Desert Foothills Library receives $150,000 grant for expansion
by Barry Cohen

Three area arts and culture groups are among 20 nonprofit organizations that have been awarded $3.8 million in grants by the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, according to a news release from the trust.

The Desert Foothills Library in Carefree, Cave Creek’s North Valley Community Playhouse, and the Scottsdale Cultural Council were all honored with grants for their work to enhance the lives of people living in the county.

Desert Foothills Library received $150,000 to help support its $3 million expansion that will nearly triple the size of the facility to almost 19,000 square feet. The expansion is scheduled to be completed next year.

Library director Kris Proskus said the Piper Trust representatives“were highly impressed with the community support we receive.”

The North Valley Community Playhouse was given a $6,500 grant to establish a comprehensive marketing campaign to increase community awareness and ticket sales. On its Web site, the community playhouse calls itself a “little company with a big heart.” The group provides live productions as well as class instruction at its drama camp. The playhouse moved last year to its permanent location in  Cave Creek.

The Scottsdale Cultural Council received $50,000 to support hiring an executive director to develop a business plan and conduct a feasability study for the potential Museum of the West.

The council facilitates the presentation of art through the Scottsdale Center for the Arts, the Scottsdale Public Art program, and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. It is the largest nonprofit arts organization in Arizona.

The Piper Trust began awarding grants in 2000. To date, it has invested more than $151 million in nonprofits and programs that serve the people of Maricopa County.

Reach the reporter at barry@thedesertadvocate.com.