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By Robert G. Blanton

Clark County magistrate

The clock is ticking on the Clark County Fiscal Court Fund for 2021

The Fiscal Court Fund was established in 1998 with $2,500,000 with proceeds received from the sale of the Rockwell property. That former manufacturing facility was owned by the county through a donation from Rockwell International.

The Clark County Fiscal Court created the Clark County Community Foundation as a permanent endowment fund as part of the Bluegrass Community Foundation. 

The guidelines set forth establish the foundation for the fulfillment of charitable and educational purposes for the benefit of the citizens of Clark County. Acting on these principles and conditions, the fiscal court has annually awarded funds to non-profits, charities and qualifying entities. Most recently, approximately $100,000 annually has been available for distribution.  

The court does allocate some of the funds directly to the operation of the Kentucky River Foothills transit service as well as debt service on the Collage Park Natatorium.

Here are some of the recent recipients: 4th of July fireworks, New Beginnings, Bluegrass Heritage Museum, Achieving Recovery Together, Brooks Place, Youth Athletics, Fiends of the Animal Shelter, Parks and Recreation, Holly Rood, Rowland Arts Center, Little League, Salvation Army Work camp, Rapha Ministries, Upward 40391, Unity Committee and the Labor Day Committee just to name a few. The majority of the awards are for less than $2500 and support a special project or event.  Funding generally is not for operations and maintenance items however there have been hardship exceptions.

Having the ability to distribute approximately $100,000 annually to community-based organizations that support, serve and educate not only the youth but the population as a whole certainly fills a gap that otherwise would continue to exist. 

In the last five years alone over $490,000 has been granted. The evidence of this investment in our community is seen and experienced by a broad spectrum if citizens, community events and activities.

In 2016 the Fiscal Court established a more formal application process and outlined specific submission requirements. This year that procedure will again be followed with applications due to be turned at the County Judges office no later than August 31st. 

I would encourage any non-profit, charitable organization or community based organization trying to make Winchester a better place and in need of financial support to consider submitting your application to the Clark County Fiscal Court Fund. 

Let us all work together to make Winchester better.