The Kamas Valley Community Foundation has handed out nearly $64,000 in scholarships and grants to South Summit School District students and teachers in the year since it expanded its mission beyond education.

The organization, formerly the South Summit Education Foundation, spent close to a decade funding grants and scholarships for local educators and students. Just over a year ago, its board renamed the organization and added three pillars alongside education: Humanitarian and Health, Arts, and Recreation. The four pillars form the acronym HEAR.

Each pillar has its own committee co-chaired by two board members who generate ideas and bring proposals to the full board, Lecocq said. Volunteers can join whichever committee matches their interests.

Since the expansion, the foundation has held an arts festival featuring local painters, quilters, and musicians; marched in the Fiesta Days Parade in 2025; and hosted a fundraiser. Its scholarship program offers a Multiple Scholarships Incentive Award: students who apply for five other scholarships and submit two letters of recommendation receive $500, and those who apply for 10 receive $1,000.

What's next

A recreation bingo card posted at kamasvalleycf.org lists outdoor activities for all ages. Residents who complete the card can bring it to the foundation's Summer Gathering on Monday, August 10, at Kamas City Park to enter an opportunity drawing.

The foundation is also planning a fundraiser in January 2027, with proceeds supporting its scholarship and grant program, which Lecocq described as the organization's biggest expense.

Lecocq said the foundation is recruiting volunteers across all four pillars and wants to hear what the community needs. More information, including newsletter sign-ups, is available at kamasvalleycf.org.

Upcoming community events

• Monday, August 10 — Kamas Valley Community Foundation Summer Gathering, Kamas City Park. Bring completed recreation bingo cards for an opportunity drawing.