Mayor's Gaming Commission awards $438,250 to local nonprofits, schools and programs

The Mayor's Gaming Commission voted to award approximately $438,250 to local nonprofit groups, schools, athletics and arts programs after reviewing a record 116 applications for this funding cycle. The commission president said the panel received “our highest amount of applications ever with a 116 applications,” while noting the available pool this year was far smaller than in past cycles.

Winners included a broad mix of organizations. Examples announced during the meeting include a $20,000 grant to the Hammond Central High School Athletic Program, $20,000 to the Morton High School athletic program, $20,000 to the Toll Performing Arts Company and $20,000 to the School City Hammond 71 robotics program; scores of smaller awards of $1,000 to $15,000 were approved for after-school programs, community centers, libraries and sports clubs. Most motions were moved and seconded on the floor and carried by voice vote.

The commission president put the total awards at $438,250 out of a budgeted $438,307, saying the panel “used nearly every dollar to help support our community and the programs and the people who serve our community.” The meeting transcript records the standard motion/second pattern for each recipient and voice votes recorded as “ayes.”

The meeting closed after a group motion acknowledging applicants who will not receive funding this year and brief closing remarks about disbursement logistics. The president said checks are typically available by late spring and staff will contact recipients with pickup or delivery instructions.