07/12/11 - Weldon F. Osborne Foundation funds Institute playground project and child scholarship

For many years, the Weldon F. Osborne Foundation has been a strong supporter of children and families served by the Institute. Recently, the foundation made two generous gifts.

The foundation awarded an $18,750 grant request for a special project to improve the playground for the 179 children who attend the Early Learning Center-East Brainerd (ELC-EB). This gift funds the addition of a much-needed soft-surface playground application to 1,500 sq. ft. of the outdoor space at the ELC-EB. The upgrade means a safer play area for the children, especially those who have ambulation challenges on uneven surfaces, and will end issues with moisture that make this area of the playground unusable after heavy rainfall.

In addition to funding special projects at the Institute, the Osborne Foundation recognizes the importance of gifts that fund general programs and services. This year, the foundation made a $6,000 donation that will provide partial scholarship for a child with special needs enrolled in the Early Learning Center program.  

The Institute is grateful to the Osborne Foundation for its ongoing support and steadfast commitment to the children and families we serve.