7 Nonprofit Groups Get Foundation Grants

The California Community Foundation announced Monday that it awarded a total of $733,250 in grants to seven local nonprofit organizations.

The grants ranged from $25,000 to $250,000 and were based on competitive proposals submitted during the quarter, said spokesman Allan Parachini.

The foundation’s mission is to enhance social services, increase public awareness and civic engagement, and improve local health and living conditions. It has an endowment of $500 million and will award more than $60 million this fiscal year.

Among those receiving the grants announced Monday were:

* Esperanza Community Housing Corp., Los Angeles: $250,000 toward purchase of a multiuse market and social service venue;

* Watts/Willowbrook Boys and Girls Club, Los Angeles: $150,000 toward development of a state-of-the-art gym and multipurpose building for South Los Angeles area youths.

* KCET-Community Television for Southern California, Los Angeles: $130,000 toward supporting Spanish audio for its public affairs show, “Life and Times Tonight.”

* Pasadena Educational Foundation, Pasadena: $100,000 to support a comprehensive health and social services program serving low-income families in northwest Pasadena.

* Occidental College, Los Angeles: $40,000 to develop task forces focusing on housing, welfare reform, and other issues.

* Little Sisters of the Poor Jeanne Jugan Residents, San Pedro: $38,250 toward installation of electrical, telephone and fire alarm systems for an independent living facility.

* Volunteer Bureau, city of Los Angeles: $25,000 for increasing awareness about volunteer opportunities.