Editor’s note: The Free Press was the recipient of two ChangeX grants, one for newsroom operations and another to produce a “Local Government 101” guide for community civics education.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) recently announced the recipients of the first AWS InCommunities Fund in Caroline, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Louisa counties. The AWS InCommunities Fund provides grants to individuals, local community groups, schools, nonprofits, and other organizations making an impact in the community.
Applicants submitted projects focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) Education, Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship, and Culture and Heritage initiatives.
Forty-eight projects will receive more than $400,000 collectively in grants, managed and administered by nonprofit organization ChangeX. This program is part of AWS’s planned investment of $35 billion across Virginia.
“AWS has a long-standing commitment to support meaningful programs in the communities where our employees live and work,” Sarah Georgiades, head of InCommunities, Americas, AWS said in a news release. “Through our AWS InCommunities Fund, we have the unique opportunity to inspire bold, community-driven ideas that can be transformative for these local neighborhoods.”
Below are a few of the awardee project highlights and a complete list of awardees can be found here.
Fostering STEAM Education
- Adult Community Education will create a “tech cafe” with new laptops, training, and supplies, providing an inclusive space for adults to improve their technology skills. “We are so grateful for this grant,” said a representative. “It has allowed us to transform a classroom into a relaxed environment where anyone can get a cup of coffee, use the internet, and receive computer literacy tutoring.”
- The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts will use its funding to create a sensory-friendly performance of Willy Wonka Jr., ensuring inclusive and accessible theatre experiences for all children. “We are so excited to be embarking upon a project that will enable greater access to our organization and the benefits it provides to the Fredericksburg community,” said Liz Lane, board of trustees secretary at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts.
Promoting Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
- The Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia is planning to develop a native plant trail along the Rappahannock River. Project managers will dedicate the funds to buying plant materials, interpretive signage, promotions, and community engagement. “The Patawomeck Center Native Plant Trail provides important opportunities for both our tribe and the local community to engage with nature, preserve traditional ecological knowledge, and promote cultural diversity in the Fredericksburg area,” said Brad Hatch, chief judge of the tribe.
- LouisaClean empowers community volunteers to clean Louisa County, fostering pride and environmental stewardship. With the funds, they will coordinate comprehensive cleanup efforts and community engagement initiatives to reduce litter and promote a cleaner, healthier environment.
Celebrating Culture & Heritage
- The Belmont Club for Women will use its grant to update the Belmont Community Center, a vital hub for community activities, events, and organizations. With numerous club-sponsored groups meeting at the community center for art, crafts, physical well-being, and social activities, the building must be kept in an appealing and safe condition to serve the community.
AWS InCommunities also directly sponsored the Louisa County Fair in July and the Louisa Branch NAACP’s 4th Annual African American Heritage Festival in August totaling $20,000.
AWS also supports STEAM education and equity programs for school age children through programs designed to inspire and empower young learners.
