THE NEXT CURVE INITIATIVE
Our goal is to constantly expand the donor base in order to bring more resources to the table to meet the growing needs in our area. We do that by hosting educational events, publicizing our grants and activities, and meeting with individuals in the community.
In 2010, RCF agreed to host a new group of young professionals who wished to become more involved in the mainstream of the Renton community. We helped them brainstorm ways to do that and helped to develop a new “giving circle” concept. The Next Curve was born.
The goal is to appeal to people who are charitably-minded, but perhaps don’t have a way to get involved. While The Next Curve primarily appeals to younger professionals, members of all ages are welcome. Members make an annual donation of $250 and are invited to attend monthly meetings. Meetings are used to network, learn about local nonprofits, and learn from established community leaders. Speakers have included Renton’s mayor, major business owners, community leaders, and local nonprofits.
At yearend, Next Curve members vote on how to disburse their money back to the community. Those grants are then awarded during the Foundation’s annual Circle of Giving Awards Ceremony.
The RCF Board decided this was an important initiative to support because it was a way to cultivate the “next generation” of community leaders. If you would like more information on The Next Curve, please visit their website at www.thenextcurve.org, or give us a call at (425) 282-5199.
2012 NEXT CURVE FUND AWARDS - Total $7,250
ARISE - $750
The Next Curve grant will help us continue to provide critical services to homeless men in Renton at a time when we are seeing an increase in homelessness across the county and our region.
BIRTHDAY DREAMS - $250
Birthday Dreams will use this money to help homeless children enjoy the excitement of their very own birthday party.A birthday-in-a-box will be delivered to the child’s parent in order to facilitate a fun party with themed party supplies, party games, cake, juice, and gifts.
CAST FOR KIDS FOUNDATION - $500
These funds will allow us to continue to offer, for the 22nd year, a quality outdoor program for the youth of Renton.To reach out and introduce kids to the sport of fishing and to help special needs children enjoy a special day on the water.
COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF RENTON - $250
We’d like to thank The Next Curve for supporting our efforts to keep children at-risk of dropping out of school, engaged, and on the path to graduation.
COMPASS CENTER - $250
This will help provide a safe and comfortable place for our veterans to live.
EVERGREEN CITY BALLET - $250
This grant provides the means to continue our mission and make dance accessible to youth in our area through performances, classes and outreach.
FRIENDS OF RENTON SCHOOLS - $500
Friends of Renton schools support the 15,000 students in the Renton School District. This grant will help support highly successful academic programs in math, reading and programs that support the high students staying on track to graduation.
KING COUNTY SEXUAL ASSAULT RESOURCE CENTER - $250
This grant will help KCSARC stay on the frontlines with victims of sexual assault and at the forefront of change. Victims and members of the community can receive help and resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week through KCSARC’s 24-Hour Resource Line. Almost 3,000 people per year benefit from KCSARC programs such as our trauma-based therapy, parent education and legal advocacy, which are all free of charge to the client.
NEW HORIZON SCHOOL - $250
This grant will allow us to continue purchasing updated science materials for our students. As a school that serves students with ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities and other learning differences, New Horizon School strives to have science materials that utilize multi-sensory learning.
RENTON AREA YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES - $1,000
The Next Curve grant will be used to address the emergency needs of our clients, typically for food, shelter, and utilities to help them remain in the community so that we can continue serving the family in our counseling programs. These funds allow us to provide some stability and support to families in need.
RENTON KIWANIS CLOTHES BANK - $250
The Clothes Bank will use the $250 grant from the Next Curve to purchase socks and underwear for elementary and middle school children.
RENTON HISTORY MUSEUM - $1,000
The Historical Society’s mission is to preserve and educate about Renton’s rich heritage in ways that bring the community together around our shared past. This grant will enable the History Museum to complete “I Am Here,” an exhibit created in collaboration with 70 Renton High School students.
RTC FOUNDATION - $250
Renton Technical College serves over 11,000 students per year and over 70 % of those who are full time students attending RTC require some type of financial assistance. The funds donated by the Next Curve Fund will help students from the Renton area engage in educational pathways that include Career and Technical Programs, Academic Transfer Programs or Basic Studies Programs.
SALVATION ARMY RENTON ROTARY FOOD BANK - $1,000
Receiving this grant means that The Salvation Army Food Bank will continue to reach individuals and families in our community who are in need, assisting to provide services ranging from our weekend backpack for children on the free & reduced breakfast lunch program, bags of food for the homeless, food boxes for families, daily pick up of bread and other items as well as homeless prevention and utility assistance.
WAY BACK INN - $250
The Next Curve grant will help us provide safe, clean and comfortable “no cost” housing for our families while they rebuild their lives and move on to self-sufficiency.
WSU – KING COUNTY EXTENSION FOOD SENSE PROGRAM - $250
This grant money means that we will be able to provide limited income families with information to make their food decisions healthy, tasty and quick to prepare. Nutrient analysis software will be updated using these funds. This will also enable us to increase our ability to produce and distribute new materials.
