Laurens County Fair Foundation Announces Grant Awards
April 11, 2024
The Laurens County Fair Foundation (LCFF) recently presented its first full year of financial awards to local non-profit organizations. During this award cycle, LCFF received $169,848.28 in funding requests, of which $89,900.00 was honored.
From Let’s Saddle Up receiving $1000 to purchase potty bags and therapy vests for its program of therapeutic horsemanship to Hospice of Laurens County obtaining $33,000.00 to replace its aging call system with state-of-the-art technology, a myriad of recipients was announced.
The LCFF traces its lineage to both the Laurens County Fair Association (LCFA) and the Laurens Exchange Club. These two organizations shared long histories of supporting local agricultural endeavors and charitable causes, dating back to the incorporation of the LCFA on August 30, 1938. Examples of organizations supported by these groups include local 4-H, Dixie Youth Baseball, and The Judge Calvin Bridges Children’s Home.
One of the last major donations of the LCFA before its conversion to the LCFF was a $15,000.00 donation to The Laurens County Memorial Home, which was on the verge of closure due to issues related to Covid-19. Memorial Home board Vice-Chairman William Adair stated, “Without the generosity of the Laurens County Fair Association, Covid-19 would have definitely closed the Memorial Home for the Aged. Our community is incredibly blessed to have this organization supporting so many local non-profits.”
Additional organizations receiving assistance this year include the Laurens County Museum Association: $1,500.00 for an artifact display security system; The Good Shepherd Free Medical Clinic: $2,800.00 for diabetic testing supplies; Laurens County First Steps: $5,000.00 for support of their “Story Walk” program in Clinton which combines literacy with nature and outdoor play; Bridging the Gap Advocacy: $9,000.00 for installing handicap accessible islands to encourage senior citizens and physically challenged individuals to participate in activities, along with facility upgrades to include handicap accessible restrooms; Straight Street: $9,000.00 for purchase and installation of security cameras inside and outside their building; First United Methodist Church: $10,000 for their community food bank; and Lakelands YMCA: $18,600 for refurbishment of Collyar Park to enhance local baseball, flag football, and soccer programs.
LCFF Board Chairwoman Connie Daniels encourages any 501(c)(3) organization wishing to be considered for financial support during the calendar year 2025 to submit a grant application which can be obtained by emailing: [email protected]. Applications must be received before midnight on December 31, 2024.
