Aurora approves more than million in grants

The Aurora City Council this week approved more than $1 million in Quality of Life grants for social service groups in the city. Quality of Life grants are given to organizations that provide for Aurora citizens in the areas of basic needs, community, education and youth, mental health, museums and services for seniors. In total, 41 out of 50 grant requests received some kind of funding, totaling $1.05 million. There was about $1.75 million requested in grant funding. The specific grants awarded include $25,000 to the Fox Valley United Way for SPARK, an early childhood program; $5,000 to the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation for the Kids Essentials Program; $20,000 to Loaves and Fishes for emergency assistance; $25,000 to the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry for the Community Growing Food Needs; and $20,000 to the YWCA for the Early Childhood Emergency Fund Project.