Group Gives More Than $83,000 for Fontbonne Projects

A charitable organization composed of alumni and friends will award more than $83,000 in grants to staff, faculty, students and student groups this year, the school announced Wednesday in a news release. The school is located in Clayton.

“In this economically challenging time, we’re very pleased that our membership and funding continues to grow,” stated Karen Gedera, a Fontbonne alumna who chairs the Fontbonne Community Connection, which awards the grants. “Our growth means the continued support for some very valuable and enriching projects, each of which contributes to the development of our students and the campus community.”

The Community Connection, a women's giving circle, is awarding 15 grants worth a total of $83,399. The group has 92 members and is finishing its fourth giving cycle. In all, the group has awarded nearly $250,000.

Projects that will benefit from the 2011 grants include:

• Professional development opportunities for faculty and staff

• Outdoor sound system for campus

• Recycling program for campus

• New play contest sponsored by

• New oil painting medium lab, to be used by art students

The amount of each grant ranges from $1,225 to $10,000.

Participation in the women's giving circle requires each member to contribute a minimum of $1,000 annually toward programs and projects at Fontbonne, the release states. Members then review and vote on proposals.