McLean Community Foundation Grant Awards Announced

MCF commits $57,805 in local community grants

McLean, VA - April 11, 2007 - The McLean Community Foundation (MCF), charitable arm of the McLean Citizens Association, made grant commitments in their winter grant cycle to five organizations totaling $57,805 in funding opportunities.

Share, Inc. - MCF approved a grant of $12,500 for Share, Inc., to go toward the purchase of a used truck for their furniture exchange, food and clothing drives for needy individuals. Share will use the grant funds, plus a matching share of $2,500, to replace an 18-year old truck that MCF helped to purchase in 1992. Share is funded and staffed solely by volunteers, who make a valuable contribution to families in crisis in our community.

Fairfax Trails and Streams - MCF approved two grant applications from FTAS.
MCF approved a grant of $7,000 to restore the Burke Springhouse, a historical landmark in McLean. The springhouse restoration project will save a significant example of the agricultural history of the McLean area and, importantly, preserve a part of the endangered Pimmit Run watershed. MCF also provided FTAS a grant of $970, with a committed matching contribution of $500 from the Potomac River Greenways Coalition, to reprint 500 copies of the Pimmit Run Historic Map. The popular fold-out map demonstrates McLean's historical significance and helps to foster stewardship among visitors and citizens for the Pimmit Run Stream Valley and Pimmit Run Trail.

Bat World/Nova - Many McLean residents may recall the outcry several years ago over a colony of bats residing in an abandoned house adjacent to Linway Terrace Park that was to be torn down for new home construction. The Eagle Scouts built bat houses to save the colony, but they are now outdated and in ill repair. A grant to Bat World/Nova of $2,000, with a committed match of $1,000, will be used to professionally design, construct and install a bat housing structure that will last for decades and be accessible for repairs and maintenance. This is the largest known colony of little brown bats inhabiting an artificial structure in Fairfax County. Although bats may not be among the most popular critters, they are an essential part of our community - they consume their own weight in small insects every night. An additional benefit is that when housed in appropriate facilities, they do not have to resort to nearby attics.

McLean Volunteer Fire Department applied for funds to more fully equip their new heavy rescue squad vehicle, which MCF helped purchase in FY 2004 and 2005. MCF approved funding of $17,614 for two Tri-Mo power units. An additional grant of $12,721 will be awarded in the coming fiscal year for additional extracting tools, more commonly referred to as the "Jaws of Life." This equipment will allow firemen to provide expeditious vehicle extractions and other dangerous rescues from either side of a roadway or highway.

McLean Crew Club -- MCF also offered a challenge grant of $5,000 to McLean Crew Club for their boat replacement campaign, stipulating that they raise an equal amount from the community-at-large over the next year.

Over the past 27 years of the Foundation's commitment to the Greater McLean community, a total of $958,117 has been awarded to worthy local projects. MCF Trustees review grant proposals in February and October of each year. More information about MCF is available on its web site: www.mcleancitizensfoundation.org.