Funding is being requested to install an Inchy the Bookworm book vending machine at the Alliance Commons, a vibrant community hub that provides critical programming and resources for families in the Alliance area. This innovative project is designed to promote childhood literacy, reward positive behaviors, and encourage the development of home libraries among local children from birth through age 12.

During the summer months there is a special need for meat. A local food pantry receives most of their support from the Akron Canton Regional Food Bank which has notified them that they anticipate much lower support from state and federal resources. Supplemental support is needed to purchase ground beef and canned meats locally due to the anticipated shortage.

A local program provides a free brand-new Graco convertible car seat to pregnant moms once they have completed four 2-hour educational sessions. The car seat can be used until the child weighs 100 lbs. They are experiencing unexpected growth, and their July program has 17 moms registered including two sets of twins! If every registered client completes the 4 sessions, they will need to distribute 19 car seats in July! They are seeking a grant to purchase 33 car seats.

This program provides critical healthcare services to underserved community members. The mobile pharmacy visits Alliance weekly to ensure ongoing access. The pharmacist, the pharmacy tech, and the community health worker dispense medications, deliver health education, and administer flu vaccinations. The pharmacist will also schedule and conduct a medication therapy management visit with each patient. The care team will address health disparities by improving access.

A local nature center would like to create an arts-integrated installation that invites visitors to explore nature through music. A main pathway will become an interactive trail featuring outdoor instruments inspired by flora and fauna. These sculptural, weather-resistant pieces will be accessible to all ages and abilities, offering a sensory-rich experience for everyone.

There is an increase in children who are non-speaking and neurodivergent. This is creating a growing need for parent and educator support to best meet those needs. This program will build knowledge, confidence, and competence among caregivers and educators, leading to improved student behaviors, greater engagement in learning, reduced need for exclusionary discipline practices, and overall enhanced student outcomes.

Funding to provide age and size appropriate clothing to children aged 1 month to middle school. The organizations underlying goal, substantiated by research studies, is based on the belief that a child who is clothed well will also be a child with more self-confidence, higher self-esteem, and a positive self-image versus a child in ill-fitting hand me downs that create low feelings of self-worth. Children who feel good about themselves are children who have more propensity to achieve good things and succeed in school, relationships, and life.

Funding to provide two free six-week Home Skills series at the Commons in Alliance to teach essential home maintenance—plumbing, drywall, electrical, weatherproofing, and more. These classes help residents stay safely in their homes, reduce repair costs, and build lasting confidence. Funding supports instructors, materials, childcare, and outreach.

A local wildlife preserve is seeking funding to install educational signage throughout their sanctuary to enhance guest learning and engagement, and to add a security camera system to protect their animals, staff, and facilities.

As part of a special request program, agencies are able to request specific handmade items to be made by volunteers for their clients. The Early Childhood Education Alliance has requested 100 Fidget Quilts for children in their program. Fidget Quilts hare lap quilts with small fidgety items sewn into the quilt and they are very useful for soothing people with anxiety or a need for sensory stimulation. Fidget Quilts are very useful for people of all ages, including children.