Ronald McDonald House Charities of WNY announces semiannual community grants program

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of WNY is accepting grant applications from local nonprofit organizations for its community grants program.

For more than 30 years, Ronald McDonald House Charities of WNY has been providing a "home away from home" for families of children receiving medical treatment at area hospitals. Through its community grants program, RMHC also reaches out beyond the Ronald McDonald House and into the community by supporting programs that benefit children and their families.

Two times per year, grants are made to nonprofit organizations dedicated to positively impacting children's health/medical needs, social/civic concerns and educational/arts needs.

The next grant application submission deadline is Feb. 15. Grant guidelines and application information can be found on the Ronald McDonald House Charities of WNY website at www.rmhcwny.org.

Since 1992, RMHC has awarded more than $1.2 million to nonprofit organizations committed to improving the lives of children. Averaging $6,650 per award, projects range from purchasing medical equipment and supplies for neonatal intensive care units and school nurses offices to therapeutic activity equipment for children with special needs.

Financial support for the grants comes from the local McDonald's owners/operators of Western New York and Northwest Pennsylvania, McDonald's Corp. (RMHC National) and the Western New York community.

For more information, visit www.rmhcwny.org or call Maureen Wopperer at 716-883-1177.