Today I am excited to announce our 2020 Small Grants Program recipients. Established with funds from the Thompson-Bliss Family Gift, this program allows Oakland’s recreation centers to apply for awards of up to $2,000 for special projects, facilities improvements or technology upgrades.
This year, grants totaling more than $30,000 will fund projects like laptops at Charles Porter / Golden Gate, tables and chairs at Willie Keyes, equipment for community movie nights at Mosswood and an ice cream maker at Carmen Flores.
“There is nothing more important and satisfying these days than supporting Oakland’s youth,” reflect Kim Thompson and John Bliss. “The impact we can create and the joy we receive in return are much greater than the size of the gift. It’s the best long term investment we can make.”
Over the course of ten years, Kim and John are providing $200,000 through their Thompson-Bliss Family Gift for improvements at Oakland recreation centers and swim scholarships for youth in East and West Oakland.
“We established the Thompson-Bliss Family Gift as a commitment to the community with the hope that others would follow,” say Kim and John. “The Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation makes it easy and efficient to administer our gift. We encourage you to join us — think big, get creative and make a plan that works for your family over time.”
Small dollar grants have a big impact when they target specific needs. View the full list of 2020 Small Grants Program recipients below.
Ken Lupoff
Executive Director
| Facility | Description | Grant |
| Allendale | Laptop computers, software and peripherals and office equipment. | $1,995 |
| Bushrod | Youth basketball goals. | $1,398 |
| Carmen Flores | Ice cream maker, fans and cooling equipment. | $807 |
| CP Golden Gate | Laptop computers and peripherals. | $2,000 |
| DACA | Music and video software and equipment. | $1,975 |
| Dimond | Sports and play equipment for COVID program delivery. | $1,789 |
| Franklin | Fans and cooling equipment. | $1,993 |
| Lincoln | Fans and cooling equipment. | $2,000 |
| Montclair | Laptop computers, tables and chairs, and sports and play equipment for COVID program delivery. | $1,967 |
| Mosswood | Equipment for community movie nights. | $1,600 |
| Rainbow | Tables and chairs and safety equipment. | $1,800 |
| Redwood | Sports and play equipment for COVID program delivery. | $1,933 |
| Sheffield | General digital technology, sports and play equipment. | $2,000 |
| Sports Unit | General safety, sports and play equipment. | $1,999 |
| Studio One | Projectors and peripherals for remote learning. | $1,971 |
| Tassafaronga | Tables and chairs. | $1,855 |
| Willie Keyes | Tables and chairs and safety equipment. | $1,321 |
| Total | $30,402 |