The Guam Economic Development Authority awarded $316,857.94 in grant funding to 17 local community organizations and public agencies during a check presentation ceremony at Adelup on Wednesday, July 15.
This latest round of funding, representing the eighth series of the Qualifying Certificate Community Contributions Grant Program, provides up to $25,000 per award to support impactful projects that address critical island needs. The grant funding was made possible through the community contributions of the Guam Regional Medical City.
Since its launch in June 2020 under the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio administration, the program has awarded more than $2.6 million through over 150 community grants.
The current series of funding supports five key categories: healthcare, public safety, economic development, higher education, and cultural preservation.
Gov. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero praised the initiative as a direct investment in the island's future. "Through partnerships like the QCCC Grant Program, we're empowering organizations that are improving lives, preserving our culture, strengthening public services, and creating opportunities that will benefit our island for generations to come," she said.
Lt. Gov Joshua F. Tenorio highlighted the strength of cooperation between the government, nonprofits, and the private sector. "These grants help community organizations expand their reach and continue delivering programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of our people," he said.
Chief executive officer and administrator of GEDA, Christina Garcia, also expressed gratitude for the continued partnership with GRMC, noting that the investments ripple across the island to educate youth, improve safety, and expand economic opportunity.
The 17 recipients of the Series 8 QCCC grants were divided among five key program areas of interest: Under the healthcare category, grants were awarded to the Northern Guam Soil and Water Conservation District, which received $24,914.06, the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority Intensive Care Unit, which received $17,980, Chalan Amte Inc.'s Future in Medicine Program, received $10,000, and the Lupus Awareness Group of Guam, who received $10,000.
For public safety, grant funding was awarded to the Guam Skate Network Inc. in the amount of $24,980, the Amphibious Aquatics Swim Team, which received $15,650, and the Department of Public Health and Social Services Division of Homelessness Assistance and Poverty Prevention, which received $10,000.
Within the field of economic development, the recipients included Inspire Marianas Inc., who received $25,000, the Guam Women's Chamber of Commerce, Inc., received $24,391.88, Oceanic Ascent Education Inc., also known as Guahan Sustainable Culture, which received $21,992, and Junior Achievement of Guam, Inc., which received $15,000.
In the area of higher education, awards went to Fam Farms, which received $25,000, Pacific Islands University received $15,000 and Chalan Amte Inc.'s Exploring Careers in Health Care & Onward program, which received $1,950.
For cultural preservation, the programs funded included the Archdiocese of Agana Office of Youth, who received $25,000, the Breaking Wave Theatre Company, Inc., which received $25,000, and the Santa Barbara Catholic School, which received $25,000. mbj
