VCCF Application Deadlines Set

Application due dates have been set for community grants and scholarships offered by the Valley County Community Foundation, announced Doris Leader of Nashua who serves as VCCF board chair.

First up will be applications for the general grant program which must be post marked by March 18. VCCF provides grants to organizations within Valley County with the 501(c)(3) charitable IRS designation, along with local governments and educational institutions. Groups with projects expected to be completed by Oct. 1, 2022 are welcome to apply. Last year, nine organizations received grants totaling $33,473. Amounts to each organization varied by the cost of the project, with the largest grant in 2021 being $10,000 and the lowest $1,500. The Foundation has awarded $292,587 in 21 years.

VCCF awards grants in five areas: arts and culture, basic human needs, economic development, education, and natural resources and conservation. The board discourages applications for annual or capital campaigns, endowment funds, debt retirement, and religious activities.

Applications with a postmark on or before April 15 will be accepted for the Feda Scholarship for the Trades. Residents of Valley County graduating this year from a Valley County high school, receiving a home school certificate or a GED with plans to attend a trade school are encouraged to apply. Students who received a Feda Scholarship in the past may apply for a second scholarship, providing they have successfully completed one semester of study. Applicable course work includes, but is not limited to, plumbing, electrical, drafting, mechanics, welding, carpentry, medical technology, computer technology, or criminal justice.

College and trade school students from Valley County who have completed one year of post-high school study are encouraged to apply for the Clarence and Charlotte Fuhrman Memorial Scholarship. Eligible applicants must have attended a Valley County High School consecutively for three years and received their diploma from a Valley County High School or received a home school certificate. These applications must be postmarked by June 17.

Information on the grants and scholarships is found at http://www.valleycountycf.net. Leader emphasized that this year’s applications are on the website and clearly marked for 2022. Applications from previous years, those that are incomplete or postmarked after the due date will not be considered.

VCCF board members are happy to provide information on grants and scholarships. Along with Leader in Nashua, contact Jean Carlson in Fort Peck, Jeff Sanders in Richland/Glasgow, Maggan Walstad and Darla Larson in Opheim/Glasgow; and in Glasgow, contact Cindy Markle, Whitney Tatafu, Gary Wageman or Sam Waters.