1. Arts for Everyone, Inc. – Hecho en Encinal    $3,200
This organization continues to produce great projects for the youth of our neighboring community of Encinal and its surrounding areas.  This year’s grant was awarded for the purpose of purchasing a professional video camera package.  This purchase will allow teens participating in their workshops to learn how to produce a documentary style video while learning about the environment.  This grant covers three of the community foundation’s areas of charitable giving: Education, Arts and the Environment.


2. Children’s Advocacy Center – Safe Haven program     $2,700
This grant was awarded as a 50% challenge grant to go towards the purchase of a software program.  The Center will be looking for a donor to assist in acquiring the remaining 50% of the price of the program.  The software that they will be purchasing will collect hard data on the client base being served while evaluating the current services provided.  The Safe Haven program provides a child sensitive environment for supervised visitations as well as child exchanges between custodial and non-custodial parents. 




3. Laredo Center for the Arts    $6,000
This grant award is for the renovation of the Community Gallery.  This gallery is utilized to showcase our local talent especially artwork from area students.  This project will offer additional gallery space to display children’s artwork in a professional atmosphere.  The gallery will be highlighted during the Summer Arts Splash, a local workshop that promotes young artists by encouraging and empowering them to express their own culture rather than relying on the images of pop culture.





4. Mercy Ministries, Inc. Dental Clinic      $5,600
In order to assist their newly initiated dental clinic, this grant was awarded for the purchase of dental supplies.  The clinic’s purpose is to provide dental care for economically disadvantaged adults who might otherwise defer dental care indefinitely due to a lack of resources.  These supplies will allow volunteer dentists to provide a complete range of services to approximately 600 Webb County residents during 2007.





5. Rio Grande International Study Center   $7,500
The Center has recently hired an Executive Director with the financial assistance from the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Foundation.  This grant is for the purchase of computer hardware and laser printers capable of handling GIS and mapping functions.  The database software that will be installed will map and document environmentally significant and sensitive sites within Webb and Zapata Counties.  Particularly vital is the information stored that will impact the quality of surface or ground water.  In addition, the computer hardware will be utilized in presentations aimed at increasing public awareness concerning the environmental issues affecting our area.