.

City of West Lafayette Parks & Rec, Tippecanoe County - $8,977.00
Funds will go towards purchasing two Solar Eco-Posts, and one Eco Box that will provide a self-guided audio tour at the Celery Bog Nature Area. Funds will also provide an outdoor microphone & speaker system for outdoor presentations at the Celery Bog Nature Area in the amphitheater.

Boys & Girls Club of Montgomery County, Montgomery County - $8,000.00
The Boys & Girls Club of Montgomery County’s mission is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Grant funds will go toward the purchase of new tables and chairs for their community dinner and daily snack program.

NICHES Land Trust, Tippecanoe County - $4,812.50
The Clegg Memorial Garden is a 17-acre local natural landmark with 1.5 miles of trails winding above Wildcat Creek. NICHES will use grant funds for the redesign and installation of a wider garden path that has ADA grade and surface standards, and native perennial gardens that include educational signage pertaining to native plants.

Purdue Athletes Life Success Program (PALS), Tippecanoe County - $9,990.00
PALS is a five-week, free summer day camp for more than 600 underserved children in the Greater Lafayette area. PALS’ purpose is twofold: to enhance the physical activity levels of children, and to help them practice four pillars of character (responsibility, respect, caring, and courage). Funds will go towards upgrading and replacing old equipment.