WINONA, Minn. – The Winona Community Foundation awarded $10,000 to the organization Let’s Erase the Stigma for expungement classes. The grant was among 13 in the Foundation’s latest grant cycle. In all, $76,000 was awarded. Nancy Brown, the Foundation’s president, said a record 29 applicants requested $230,000. Other recipients this cycle:
> Habitat for Humanity: $9,950 for scaffolding for construction and repairs.
> Project FINE: $8,000 for middle and high school boys from refugee and immigrant families.
> Winona Chamber of Commerce: $8,000 for high school students o develop employment-ready workforce skills.
> Southeast Housing and Development Authority: $7,500 for moderate income families to learn about home-buying and to receive a mortgage readiness certificate.
>Winona Friendship Center: $6,300 for a psychologist to teach problem-solving skills to reduce depression and improve interactions.
> Winona Health: $5,000 for a 24-hour outpatient mental health program to prevent the need for hospitalization.
> Ready Set School: $4,900 for vouchers for school supplies and clothing for low-income families.
> Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts: $4,350 for a10-week summer youth theater program at Saint Mary’s.
> Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center: $3,800 for safety monitoring at four group homes.
> Catholic Charities: $3,580 for programs on living with chronic conditions and pain.
> Winona ORC Industries: $3,500 for a shredder for confidential documents.
> Islamic Center: $1,500 for a dinner to introduce new Afghan families to up to the community.
Brown. Community Foundation president.
Grant funding
The Foundation’s Community Grant program is funded partly through estate gifts from Ramona Jezewski English and Wilmer & Beverly Larson. Grants are also supported by the Thomas H. Laken Fund, the Sue & Jack Cornwell Fund, and the Foundation’s general trust fund.