Please take time to read and familiarize yourself with the two-page summaries of each Project and plan to participate in the site visits. Site visits provide each member the opportunity to better understand the grant request. There is no better way to see how these organizations will provide a substantial “IMPACT” in the community than through these site visits.
The site visit schedules are shown below. There will be two visits scheduled for each finalist, but since they will be the same content, you will only need to attend one for each finalist. The site visits will be less than 1 hour.
Two Finalists for one $34,000 Residual Grant
Kentucky K9 Search and Rescue Foundation – Click Here for Project Summary
If awarded the Impact 100 Grant, the Kentucky K9 Search and Rescue Foundation would use the funds to purchase a boat for K9 handlers to use during searches and training in all bodies of water. This investment will aid in rescuing and recovering missing individuals, bringing closure to families. It will also enhance the foundation’s ability to help K9 handlers become proficient and remain deployable when supporting Emergency Management teams and Law Enforcement both locally and throughout Kentucky.
Site visits are Monday, Aug 26 at noon and Wednesday, Aug 28 at 5:30pm — Kentucky K9 Search & Rescue Foundation
meeting at Visit Owensboro’s board room, 215 E. 2nd St.
Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center – Click Here for Project Summary
The Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center, (WKRBC)) supplies 100% of all blood products administered at Owensboro Health as well as 10 additional medical facilities in western Kentucky. WKRBC recruits, collects, processes, tests, and distributes blood products collected from whole blood and platelet pheresis volunteer blood donors. In 2023, we drew 10,713 units of whole blood and 628 platelet pheresis. Those 10,713 whole blood donations each go through a process of separation to create components of red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Each unit is cycled through a centrifuge twice to complete separation. Our oldest of three centrifuges (2002) has been discontinued and must be replaced. This was not a budgeted purchase as WKRBC strives to service and maintain each piece of equipment required to process blood. Operating just two of the three centrifuges is not an option as it significantly delays the efficiency of distributing blood. In addition, it would result in undue wear and tear on the remaining equipment. It would also cost WKRBC manpower and payroll expenses. The WKRBC board of directors support the purchase of a new one at $40,207.32.
Site visits are Tuesday, Aug 27 at 5:00pm and Wednesday, Aug 28 at 11:30am — Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center
meeting at their office, 3015 Old Hartford Rd
Five Finalists for two $100,000 Grants
Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum – Click Here for Project Summary
The purpose is to increase the number of individuals involved in bluegrass music programming through outreach via a 15- passenger van equipped to haul equipment, instruments, personnel, educational supplies and other needed necessities. The primary population will be schools, youth groups, “shut-ins”, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, non-profit organizations, etc. This is an improvement to current programming which will enhance efforts to reach underserved populations that may not otherwise have access to music opportunities. The grant monies will be used to purchase a 15-passenger van; customize the van to transport equipment and load in equipment, instruments, personnel, educational supplies, and a canopy, needed to provide educational programming throughout the community and outreach beyond the borders; and purchase other equipment needed to improve educational programming. Outreach will streamline efforts to attract visitors to Owensboro, KY, “The Bluegrass Music Capital of the World”, further enhancing the economic growth of the community through tourism dollars.
Site visits will be held on Wednesday, September 11 at 12pm and Wednesday, September 18 at 5:15pm at Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum – 311 West 2nd Street.
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Help Office of Owensboro – Click Here for Project Summary
The Legacy Project will be transformational involving essential upgrades and improvements that are long overdue. The installation of security cameras and window terf is essential due to the increase in violence in our neighborhood and because of the population of people that we serve. This investment will provide generation after generation of staff, volunteers, and clients with a safe and secure environment. To ensure the safety of our perishable food items it is imperative to have a generator. It would be devastating in the event that there was a power failure for the food to be wasted when hunger insufficiency is a major issue in our community. Due to insufficient and inconsistent volunteers in the clothing closet there is a need for a newly created staff position – Donation Coordinator. It is imperative to have an employee to oversee operations to meet the significant increase in clothing donations due to the addition of an exterior clothing donation bin. To better serve the clients desktop computers will be purchased for volunteers to use Charity Tracker a software for nonprofits that have services/programs and connect with our community partners.
Site visits will be held on Monday, September 23 at 12:30pm and Tuesday, October 1 at 5:15pm at 1316 W. 4th St. – Please enter through the front door.
H.L. Neblett Community Center– Click Here for Project Summary
The HL Neblett Community Center is planning to replace two of three daycare playgrounds for ages one to four years old. We will remove all rubber mulch, add a soft rubber surface, and install new equipment with sun-shade. We are excited to include updated sensory equipment that will encourage healthy early development of crucial cognitive skills like memory, reasoning and problem- solving.
Site visits will be held on Thursday, September 12 at 12:00pm and Tuesday, October 1 at 6:30pm at the H.L. Neblett Community Center – 801 W. 5th St. – Meet at the front desk.
Opportunity Center of Owensboro – Click Here for Project Summary
Our grant project aims to enhance the community integration and quality of life for individuals with disabilities served by the Opportunity Center. Impact100’s grant funds will be used to purchase safe and reliable passenger vans, expanding our transportation capacity and enabling us to offer more enriching and engaging community outings and experiences for our clients. The funds will cover the cost of the vans, including customization for accessibility as needed, as well as wrapping the vehicle with our logo and information for services. This project aligns with our mission of creating endless possibilities for people with disabilities, empowering them to engage in our community and live life to the fullest.
Site visits will be held on Monday, September 23 at 11:00am and Monday, September 30 at 12:00pm at the Opportunity Center of Owensboro – 3560 New Hartford Rd.
Tucker’s Treehouse – Click Here for Project Summary
At Tucker’s Treehouse, we firmly believe in offering a secure haven for every child to navigate the complexities of grief. Our establishment will provide a comforting and empathetic setting where children can engage with peers for mutual support. Our primary objective is to equip children and families with the tools to face grief’s trials with resilience and optimism. Within Tucker’s Treehouse, it is acknowledged that it is healthy to acknowledge one’s struggles. We are dedicated to delivering empathetic support and access to resources that aid in the healing and flourishing of children and caregivers. Through the funding requested in this program, our aim is to cultivate a nurturing environment for children to interconnect through recreational, emotional, and artistic outlets while progressing through their grieving process. Our aspiration is to instill hope and assure a brighter future for those children and young adults who are unfamiliar with healthy grieving practices. Securing funding from Impact 100 would greatly facilitate the enhancement of these existing spaces, transforming them into inviting and vibrant environments for the children.
Site visits will be held on Tuesday, September 17 at 12:00pm and Tuesday, September 24 at 5:15pm at Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Kentucky – 3419 Wathen’s Crossing.