Mary I. and David D. Hunting Family Fund
ACCESS CAMPS Program
Background
For 60 years, Grand Rapids Community Foundation has been providing grants to help children experience the wonders of summer camp: exploring nature, learning to swim, making friends and singing around campfires. In 2002, the estate of Mary Ives Hunting established a special fund to help more children in Kent County benefit from these wholesome, enriching experiences.
Informed by input from area camp professionals, and supporting the Grand Rapids Community Foundation's priority to "improve access to social and recreational opportunities that attract diverse populations," a new "Access Camps" program was established in 2006. The purpose of the program is to increase the ability for "underserved" Kent County children to access a West Michigan overnight camping experience.
Through Access Camps, the Community Foundation will award up to $5,000 to selected West Michigan camps during the 2010 season for specific efforts to increase access to overnight camps for underserved Kent County children. The following criteria are used to identify "underserved campers":
- Low income: children from families at or below the poverty level
- Working poor: children from families at 200% of the poverty level
- Children with disabilities: children who have significant limitations regarding overnight camp choices due to their disabilities
- Children of ethnic or racial minority groups
Examples of qualifying projects include, but are not limited to:
- Scholarships for overnight camps with a minimum of 2 night stays;
- Program enhancements supporting diversity and youth with disabilities.
In addition to the above, West Michigan camps can apply for a maximum of $5,000 to address transportation needs of underserved campers.
Examples of qualifying projects include, but are not limited to:
- Direct transporation costs;
- Support/family liaison services related to transportation.
Review Process
To be eligible for Access Camps funds, camps need to meet certain criteria. Special consideration will be given to overnight camping programs that demonstrate the following:
- High percentage of campers are from Kent County
- High and/or increasing population of ethnically and racially diverse campers and staff
- Accredited or working toward accreditation
The deadline for 2009 has passed. Proposals will be requested in November of 2010.
For more information, please contact Ruth Bishop at 616.454.1751 or click here to email her.
© Grand Rapids Community Foundation - 185 Oakes Street SW - Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 - 616.454.1751
