By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – The Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo has awarded more than $187,000 in its latest grant cycle to 13 projects in the area.
Leaders of the Community Foundation say the grant applications they receive paint a picture of community needs in Erie and Niagara Counties. Foundation President Gail Johnstone says each new cycle is an opportunity to address some of the region's pressing needs.
One of those needs is a lack of books for pre-school children in Niagara Falls. People and Possibilities, affiliated with the Niagara Falls Housing Authority, was granted $8,500 for a program called "Dolly's Imagination Library." Spokeswoman Valerie Pillo says the concept is a simple one -- getting books into the hands of children who need them.
Also receiving Community Foundation funding is Trocaire College -- $20,000 -- to introduce minority students to the nursing profession. And the Erie County SPCA was granted $6,500 to purchase a new van for its animal ambulance service.
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