Dec. 9, 2004 – On the evening of Dec. 7, 23 non-profit agencies and schools territorywide received a FirstBank Virgin Islands Neighborhood Grant to help support their programming. Every year, FirstBank offers funding to non-profits through philanthropy contributions, community re-investment and its Neighborhood Grant program, according to a release.
The funds were presented at receptions held simultaneously at FirstBank branches on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Charlotte Amalie High School Band performed holiday melodies as the guests arrived at the St. Thomas reception.
The primary focus of the Neighborhood Grants is to make funding available for programs that promote or sustain economic development or assist in revitalizing or stabilizing low- and moderate-income communities. Some of the programs funded this year include family reading nights, household budgeting workshops, domestic violence prevention programs, preventative health screening, services for the homeless, and youth development programs inclusive of music, sports and SAT preparation.
In the last nine years, FirstBank has donated approximately $440,000 to local charities through the Neighborhood Grant Program, according to the release.
The grants went to the following:
-St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
-V.I. Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council
-Enid M. Baa Public Library
-V.I. Winter Olympic Sports
-The Salvation Army
-Animal Care Center of St. John
-Lockhart Elementary
-Interfaith Coalition of St. Croix
-UVI Small Business Development Center
-Academics Enhanced Inc. School
-Lions and Rotary Clubs Health Fair
-The Safety Zone
-St. Joseph Catholic High School
-Methodist Training and Outreach Center
-UVI Upward Bound Program
-Charlotte Amalie High School Band Boosters
-Friedensfeld Moravian Church
-Awakening Community Efforts
-Graffiti Street
-St. John Community Foundation
-Tuitt Elementary School
-UVI Cooperative Extension Service
-Beyond Visions Foundation
