MH nonprofits work hard to find resources, continue projects, share success

Negative news – from national jobs reports to local crime – is both easy to find and hard to live with. Still, despite tedious obstacles, local nonprofits and individual volunteers are staying true to their missions of supporting the local Morgan Hill community in both small and large ways.
The Morgan Hill Community Foundation is one such organization. It is preparing for both its annual “National Philanthropy Month” celebration in November and its 10 year anniversary this year.
To celebrate philanthropy and local volunteerism, the nonprofit is co-hosting the 7th Annual Philanthropy Event, Nov. 9 at the Morgan Hill Community & Cultural Center. The evening celebration will shine a spotlight on the multiple volunteers and philanthropists who are nominated by their peers as exemplary contributors to the Morgan Hill community.
A typical honoree is a person who may have worked numerous volunteer hours or may have provided financial support. This year’s event, themed “Ten Years of Teamwork,” is co-hosted with the City of Morgan Hill and PG&E, and will feature “19,” an acoustic jazz band.
To celebrate its 10-year anniversary, the MHCF is awarding a single $10,000 grant – called the “10 for 10” – to a local nonprofit that successfully demonstrates why it should earn the commemorative prize. The winner will be announced at the 7th Annual Philanthropy Event. The deadline for the “10 for 10” grant application has passed and all applications are currently under review.
In addition to the MHCF’s “10 for 10” grant, the Rotary Club of Morgan Hill is also awarding $10,000 in community grants to help local organizations fund their philanthropic projects and programs. Awards typically range from $250 to $1,000. Organizations are not required to be designated nonprofits, unlike the “10 for 10” applicants, but submissions must demonstrate a specific community benefit. Grant applications are due by Oct. 31 and are available at www.morganhillrotary.com.
“There are many, many groups in Morgan Hill alone, working hard to make positive things happen right now and continue to happen in the future,” said Dave Reisenauer, president of the Morgan Hill Community Foundation. “’Give where you live’ is a powerful motivator because results are more personal, more visible, and more lasting for both those who give help and those who receive it. I wish we could recognize every person and group; but, thankfully, many continue just for the satisfaction of knowing that they are making a difference.”
And it is not only groups like Rotary Club of Morgan Hill or the MHCF that are succeeding on behalf of Morgan Hill. Home and School Clubs, businesses and churches are all working to help the local economy and its residents. There are over 100 nonprofits in Morgan Hill that cover several interests, including the arts, sports and recreation, health and human services, programs for seniors, and many others.
For example, one Morgan Hill Home and School Club increased its fundraising efforts to raise approximately $70,000 in the last school year to help fill in State budget shortfalls. The funds covered needed items, such as school programs, field trips, classroom supplies, library materials and technology equipment. Likewise, Booksmart of Morgan Hill routinely hosts educational workshops, works with local school districts, families who home school, and private school markets to source books and classroom products.
Putting in an equal effort are several local churches that manage programs offering support to both parishioners and non-parishioners alike. Crossroads Christian Center offers a monthly food distribution program – “People That Care” – geared toward helping lower income families in Morgan Hill and San Martin. A large group of volunteers make it possible for Crossroads Christian Center to help local familes who are facing economic difficulty.
Another local organization geared toward volunteerism, particularly for children and teens, is Morgan Hill Kiwanis Club. It is associated with Kiwanis International, a global organization that sponsors approximately 150,000 service projects worldwide. Morgan Hill Kiwanis Club’s familiar volunteer and community support activities include: changing the flags and banners along Monterey Road, free Senior Breakfast, Holiday Lights Parade and food drives. The club also manages the “Turn Around Scholarships,” awarded to local high school graduates, Morgan Hill Unified School District projects, and Sobrato Key Club. Its major fund raiser is the “October Cioppino Feed.” Those interested in supporting Morgan Hill Kiwanis can attend its weekly meetings at the Grange on 4th Street, 7 p.m., each Tuesday for a local speaker and fellowship. For more information, call 408-718-6155.