The Bermuda Community Foundation has approved more than $411,000 in grants to support various local organisations.

According to a statement, the foundation’s (BCF) board of directors formally approved 57 grants from six donor funds.

Almost a quarter of the funds — $97,100 — has been earmarked for educational organisations such as the Adult Education School and the Reading Clinic, along with community based initiatives such as the PHC Foundation for scholarships, the Delta Sigma Theta reading festival.

The board also approved grants to five infrastructure projects, including adding access ramps to Charities House on Point Finger Road.

The Coalition for Community Activism received a grant to support efforts to improve educational outcomes through their work with parents and the Ministry of Education.

In Youth development, BCF’s donor advised funds supported debate training through the Dynamic Debaters and Learners, PRIDE’s substance abuse prevention programme, anti bullying programme Rachel’s Challenge and a YouthNet literacy and mentoring programme.

Other funds were donated to Clearwater Middle School, Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda and the Annual Bermuda Guitar Festival.

Managing director Myra Virgil said: “BCF’s grant making programmes are supported by a range of unrelated donors who wish to ensure the sustainability and success of non profits in Bermuda. These donors use the resources and expertise of BCF to support their grant making. This extraordinary set of grants totalling almost half a million dollars is the result.”

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