The Sundt Foundation awarded nearly $110,000 in grants to more than 50 non-profit organizations this quarter. The money will be used primarily for programs that benefit disadvantaged children and adults in areas where Sundt has an office or an active construction project.
One of the grant recipients was Promises2Kids, a non-profit organization in San Diego that helps area youth who are transitioning out of the foster care system. Founded in 1981, the mission of Promises2Kids is to create a brighter future for foster children. The organization serves current and former foster youth through four core programs: Guardian Scholars, Camp Connect, the Polinsky Children’s Center and Foster Funds. In San Diego County, over 300 youth transition out of foster care system annually. Within 18 months of aging out, 30 percent are re-victimized, 33 percent become homeless, and 26 percent rely on public assistance.
“The commitment of corporate leaders such as Sundt helps change the lives of foster youth,” said Tonya Torosian, Promises2Kids’ Chief Executive Officer. “Support from the community ensures that foster youth have every opportunity to pursue a higher education and become successful, self-sufficient members of the community.”
Mama’s Kitchen, also located in San Diego, received a $2,000 grant to fund the purchase of meals for kids whose parents are too ill and isolated from AIDS or cancer to prepare meals. In 2013, the organization expects to deliver more than 60,000 meals to 140 kids to ensure that they have access to adequate nutrition.
The Sundt Foundation was established in 1999 by Sundt Construction, Inc., as a way for its employee-owners to give back to the communities in which they work. In addition to funding grants every quarter, the Foundation also sponsors volunteer activities to benefit nonprofit organizations. The grant money comes primarily from contributions made by Sundt employees, which are matched dollar-for-dollar by the company.
Since its inception the Foundation has made grants totaling more than $5 million to hundreds of worthy organizations. Approximately 75 percent of the money goes to help disadvantaged children, with the remaining 25 percent dedicated to community issues. Employees can also earmark their donations for charitable organizations that benefit members of the military and their families.