South32 announced the names of a dozen charitable organizations selected to receive a total of $87,000 in grants during the current cycle of the company’s Hermosa Community Fund. Included in the list are four non-profits located in eastern Santa Cruz County. These four local groups received a combined total of $28,500:
• Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch of the National Audubon Society
• KPUP-LP
• Patagonia Volunteer Fire and Rescue
• Senior Citizens of Patagonia
Other groups awarded funds include OS3 Movement, Contruyendo Circulos de Paz, Los Charros Foundation, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, Rebuilding Together Santa Cruz County, St. Andrews Preschool, Tubac Center for the Arts, and United Way of Santa Cruz County.
The grant selection committee elected to increase the level of giving for this cycle, noting a marked uptick in applicants, especially those with COVID-related financial needs. Many of the applicant organizations either provide direct COVID relief through essential services such as meal programs, while many others sought help with basic operational costs after being unable to hold key fundraising events due to COVID precautions.
The application period for the next round of grants will open on June 7, 2021.
The South32 Hermosa Community Fund, held by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona (CFSA), was established by South32 in May 2019 to support nonprofit groups working to improve education, environment, health and welfare, recreation, civic enhancement, and arts, culture and history in the county. Grants are awarded following a review of applications by a committee comprising independent reviewers, the CFSA, and representatives from South32.