Dana Crawford, Ph.D.
VUMC creates grant program for OHO area
Vanderbilt University Medical Center is preparing for its expansion into the 100 Oaks community with the creation of a $25,000 community enhancement grant program available to non-profits in the 16th Metro Council district.
The Vanderbilt Health at One Hundred Oaks Community Grant Program, created in the spirit of VUMC's new partnership with the 100 Oaks community, will select grant applications benefiting District 16 with projects in four main categories — public safety, educational initiatives, cultural activities and community development.
Grant applications will be evaluated with regard to public benefit, community support, and community need/association strengthening.
Applications must be received by March 31; grants will be awarded May 1.
"We hope these grants can be used to enhance an existing program or create a new program that will benefit the community,” said C. Wright Pinson, M.D., associate vice chancellor for Clinical Affairs. “It is our intent to not only support the 100 Oaks community but to be part of this community."
District 16 encompasses the communities of Glencliff, Radnor, Woodbine, Sadler Village and Vultee and includes four public schools.
“The 100 Oaks project represents a positive economic development for this community and this grant program is just another step in the right direction,” said District 16 Councilmember Anna Page.
“I want to thank Vanderbilt for taking the initiative to invest in its surrounding neighborhood, and I also want to encourage all of our nonprofit and neighborhood groups to take advantage of this opportunity by submitting a grant application.”
Sen. Douglas Henry and Rep. Rob Briley represent Page's District 16 in the state legislature.
The program is divided into $25,000 worth of community engagement and mini-grants in increments from $1,000 up to $10,000.
Applicants can include, but are not limited to, school-based organizations, social services programs, health care providers and non-profit foundations.
Additional consideration will be given to proposals representing a partnership between one or more organizations, to projects demonstrating a consensus among residents involved in implementation, and to projects that are sustainable.
A copy of the grant application may be found at http://www.vanderbilt.edu/cngr/neighborhood/communitygrant.doc or by calling 343-0700.