The PATH Foundation on Friday announced $1.2 million in new funding, including $750,000 for broadband initiatives in areas of Fauquier County that have limited or no access to high-speed internet. 

Of the $750,000 in broadband funding, $500,000 will support efforts launched in fiscal year 2020, which ended June 30. The remaining money will go toward efforts in the current fiscal year. 

Previously, the PATH Foundation has issued funding for Fauquier County internet hotpots and $250,000 for other broadband initiatives earlier this year.

PATH Foundation CEO Christy Connolly said high-speed internet is a necessity in today’s day and age — especially in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The goal of this project is to address existing connectivity needs for residents,” Connolly said. “That means it can improve education with remote learning connectivity and connectivity in schools, improved access to telemedicine and access to medical records, improved connectivity for businesses and an overall higher quality of life.” 

In addition to the broadband funding, the PATH Foundation also announced the recipients of their annual Program and Planning grants. Program and Planning grants fund new or existing projects that are in line with the PATH Foundation’s four priority areas: access to health, childhood wellness, senior services and mental health.

“With each round of Program and Planning grants come new, innovative, and exciting projects,” said Christy Connolly, President and CEO of the PATH Foundation. “This year’s applicants had a strong showing, and we hope that their programs will strengthen health and vitality for everyone in our community.”

Program and Planning Grants also create new opportunities to collaborate across the community. This year’s grants include support for Fauquier Education Farm’s demonstration gardens, support for Piedmont Dispute Resolution Center’s early intervention program, funding for a school-based wellness center in Rappahannock County and more.

A full list of the 2020 Program and Planning Grant recipients is below:

Fauquier Education Farm received $32,800.00 to support their demonstration gardens and educational programs.

Fauquier FISH received $75,000.00 for their Weekend Power Pack program, which provides backpacks of meals to children who are at risk of hunger during weekends, school holidays and snow days.

Rappahannock County Public Schools received $69,000.00 to provide a school-based wellness center, partnering with local medical, dental and mental health providers. Access will be available regardless of insurance or income level.

Experience Old Town Warrenton received $10,000.00 to support placemaking and installation of two murals in Old Town Warrenton.

Piedmont Dispute Resolution Center received $68,960.00 to fund an early intervention conflict resolution program for non-court involved residents of northern Culpeper, Fauquier, and Rappahannock Counties through mediation and restorative justice education and services.

Headwaters Foundation received $15,000.00 for their After-School Enrichment program that provides a safe and reliable environment for children after school.

Child Care & Learning Center received $25,000.00 to support child well-being outcomes for children in pre-school and after-school programs at CCLC and countywide, through teacher training and professional development.

Rappahannock Pantry, Inc. received $75,000.00 to build a new safe facility centrally located in Washington, VA.

Fauquier Free Clinic received $60,291.00 to support expanded primary care clinic hours, along with specialized diabetes education and teaching.

Youth for Tomorrow received $23,000.00 to support the expansion of behavioral health services to the aging population of Fauquier County.Rapp@Home received $40,000.00 to support their rural senior village serving Rappahannock County. The village aims to facilitate aging in place, allowing residents to lead vital, connected lives in the comfort of their own homes.

To learn more about the PATH Foundation’s grant cycles, please visit Our Grants page.