Dec. 9, 2005 — It was an early holiday present for 23 non-profit organizations and schools in the territory Dec. 6, when FirstBank awarded grants to each group for programs and activities. FirstBank presented the Neighborhood Grant Program grants at simultaneous ceremonies at Coral World on St. Thomas and at Cormorant Beach Hotel on St. Croix.
The Neighborhood Grants program helps fund programs that promote economic development or assist in revitalizing low- and moderate-income communities, according to a recent release from FirstBank.
Neighborhood Grants this year assisted a household budgeting workshop, GED instruction, computer literacy training, library resources for children, equipment and programs for the physically challenged, youth development programs and more.
"The Neighborhood Grant program represents the bedrock of FirstBank’s ongoing commitment and engagement with the local community," said Cassan Pancham, executive vice president and general manager.
In the past three years, FirstBank has granted more than $600,000 to local charities and other causes, including $120,000 through Neighborhook Grants.
The 2006 recipients were:
— Inter-Island Parent Coaltion for Change
— Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands
— Our Town Frederiksted
— St. Croix Central High School
— V.I. Housing Authority (both St. Thomas and St. Croix offices)
— St. Croix Educational Complex
— St. Croix Animal Welfare Center
— V.I. Resource Center for the Disabled (both St. Thomas and St. Croix offices)
— Virgin Islands Volunteer Advocates for Children
— Episcopal Diocese of the VI, St. Ursula's Senior Center
— Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park
— The Safety Zone
— Charlotte Amalie High School
— Friends of Enid M. Baa Library
— Ministerio Evangelistico El Es, Inc.
— We Grow Food, Inc.
— UVI Small Business Development Center
— School of Visual Arts and Careers
— Beyond Visions Foundation
— Graffiti Street
— New Image Foundation
For information on how to apply for upcoming Neighborhood Grants and other funds, contact Karen Sprauve at 775-8426.