The Oxford Community Foundation announced on Nov. 22 that it has approved 11 grant requests totaling $28,650 for the fall of 2019.

The Foundation has served the Greater Oxford area since 1996 and is responsible for overseeing and awarding grants for programs and projects that improve, enhance and sustain the quality of life in the community. 

They provide grants of financial support for activities in the areas of education, health, recreation, civic projects, social welfare, arts and culture, environment and beautification, said Betsy Hope, executive director of the $7 million foundation. 

“We are so pleased to make these awards to help solve issues and improve the quality of life for those in Greater Oxford,” Hope said. 

The 2019 fall grants are to:

• The Oxford Community Arts Center, $3,000 for Memory Café, a program that builds community for dementia patients. 

• Bogan Elementary School, $4,575 for BizTown, a program that allows students to connect what they learn to real life.

• Oxford Museum Association, $3,650 for the Historic Oxford Trustee House stair renovation. 

• Kramer Elementary School, $625 for presentation of the play “Harriet Tubman.”

• Oxford Parks and Recreation Department , $2,500 for its “Conquer Cabin Fever” Weekend.

• Talawanda Eighth Grade Special Education, $1,500 for the “Fill the Bookshelves” program.

• Oxford Seniors, $4,500 for its transportation program.

• Junior Achievement of OKI Partners, $2,000 for “Educating Students for Financial Success.

• Talawanda Middle School, $3,500 for the eighth grade trip to Washington D.C.

• The Family Resource Center, $2,500 for a network upgrade and Christmas program. 

• Talawanda High School, $300 for the Talawanda mock trial program.

The Foundation’s investment earnings are returned to the community each year in the form of grants. “Our funds grow with each new gift and produce income that will continue to meet local needs for generations to come,” said Hope.

The foundation has three grant cycles each year. The next deadline for submitting grants for consideration is December 15, 2019. For the grant guidelines and application, go to oxfordfdn.org or call 513.523.0623.

The Oxford Community Foundation has provided support to the Oxford Observer.