With a special focus on local youth development programs, we recently announced grants totaling $115,200 to 15 organizations through our winter 2011 granting cycle.

This year’s top grant recipient is Adventure Risk Challenge (ARC) who was awarded a $30,000 grant. ARC’s unique 40-day program is designed to support youth in gaining essential leadership and academic skills to support their equitable involvement in a diverse community and society.

The foundation has supported ARC for four years. We’ve witnessed first hand the success of this program. It’s wonderful to see the results of this amazing program and how our financial support can make a tremendous difference.

Other youth-oriented grant recipients include: Boys and Girls Club of North Tahoe, $10,000; Girls on the Run, $4,000; Get in the Act! Arts in Action, $2,500 and Jazz Artist in Residence, $7,500. TMRF also awarded grants to outdoor focused groups including Disabled Sports USA Far West, $2,000; Northstar XC-Snowshoe Series, Tahoe Rim Trail Association, $7,500; Trails and Vistas, $1,000; Truckee Trails Foundation, $4,540 and Truckee River Watershed Council, $10,613. Additionally, grants were awarded to Project MANA, $3,550; Sierra Senior Services, $9,000 and Tahoe Family Solutions, $4,000.

The TMRF board spends countless hours reviewing comprehensive grant applications and conducting personal interviews and before making its final decisions.

Our dedication to protecting and enhancing the precious natural environment of the Truckee-North Lake Tahoe area is exemplified with the Tahoe Mountain Resorts Environmental Fund. This fund’s purpose is to grow and support initiatives regarding environmental education, natural resource and wildlife conservation, recycling, renewable energy and alternative transportation, either through direct implementation of programs, or by partnering with other groups and organizations.

The mission of Tahoe Mountain Resorts Foundation is to serve as a catalyst for community enhancement by providing leadership and funding which will enrich the quality of life in the Truckee/North Lake Tahoe region through cultural, environmental, educational and charitable pursuits.