Upper Cumberland Community Foundation awards grants to local organizations

The Upper Cumberland Community Foundation has awarded $20,000 in grants throughout Bell, Clay, Knox, Laurel, and Whitley counties. Each county had an allocated $4,000, and with those funds was awarded grants ranging from $500 to $2,500. The online grant application was open from Jan. 1 through Feb. 2.

Upper Cumberland Community Foundation’s yearly grant fund is a result of the money raised from their annual poker run. At this fundraising event, participants pay an entry fee to complete an exciting journey through Bell, Clay, Knox, Laurel, and Whitley counties, building a poker hand at each stop. Some of the participating vehicles include motorcycles, classic cars, jeeps, sports cars, and more.

When the 2024 Poker Run is scheduled, an announcement will be made on Upper Cumberland Community Foundation’s Facebook page.

The Upper Cumberland Community Foundation’s board members anticipate the positive impact that these grants will have in Whitley County.

Upper Cumberland Board of Advisors member Rich Prewitt said, “Williamsburg has many worthy nonprofits. I look forward to the day when we can support even more.”

Co-Chair and Secretary Sandi Curd also stated, “I’m thrilled to participate with an organization that raises money to grant back to our most vulnerable folks.”

As part of the recent grant cycle, Whitley County received the following grants:

• $1,334 to the Whitley County Farmers’ Market Double Dollars program
• $1,666 to the Corbin First Baptist White Flag Relief program
• $500 to the Millstone Community Theatre Guild
• $500 to the Cumberland River Straight Shooters to support students in archery

The Upper Cumberland Community Foundation is an Eastern Kentucky regional affiliate, working to enrich the quality of life for the citizens of Bell, Clay, Knox, Laurel, and Whitley Counties.

Donate to the Upper Cumberland Community Foundation at: http://bit.ly/UpperCumberlandCF.