VALPARAISO | Griffin McNeil, 10, already knows a lot about college -- and even what he wants to study.

The fourth-grade student at Central Elementary School in Valparaiso is being mentored by Valparaiso University senior Chris Hoyt.

It's all part of College Mentors for Kids, one of 25 local nonprofit organizations to receive a grant this year from the Porter County Community Foundation.

The foundation announced its grant recipients and honored donors at a reception Thursday at Strongbow Inn.

"We are thrilled that the spirit of philanthropy has allowed the foundation to award over $250,000 in grants from the foundation's community funds in 2009," President Barbara Young said.

"We thought one of the best ways we could acknowledge and celebrate our generous donors was to show how their gifts are working through our nonprofits to build a stronger community for all. This is what philanthropy is all about."

The grant helped College Mentors for Kids grow from 30 children last year to 40 this year, said Laura Feldman, associate development director for the organization.

Griffin McNeil's mother, Debbie, said the program has been a blessing.

"Being a single parent, it's great," she said. "Chris is a great male role model. He's letting Griffin reach for the stars."

Created in 1996, the Porter County Community Foundation has united more than 2,300 philanthropists in support of charitable organizations. Gifts have ranged between $2 and $3.1 million.

"Connecting people with causes they care about is one way the foundation serves our community," Young said. "We know the places of need in our area and we can help direct resources to solve those problems."

For more information, call (219) 465-0294 or visit portercountyfoundation.org.

INVOLVED:

Porter County Community Foundation 2009 grant recipients include:

American Red Cross | Porter County Chapter College Mentors for Kids, Inc.

Community Theatre Guild, Inc.

First Contact, Inc.

Gabriel's Horn Corporation

Harold "Hal" Kelley Respite Foundation (Respite House HealthLinc Hilltop Neighborhood House, Inc.)

Jacob's Ladder Pediatric Rehab Center

Moraine House, Inc.

Morgan Township PTO

NorthShore Health Centers

Opportunity Enterprises, Inc.

Portage Township YMCA

Porter County Association for Handicapped Children and Adults, Inc.

Porter County Council of Church Women (Whispering Pines Health Care Center)

Porter Township Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.

Porter-Starke Services, Inc.

Rebuilding Together - Duneland Rebuilding Together - Portage Rebuilding Together

Valparaiso South Shore Arts

The Caring Place, Inc.

Valparaiso Family YMCA

Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County, Inc.