The Saginaw Community Foundation granted $49,863 this quarter to support 10 programs and projects in Saginaw County.

Regents of the University of Michigan was granted $7,500 from the At-Risk Youth Fund for the Michigan College Advising Corps (MCAC) at Saginaw High School.

“MCAC helps increase the number of low-income, first-generation and underrepresented students entering and completing higher education,” said Emily Flinkstrom, program coordinator. “MCAC will recruit and train a U of M graduate to work full time as a college adviser at Saginaw High School.”

The adviser will help fill a critical gap in resources, helping students gain the knowledge necessary to apply to, prepare for and attend college.

“The college adviser placed at Saginaw High School has made incredible strides in the effort to get more students into college. In 2010-2011, he held 586 one-on-one meetings, helped students submit 487 college applications and aided in the receipt of $747,000 in scholarship aid,” Flinkstrom said.

The Great Lakes Bay Region Autism Center received a $3,333 grant for Camp Cardinal Kidz.

“Camp Cardinal Kidz is a camp for children diagnosed with autism who do not qualify for summer-based school services through their local school district,” said Janet Papst, president and treasurer of the Great Lakes Bay Autism Center.

Programs managed by a variety of organizations were supported, including Operation Reach, Saginaw Art Museum, YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region, Children’s Zoo at Celebration Square, SVRC Industries, Saginaw Community Foundation, Regents of University of Michigan, Youth First, Underground Railroad and Great Lakes Bay Autism Center.

“We strive to grant funds to support programs that will truly make a difference in our communities,” said Reneé Johnston, president and CEO of the foundation.

The following organizations received grants for projects that affect the Saginaw community:

Regents of University of Michigan
Michigan College Advising Corps
$7,500

Youth First
Youth First in Merrill
$5,000

Underground Railroad
TSH Gap Funding
$9,405

Great Lakes Bay Autism Center
Camp Cardinal Kidz
$3,333

Operation Reach
Reading Comprehension Program
$875

Saginaw Art Museum
Art Across the Valley
$750

YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region
Economic Empowerment Program: Getting Ahead
$3,000

Children’s Zoo at Celebration Square
Seniors and the Zoo
$5,000

SVRC Industries acting as fiduciary for the United Way of Saginaw
Project Independence
$5,000

Saginaw Community Foundation
Morley Building Parking Lot
$10,000