The Jackson EMC Foundation Board of Directors awarded a total of $72,054 in grants to organizations during its April meeting.

$15,000 — Clarke County Mentor Program

To further increase a broad-based, grass-roots effort to provide individual support for public school students, first through 12th grade, to provide academic and personal success. Founded as a partnership between the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce and the Clarke County School District, the program has grown from 30 original mentors to more than 750, with plans to grow further.

$15,000 — Hebron Community Health Center
To replace worn out donated equipment, and provide diabetic supplies to clinic patients. The health center provides medical and dental care to patients with no health insurance and a maximum household income of $20,000. In addition to diabetic supplies, the grant will enable the clinic to purchase a new computer for its pharmacist, and new dental equipment.

$14,754 — Jackson County Habitat for Humanity
To assist with kitchen cabinets, plumbing and heating and air systems for the affiliate's sixth house, now under construction, and a seventh house that will be started later this year.

$4,300 — Special Olympics of Madison County
To help with fees and expenses for the Winter Games, equipment for the Spring Games and new uniforms for local, area and state games to replace the donated high school basketball uniforms the athletes have been wearing with uniforms that are better suited for them.

$8,000 — United Way of Northeast Georgia's Success by 6 Program
To support a new Critical Years, Critical Needs initiative. The grant will be used to print the Critical Years, Critical Needs booklet, a resource guide on early childhood developmental needs and good child care practices, in English and Spanish. The booklet will be distributed to new parents through a partnership with hospitals in a 10-county area.

$15,000 — Teen Pregnancy Prevention of Hall County
To provide the "Smart Girls" abstinence-based education program in Hall County middle and high schools. Through "Smart Girls," young women learn the skills to overcome negative peer pressure, the tools to protect themselves against exploitation and the self-esteem to see their future potential. The program focuses on helping girls make healthy choices about sexual activity and dating relationships.

Operation Round Up funds can be used to provide meals to the elderly, provide assistance for disaster relief and to support organizations and agencies with special program needs.

Grant Applications Available

Organizations and individuals are now applying for Operation Round Up (ORU) grants. You or a community organization may also be eligible for an ORU grant.

Any individual or organization in any of the counties served by Jackson EMC may apply for an ORU grant. The following are included in Foundation guidelines: non-profits, community-based or volunteer organizations, civic organizations, shelters, schools, hospitals, families and individuals.

Applications from organizations should target program support. Causes covered by these grants can include human need; education and development; family enrichment; literacy; health education, awareness and advocacy; and medical or disaster-related emergencies. Individuals and organizations may receive only one grant award from the Foundation each year. Awards are generally limited to $3,500 for individuals and $15,000 for organizations.

Please visit the Operation Round Up home page or call 706-367-6295 for more information.

Please visit www.jacksonemc.com/roundup or call 706-367-6295 for more information.