The City of Sacramento is inviting non-profit organizations to apply for a grant from the Ann Land and Bertha Henschel Memorial Fund. More than $150,000 is available this year for non-profits that provide direct aid and assistance to people in need.
“The purpose of the memorial fund is to assist and provide for the basic human needs of the destitute men, women and children of the City of Sacramento,” said Janelle Oishi, support staff to the memorial fund commission.
Only non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations that have an office or facility within city limits and help underserved residents are eligible to apply. The deadline to apply for the grant is 4 p.m. Sept. 30.
The Sacramento City Council appoints community members to the Ann Land and Bertha Henschel Memorial Fund Commission to review grant applications and award grants to qualified non-profit organizations.
“Destitution is a multi-dimensional concept, with three main components: economic, social and political powerlessness,” Oishi said. “Destitution is defined as a state of extreme poverty experienced by poor and vulnerable individuals and families that are not able to meet their minimum subsistence needs, lack access to the key productive assets needed to escape from poverty, and/or are dependent on public or private assistance.”
The Ann Land Memorial Fund was established in 1914 by former Sacramento Mayor William Land as a memorial to his mother. In 1952, Bertha Henschel gifted the City $275,000 to establish a fund in her name. Each year, interest earnings on these bequests and contributions are distributed to non-profit organizations.
Additional contributions to these funds have been made by Emma Hotfilter, Annie Zacariah, and Warren Reed. Each year, interest earnings on these contributions are distributed to non-profit organizations through grants.