The Leavenworth-based Icicle Fund has awarded $183,308 in grants to 18 regional nonprofits through its Creek and River Grant programs, including four in the Methow Valley.
Creek Grants are single-year grants of up to $7,500 for organizations to fill mission-centered gaps in the community, according to an Icicle Fund press release. River Grants are one- or two-year grants of $15,000 or more for strategic projects that will create a significant, long-term impact on the organization and its local or regional north-central Washington community. All grants are awarded for projects in the areas of arts, environment,and history.
Local organizations that were awarded grants are:
• The Merc Playhouse in Twisp, which was awarded $6,000 to support the production of the play “Lungs.” The play was scheduled to be staged this year but, like other Merc productions, was delayed because of coronavirus concerns.
• Confluence Gallery & Art Center in Twisp, which received a $5,000 grant “to help with our efforts to rebrand the gallery,” Executive Director Sarah Jo Lightner said in an email. “After 33 years we decided it is time to refresh our identity a little bit in conjunction with the Town of Twisp efforts for revitalizing the downtown corridor and the Arts Wa creative district designation.”
• The TwispWorks Foundation, which received a $15,000 grant for its “Arts and Culture Placemaking in the Methow Valley” project, which supports an artist-in-residence program.
• Little Star Montessori School in Winthrop, which received a $7,500 grant to support the expansion of its Arts and Environmental Education Enrichment Program. Executive Director Dani Reynaud said the Funds will be used to expand professional instruction in dance, yoga, and gymnastics; purchase new art supplies, classroom instruments, and creative movement materials such as tumbling and yoga mats; to build new sensory tables for the Early Childhood classrooms; to cover some staff wages for art enrichment; and to fund a student-designed native and edible planting on the Winthrop campus.
Additionally, the Community Cultural Center in Tonasket received $7,470 to develop programs for the local Hispanic community; the Okanogan Land Trust received $7,500 to help address planning for climate change; and the Washington Trails Association received $7,500 to help restore trails in Okanogan and Chelan counties.
More than 20 years ago, the Icicle Fund was established by Harriet Bullitt and has since supported more than 100 nonprofit organizations with over $40 million.
