BORON, CA – Ten East Kern County nonprofit organizations were awarded $25,000 in grants during the Borax Visitor Center Foundation’s annual luncheon on May 17.

The Foundation’s grant-making focus includes education, health and human services, community improvement and historic preservation.

The Foundation reviews eligible grant applications from the local communities of Boron, North Edwards and Kramer Junction.

This year, the Foundation received 22 applications for a total of almost $65,000 in grant requests. Ultimately, 10 grants totaling almost $25,000 in funding were awarded.

“We would like to recognize and thank all of our worthy recipients for their continued efforts to better our communities,” said Jared James, Foundation board member and Quality Manager for Rio Tinto Borates. “The Foundation Board is proud that these contributions support wonderful organizations and the important work they do to help communities grow.”

The largest grant of $7,100 was awarded to Boron Jr./ Sr. High School to aid in various school excursions, the Honor Roll bowling trip, the ABS program and book scholarships.

The remaining awardees were:

• $6,300 to Muroc Joint Unified School District for the summer swim and arts programs
• $3,300 to RBL Camp Keep Foundation
• $1,700 to Boron West Elementary for a bike safety and backpack program
• $1,500 to Wind in the Willows
• $1,500 to Boron West Elementary Parent Advisory Council
• $1,500 to Boron Senior Citizens, Inc.
• $900 to Boron Little League
• $900 to Wildcat Youth Football and Cheer
• $300 to Reggie’s Kicks for Kids

Luncheon attendees included Visitor Center Foundation members Randy Smith, Boron Chamber President; Dr. Michael McCoy, Muroc Joint Unified School District Supervisor; and at-large community member, Jimbo Boghosian.

Founded in 1998, the Foundation is funded through Rio Tinto Borates’ employee payroll donations and company contributions. The Foundation is also supported by proceeds from gift store sales and visitor donations.