(KMZA)--The Nemaha County STEP Foundation Board of Directors has announced recipients for the fall-round of 2024 grants totaling more than $33,000.

The grants are awarded for charitable purposes to enhance and improve the quality of life for the residents of Nemaha County, Kansas.

Three local non-profits will be improving their playgrounds thanks to the STEP General Endowment Fund granting $3,000 to each of the projects. They include the Cardinal Community Foundation in Wetmore, Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle School and Sabetha Playground Partners. The Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle School will also be receiving an additional $8,000 grant for their project from the Chad Baker Memorial Fund.

Meadowlark Extension District #7 will receive $500 from the STEP General Endowment Fund along with $2,000 from the Chad Baker Memorial Fund for an educational landscaping project.

The Nemaha Valley Community Hospital will be receiving a $10,000 grant from the Nemaha County Dementia Fund. The funding will be used to provide activities for their patients. Some of the items that will be purchased include baby dolls, fidgets, activity books and training for staff and local EMS to better assist their patients.

In addition, Nemaha Central USD 115 will receive a $4,000 grant from the Underprivileged Children- Fund. It will be used to purchase coats, hats, gloves, backpacks, shoes, and meals for students who are unprivileged.

Grants are awarded twice a year through the STEP Foundation with the next deadline being January 15, 2025.