Fifteen Highland County nonprofits awarded grants from Little Swiss Fund
The 2024 Little Swiss Fund grant awards will distribute a total of $553,629 to 15 nonprofit organizations serving Highland County.
The fund began in 2018 with a $10 million gift from an anonymous donor. Monies from the permanently endowed fund are annually invested and distributed to eligible 501 (c)(3) organizations through a competitive grant process managed by The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham.
Organizations must be physically located in Highland County, Va., and the project or program to be funded must serve the Highland County area. Religious organizations are welcome to apply. Nonprofit organizations must have annual revenues in excess of $25,000 to be eligible.
All grants will be awarded in late November 2024.
The next Little Swiss Grant cycle begins in the summer of 2025.
| Organization | Project | Award Amount |
| Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance | James River Headwaters Protection | $12,000 |
| Blue Grass Resource Center | Highland Inn Revitalization Project | $50,000 |
| Bolar Volunteer Fire Department | Water purification units for firehouse and turnout gear | $15,000 |
| Bolar Volunteer Rescue Squad | Operating costs |
$11,379
|
| Dare To Dream Therapeutic Horsemanship Center | Operating costs | $15,000 |
| Elegius Mini Equine Sanctuary | Operating costs | $11,000 |
| Highland Children’s House | Operating costs | $99,472
|
| Highland County Arts Council | Operating costs | $20,000 |
| Highland County Fair Association | Operating costs | $55,000 |
| Highland County Humane Society, Inc. | Pet Retention and Foster Care programs | $35,000 |
| Highland County Volunteer Fire Department | New building at Blue Grass firehouse | $30,000 |
| Highland Historical Society | Maple Museum Renovation; Staffing | $15,000 |
| Highland Medical Center | Equipment Upgrades and Replacement | $80,000 |
| Highland Center | Operating Costs | $50,000 |
| McDowell Volunteer Fire Department | Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus equipment | $54,788 |
Organizations must be tax-exempt public charities under IRS Section 501(c)3 or other nonprofit status. Organizations must be physically located in Highland County, Va., and the project or program to be funded must serve the Highland County area. Religious organizations are welcome to apply. Nonprofit organizations must have annual revenues in excess of $25,000 to be eligible. Local clubs (civic and otherwise), and recreational facilities are NOT eligible to apply.
