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JACKSON – For the past few years, the Northampton Board of Commissioners has set aside money in their budget to provide grants to local nonprofits. They approved distribution of these funds at their regular meeting here on Dec. 6.

Northampton County Economic Development Director Franklin Williams presented the information to the board.

He reported they had received seven applications from organizations applying for funding, and all were 501(c)(3) nonprofits that qualified as recipients.

Those organizations and their allocations include Garysburg Volunteer Fire Department ($3,500), Rich Square-Creecy Community Help ($2,500), Lake Gaston Community Center ($3,500), Community Senior Enhancement Program ($3,500), Taking Time to Care ($3,500), Hannah’s Place ($2,000), and Hertford-Northampton Smart Start ($1,500).

A variety of people, from children to senior citizens, are served by these groups. Two organizations – Hannah’s Place and Hertford-Northampton Smart Start – are located outside of the county, but also serve Northampton citizens.

Williams noted that these seven grants total the full $20,000 allocated in the budget for this fiscal year.

“We appreciate all the nonprofits we have in Northampton County,” said Board Chair and Interim County Manager Charles Tyner. “We understand that we can’t do it all.”

Commissioner Kelvin Edwards motioned to approve the grants, and Commissioner Joyce Buffaloe provided the second. The vote was unanimously in favor.