(KMZA)--The Nemaha County STEP Foundation Board has announced the awarding of six grants totaling more than $36,000 for the spring grant cycle.

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

Best Life Community Services, formerly the Nemaha County Training Center, was awarded $8,200 for the purchase of a used van equipped with a wheelchair lift. The funding will come from the STEP General Endowment fund, Chad Baker Memorial Fund and Glen J. Meyer Advisory Fund.

The Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle School was awarded $7,000 to complete its playground project, with the funding coming from the General Endowment Fund and Chad Baker Memorial Fund. NCEMS has increased opportunities for inclusivity for students with disabilities during recess.

The Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact was awarded a more than $1,500 grant to launch the Veteran's Banner Program in conjunction with the Nemaha County Historical Society, with the funding coming from the General Fund and Chad Baker Memorial Fund. The initiative honors the service men and women of the community by displaying their photos and service information on banners along Main Street during the month leading up to Veterans Day

The Wetmore Public Library will receive a nearly $2,300 grant for the purchase of a new circulation desk, with the funding coming from STEP General Fund.

Centralia Schools will receive a $7,500 grant to help with the needs of economically disadvantaged students. The grant will be used to purchase coats, backpacks, shoes, athletic gear such as shoes and warm-ups, band instruments/equipment, and student snack milk and second-chance breakfast, school supplies (including clothing required for Highland tech classes), enrollment fees associated with enrollment and technology, and medical expenses. The grant was awarded from the CNB/CNB Custody/Invisor “Underprivileged Children- Fund.”

And the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital and Seneca Family Practice will receive a $10,000 grant for the Babies Best Start program. The program has grown into a wide support system for families in need, supporting them before and after having a little one. Families are able to complete an application and apply for assistance to receive help toward diapers, wipes, and other necessities that can get costly for families with financial strains. The grant funding comes from the CNB/CNB Custody/Invisor “Underprivileged Children- Fund.”

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