5th Annual Dia de Muertos Community Ofrenda | Semillas TN

Get ready for a cultural feast! We are pumped to support Semillas TN's 5th Annual Dia de Muertos Community Ofrenda. This incredible event celebrates the rich traditions of Latinx culture and honors loved ones who have passed.

With our $1,900 grant, Semillas TN will be able to elevate its Ofrenda to new heights. Imagine educational workshops, a "U-pick" cempasúchil, commonly known as Mexican marigolds, flower day, and a captivating Catrina parade. The stunning Ofrenda centerpiece will be adorned with vibrant decorations, fragrant flowers, and delicious food.

Semillas TN is creating a space for connection, reflection, and joy by bringing the community together. This event honors tradition and fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Latinx culture. We're excited to see how this year's Ofrenda will inspire and uplift the Chattanooga community.

Outdoor Adventure Club | East Side Elementary

Get ready for some outdoor excitement! We're thrilled to announce our August grant has been awarded to East Side Elementary's Outdoor Adventure Club (OAC). This amazing club is giving 5th graders the chance to explore nature, build confidence, and create lasting memories.

With this grant, OAC will be able to take their young adventurers on three unforgettable trips:

• Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center: A peaceful escape into nature's beauty.

• Raccoon Mountain Caverns: An underground adventure filled with wonder and awe.

• YMCA Camp Ocoee: A thrilling experience of canoeing and outdoor skills.

These trips will be completely free for all participants thanks to our $1,100 grant, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to connect with nature and learn valuable life skills. We can't wait to see the impact this grant will have on these young explorers!

Toy Lending Library | Chattanooga Public Library

Imagine a library where kids don't just borrow books, they borrow their next playtime adventure! That's the vision behind Chattanooga Public Library’s Toy Lending Library. You've likely seen firsthand the joy of learning through play, and access to educational toys can be a challenge. Like the popular Tool Library (funded by yours truly) for grown-ups, this initiative will provide a vibrant collection of age-appropriate toys, games, and puzzles for children from 0 to 8.

This project is about making Chattanooga even more awesome by fostering a love of learning in our future leaders! The Toy Lending Library will:

• Level the Playing Field: High-quality educational toys can be expensive. This program will ensure all families, regardless of income, have access to these valuable tools for playful learning.

• Spark Curiosity: From building blocks to pretend play, these toys will ignite a passion for learning and exploration, laying the foundation for future academic success.

• Strengthen Families: The library is a welcoming community space. This program will be a fantastic resource for families to discover new toys, create lasting memories, and bond through playful experiences.

Our grant of $3,000 will purchase a diverse collection of educational toys, games, and puzzles. This initial investment will allow us to pilot the program, ensuring Chattanooga's littlest learners have access to the tools they need to play, explore, and grow! Our library is so cool. #wefundcoolideas

Chattanooga Diaper Hub | Sheryl Fletcher

Sometimes, all it takes is one retired nurse and a cool idea to support a community need. It's a good thing we have Sheryl Fletcher.

Do you believe basic hygiene shouldn't be a luxury?

The Chattanooga Diaper Hub (CDH), a community project of First Baptist Church and Metropolitan Ministries, provides diapers (because, well, babies!), feminine hygiene products, and other essentials to people who need support. Many Chattanooga families struggle to afford these necessities.

Our grant of $3,000 will fuel the Diaper Hub mission by providing:

• Diapers (of all shapes and sizes): $1,950 (Because everyone deserves a clean bottom!)

• Hygiene Products: $500 (Think feminine hygiene, toiletries, and incontinence supplies)

• Website Development: $300 (A website that rocks!)

• Office Supplies & National Network Membership: $250 (Gotta keep things running smoothly!)

Let's make Chattanooga a place where everyone has access to basic necessities! Donate to the Chattanooga Diaper Hub and be part of something awesome! You’ll need to go through the Net Resource Foundation, the fiscal sponsor, until CDH gets its nonprofit status.

12th & Peeples Homeless to Housing Move In | Help Right Here

Help Right Here Chattanooga, a non-profit dedicated to supporting persons experiencing homelessness, offers advocacy, outreach, and post-housing support. Founded in 2019, its mission extends beyond shelter, fostering community empathy, and equipping individuals for success in permanent housing. While housing is crucial, the transition is difficult. Many residents move into empty apartments lacking essential items like shower curtains and sheets, hindering stability.

With a $3,000 UNFoundation grant, Help Right Here will launch the Welcome Home Project, providing essential starter kits for 30 formerly homeless individuals, including basic necessities like cleaning supplies, bedding, and toiletries. They will prioritize cost-effectiveness by utilizing thrift stores and discount retailers whenever possible.

• Cleaning Supplies: ($420) Brooms, mops, Lysol disinfectant

• Bathroom Essentials: ($825) Shower curtains, toilet paper, paper towels, plungers, toilet brushes

• Bedding & Linens: ($505) Sheets, pillows, towels

• Kitchenware: ($750) Plates, bowls, silverware, cups

• Personal Care: ($500) Toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap

This project eases the adjustment period and increases the likelihood of long-term housing success, positively impacting individuals and our community. Help Right Here bridges the gap between homelessness and stability, supporting individuals as they rebuild their lives and become thriving members of Chattanooga.