Grants For Theater and Veterans Groups

Sonora, CA — Sonora Area Foundation awarded grants to support low-cost theater performances and support to hospitalized veterans. The grants were awarded at the end of June through the Foundation’s competitive grant program.

Sierra Repertory Theatre received a $30,000 grant to help continue a variety of community and youth outreach efforts over the next 12 months. According to Executive Director, Ed Wyllie, outreach efforts include; “student matinées for local schools, benefit theater nights for local nonprofits, donated and discounted tickets for students, youth, families and seniors and community groups.”

A grant of $2,000 was awarded to Visiting Hospitalized Veterans. The group of individuals visits veterans in assisted living facilities throughout Tuolumne County. Last year, they provided gifts and visits to seventy-seven hospitalized veterans.

In the quarter ending June 30th, the Foundation administered more than 85 scholarships awarded to local students totaling more than $161,700.00. Another $195,000.00 was awarded in 66 grants through donor funds held by the Foundation. Donor fund grants supported a broad range of projects from athletic equipment and summer camp programs to autism treatment and suicide prevention.

The Sonora Area Foundation was established in 1990 and has given out $17 million. Wyllie says The Irving J. Symons Foundation for Tuolumne County and the Symons Family Fund, now has assets of more than $26 million and administers more than 170 charitable funds set up for scholarships and other charitable causes.