More than $300K in grants aiding Norco area

Being awarded $98,400 to continue Norco’s downtown revitalization is more than just news for Sal Digirolamo, it’s an investment that’s “putting pride back in our community.”

Digirolamo, president of the Norco Civic Association, thanked Shell for establishing the Norco Economic Development Fund and Norco Community Fund, both established nearly nine years ago, that resulted in the revitalization grant. The award is among $300,000 in grants collectively given this year from the funds, all aimed at benefiting the Norco community.

“They’ve pumped a lot of good money into Norco, helping a lot of people,” he said. “We’ve been fortunate to have a company like Shell that cares about the community and been here more than 100 years.”

“Norco is a great place to live and a great place to work,” said Shell Norco External Relations Manager Rochelle Touchard.  “Our company is proud of its financial foundation for both funds and the annual awarding of grants. Recipients reflect a similar goal of our company – to sustain and improve Norco today and for future generations.”

Lily Galland, consultant for both funds, said this year’s list of grant recipients is the longest awarded since the inception of the funds, which were created in 2001. They are administered by the Greater New Orleans Foundation, which accepts recommendations from each fund’s committee.

“We always have more applicants than we have money,” Galland said. “This is the first time we were able to contribute a grant to this many organizations.”

Since the creation of the funds, she said more than $3 million has been infused in the community.

“We’re just happy that the people of Norco and the nonprofits are doing such a good job,” she said. “We’re happy we’re able to assist in their projects.”

For Norco’s downtown, funding the fourth phase of the revitalization means a facelift for some of the area’s beloved sites like Jack’s Barber Shop, brick planters, historic street lighting and poles.

A second grant will pay for a new stove, which the Norco Civic Association will use for meetings, booster clubs, town hall meetings and the Lion’s Club.

Some $198,027 in grants from Norco Economic Development Fund were awarded as follows:

– Destrehan Plantation/RRHS – $75,000 – Master Plan – Small Event Facility

– River Parishes Community Development Corp. – $15,000 – technical training

– Good Work Network – $10,000 – Pilot Training Program for four Norco minority businesses.

 

More than $103,627 in grants were awarded in the Norco Community Fund as follows:

– Access Health Louisiana (Norco Health Center) – $2,000 for outreach

– American Legion – $8,500 – Flooring

– First Baptist Church of Norco – $5,250 – Church Sign

– Knights of Columbus – $6,300 – Air Conditioning

– Norco Civic Association – $4,013 Commercial Stove

– Norco Elementary School – three grants totaling- $12,500 – Programs addressing Special Needs Students

– Sacred Heart Church – $6,000 – Food Pantry

– Sacred Heart School – $7,000 – Gym Renovations

– St. Charles Parish Public School Foundation – $5,000 Pop-up Performances

– River Historical Society – $5,080 – Heritage Education for Norco Elementary School third -graders

– River Region Ballet – $6,250 – Nutcracker Costumes for Children

– River Region Drama Guild – $5,734 – Summer Musical Venue Rental

– Charles Senior Citizens Club – $2,500

– Matthew 25:35 Food Pantry – $20,000 food pantry/outreach efforts.

– Boy Scouts – $2,500 Norco troop

– Girl Scouts – $5,000 Norco troop