years ago by an individual to be used for arts and music grants,” described Mackey. “It was about three quarters of a million dollars, which we have invested. Our current model is to apply roughly four percent of that invested money toward grants each year.” In past years, grants have averaged $2000-$5000 and have been given to an average of seven individuals and groups each year. “Since we broadly construe what art is, grants have run the gamut from silk screening to media design,” he said. Anyone—students, parents, volunteers and potential collaborative partners—interested in learning more about the work being done by the Ed Fund and their partner network are strongly encouraged to attend one of the monthly Ed Talks held in their Richmond office. “It’s an opportunity for people to learn about the organization in an informal environment that is designed to allow people to ask questions and engage with one another to talk about the importance of education,” Mackey said. Having grown up in communities very similar to the communities of Contra Costa County, Mackey is driven to do whatever can be done to help our students succeed. “I think education is foundational to individual success and community vibrancy,” he said. “An education provides people with resources that, if done well, they will then be able to navigate more effectively whatever challenges that may come their way throughout their lives. For a full list of the collaborative network of partner organizations and for ways to get involved with the ED Fund please visit Edfundwest.org. West County College Network Collaborative Partners Community Alliance for Learning EarthTeam East Bay Consortium of Educational Institutions, Inc. Girls’ Inc. of West Contra Costa County College is Real Holy Names University Early Admit Program Contra Costa College Ivy League Connection Level Playing Field Institute Plan of Action for Challenging Times (PACT) Richmond Community Foundation (RCF) Richmond Police Activities League (RPAL) RYSE Center The College Place UC Berkeley Early Academic Outreach Program UC Berkeley Educational Guidance Center Upward Bound Mills College Upward Bound UC Berkeley Talent Search (Trio) UC Berkeley West Contra Costa Public Education Fund West Contra Costa Unified School District Youth Enrichment Strategies Out-of-School Time Collaborative Partners Bay Area Community Resources Berkeley Chess Bloom Educational Services Boys & Girls Club of El Sobrante City of Pinole City of San Pablo City of El Cerrito City of Hercules City of Richmond EBAYS-UC Berkeley East Bay Center for the Performing Arts Lawrence Hall of Science Leading2Play Oakland Youth Choir Richmond Art Center RYSE Center Toolbox Project YMCA Youth Enrichment Strategies West Contra Costa Unified School District Z Sharp
Contra Costa Marketplace - April 2016
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