John Rex Endowment Announces $1M in Grant Awards
The John Rex Endowment is proud to announce that more than $1 million in grant funding has been awarded to Arts Access and Youth Thrive. Each of the grant awards expands on projects previously funded to the organizations by the Endowment.
Arts Access will receive $336,523 over three years to continue the work of its pilot program to promote positive social and emotional development for children with disabilities by increasing opportunities to participate in school and community arts activities. Arts Access will expand its work of training and organizational support to a larger number of Wake County arts educators, public schools, and community cultural organizations. Evidence shows that engagement in the arts will improve equity among children, reduce social isolation and improve self-esteem.
Youth Thrive will receive $695,455 over three years for its work to advance community- wide strategies aimed at eliminating the adverse experiences and conditions that contribute to poor outcomes, particularly for vulnerable youth. The Wake County collaborative partners with more than 40 organizations who serve youth ages 5-18. Youth Thrive will build upon and deepen its efforts to influence the system level shifts necessary to meet the needs of young people through its ongoing work to be intentional about equity and integrating the voices and perspectives of all young people.
“These two grant awards demonstrate our continued emphasis on addressing change at the community and systems level that will have widespread impact throughout the community,” said Gladys Hairston, program officer of the John Rex Endowment. “They are examples of projects that build on lessons learned combined with the perceptions and experiences of the community.”