Philanthropy briefs: Sept. 15, 2014

Caesars Foundation gives nearly $1 million to charity

Caesars Foundation will offer 16 grants totaling nearly $1 million to nationwide organizations. Caesars Foundation is funded by operating income and gifts from Caesars Entertainment Corp. and its resort properties.

Grants were approved in Caesars Foundation’s strategic focus areas including its emphasis on older individuals, along with education, health, gaming and sustainability.

Organizations receiving funding include Big Brothers Big Sisters, Lou Ruvo Center, Special Olympics, Touro University and Vegas PBS.

The Foundation also granted $150,000 to the National Center for Responsible Gaming to aid the organization in funding research that helps increase understanding of pathological and youth gambling and find effective methods of treatment for the disorder; and a $150,000 grant to longtime partner Clean The World, an organization devoted to collecting and distributing hygiene products to impoverished people to prevent deaths caused by hygiene-related illnesses.

SLS opening includes $30,000 to After-School All-Stars

The SBE Foundation presented a $30,000 donation to After-School All-Stars Las Vegas during the SLS opening on Aug. 23.

The donation from SLS Las Vegas and the SBE Foundation will support After-School All-Stars’ free, comprehensive after-school academic and enrichment programs for more than 5,000 underprivileged students in 13 Clark County School District elementary and middle schools.

McDonald’s takes applications for MAC Grants Program

McDonald’s Southern Nevada owner/operators are now accepting applications from local educators for its Make Activities Count Grants program. A total of $30,000 will be awarded to 60 local teachers to help fund educational initiatives during the 2014-15 school year.

McDonald’s MAC Grants are available to Southern Nevada schools grades K-8 and give local teachers an opportunity to apply for up to $500 in grant money. The money can be used to support learning experiences.

Southern Nevada teachers are encouraged to submit an application and a detailed budget describing their need for McDonald’s MAC Grants funds before the Oct. 1 deadline at https://mcdonaldsvegas.wufoo.com/forms/mac-grants-application-2014.

Nevada System of Higher Education receives $500,000

The Nevada System of Higher Education received a $500,000 grant through the Nevada NASA Space Grant Consortium for the creation of a new program that will establish a community of practice at four Nevada community college campuses (locally the College of Southern Nevada will participate).

The goal is to support the national agenda to develop strong math, science, engineering and technology education and create and expand educational opportunities for students and faculty in space, science and the nation’s NASA aeronautics and space programs.

In the spring, faculties from the four colleges will share information and students will benefit from internships in NASA academies, partnerships with industry and local governments, scholarship opportunities, individualized degree planning and weekly interdisciplinary study. The program will benefit Nevada’s students and bring attention to Nevada’s space industry.

Mosaic Salon’s Haircut-a-Thon raises funds for kids charity

Mosaic Salon’s recent haircut-a-thon raised $4,242.50 for the Cure 4 The Kids Foundation’s Charity Care program.

This is the sixth year Mosaic Salon has opened on a Sunday and provided stylists and nail techs who donate their time so all proceeds from haircuts, manicures, pedicures and eyebrow waxings go directly to the Charity Care Program.

The program ensures that children facing a number of life-threatening conditions — cancer, blood disorders, rare and ultrarare diseases and genetic conditions — get the treatment they need even if they lack medical insurance or the family cannot afford to pay for treatment.

Dress for Success Power Walk raises $40,000 for women

Dress for Success Southern Nevada raised $40,000 at the Power Walk held at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort. With support from its title sponsor Southwest Medical Associates, the third annual event broke records for amount raised and participation with 500 walkers.

Proceeds will benefit the charity’s programs to help disadvantaged women find employment and achieve self-sufficiency.

—Compiled by Chanelle Hayes