Butte Strong Fund announces more grants for development projects

The Butte Strong Fund committee has approved grant funding for several community development projects as part of its ongoing commitment to Camp Fire recovery — including several for projects in the Paradise and Concow areas.

The community development projects approved this month include $250,000 for the effort to rebuild the Honey Run Covered Bridge, $214,000 for the Gold Nugget Museum rebuilding, $150,000 for Hope Plaza in Paradise, $150,000 for Paradise Recreation and Park District projects and $100,000 to update and remodel the Golden Feather Pool in Concow.

With 10 grants approved in a one-month span, the North Valley Community Foundation has awarded more than $35 million for community recovery via the Butte Strong Fund, Camp Fire Relief Fund and donordesignated funds.

That includes $14.3 million for direct assistance, $6.7 million for housing, $6 million for health and wellness, $4 million for education, $2.9 million for community development and $1.3 million for economic recovery.

Other grants from the Butte Strong Fund this month include:

From the Ground Up Farms, Inc. ($ 47,472): To begin improvements to Concow Campground near the lake. The owners of the campground have agreed to allow public use of the playground and bathrooms during daylight hours in good weather for free, as well as free use of facilities for community and nonprofit events. The campground has traditionally been a community gathering spot for many years.

Sol Sanctuary ($25,000): For counseling and coaching for Camp Fire survivors.

Integrative Medical Clinic ($36,842): To allow the Imagine You Project to deliver online live training to staff and volunteers of community-based/faithbased organizations and agencies offering support across Butte County. In response to the COVID pandemic, Imagine You converted from existing classroom- based field- tested trainings into online live delivery modules in the social services sector, specifically second responders and volunteers working with all those directly impacted by the Camp Fire. Blue Room Theatre ($7,500): Scholarships for Camp Fire survivors will provide 20 free Guild memberships, tuition for 15 children in the Fall Youth Theatre Program, and five spots per week for children in the Youth Theatre Summer Camp.

Adventist Health ($15,229): For a generator at the health organization’s Patient Services Center, which will prevent disruptions to this vital telecommunications hub.

The Butte Strong Fund is a partnership of fundraising efforts led by NVCF, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers quarterback and Chico native.

The Butte Strong Fund provides funding for eligible organizations or local government entities that are directly serving people affected by the Camp Fire. Individual assistance is handled through those organizations.

Organizations interested in applying for Butte Strong Fund grants can visit ButteStrongFund.org to determine if they qualify for funding. Those that do can submit a brief grant inquiry before being invited to submit a full application. Staff at NVCF will facilitate the application process.

The Butte Strong Fund is still receiving donations. Tax- deductible donations can be sent to Butte Strong Fund, 240 Main St., Suite 260, Chico, CA 95928 or by visiting www.buttestrongfund.org.