Upstate Giving, April 16, 2018

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AFL awards $45k in grants to Upstate organizations

Spartanburg-headquartered AFL has given $45,000 in community grants to six organizations in the Upstate. Made possible by AFL’s Community Outreach Program, the organizations’ programs align with AFL’s focus areas of STEM education and social services outreach, according to a news release. Recipients of the spring grant cycle include:

• Clemson University Foundation/Townes Summer Program — This 10-week program brings in top undergraduate students from across the United States to gain a deeper understanding of optical science and engineering along with soft skills. Funding supports housing, supplies and more.
• Hope Center for Children/Transitional Living Program — This program supports teens who are homeless or aging out of foster care and offers housing and life skills training. Funds are applied toward case management, housing and supplies.
• Middle Tyger Community Center/This Is My Child — This program offers high quality early care and education for children ages six weeks to 4K. It is the only preschool program in the community focused on school readiness and low-income children, according to the release.
• Pendleton Place/Smith House — This program provides a residential care home dedicated to girls ages 12-21 that have been removed from homes due to abuse or neglect. The grant will provide for basic needs such as food, supplies and clothing.
• The Children’s Museum of the Upstate/FIRST and Junior FIRST LEGO Leagues — This program supports children from first to eighth grade, teaching STEM skills through LEGO leagues. Funding supports instructors as well as materials.
• YMCA of Greater Spartanburg/Annual Scholarship Program — This program removes the financial barrier that a child, adult or family may face by providing scholarships to attend summer day camp for children and the newly implemented cancer survivorship program.