Youthlinc would like to honor American Express as a long-time donor to the Real Life program. Real Life has received consistent grant funding from American Express since 2016. The American Express Foundation began in 1954 to contribute toward philanthropic causes in global communities. The funding priorities of American Express include: developing leaders, preserving places, and serving communities.
Real Life qualifies for the American Express Center for Community Development Grant. This particular grant must meet guidelines as set forth through the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). The American Express Center for Community Development Grant provides potential funding to local nonprofit organizations serving low to moderate income individuals. Real Life is a great candidate for this grant because we currently serve 100% low to moderate income families, 90% of who qualify for free or reduced lunch. In addition, our strong financial literacy curriculum offers a great enticement for this grant.
Youthlinc Real Life would also like to pay tribute and acknowledge the profound service of Nicole Stone who oversaw the American Express CRA Grant Program in the Salt Lake area for the past several years. Nicole recently passed away on January 23, 2021, after a turbulent battle with cancer. Nicole was a pillar in the community. She helped promote and support so many non-profit organizations. She was a champion ally for “at risk” youth. Real Life had the opportunity of collaborating with Nicole on many occasions. We appreciated Nicole’s visits to our Welcome Centers. Her personal support in addition to the much-needed funding benefitted so many refugee and immigrant teens. Her enthusiasm and infectious smile uplifted all those around her. We express heartfelt sympathies to Nicole’s family and to her co-workers.
Although Youthlinc will deeply miss Nicole, we are looking forward to many more years of collaborations with American Express. Youthlinc would like to give a big thank you to American Express for their continued support of the Real Life program.