SALISBURY — First United Church of Christ Foundation has distributed more than $600,000 in grants since 1997.

First UCC held its annual Foundation Sunday service Oct. 21, followed by a reception.

Many of the foundation’s grants have been given to local nonprofit organizations for specific programs and needs. For example, Community Care Clinic received money to help supply diabetes medication. Family Crisis Council received transportation funding for clients, and Rowan Helping Ministries got funding to support leasing washing machines.

Educational activities were supported through gifts to Lancaster and Hood theological seminaries, Catawba College, ApSeed Early Childhood Education, the Salisbury-Rowan Symphony Society after-school strings program and Families First.

Faith-based initiatives included United Church Homes and Services, Rowan One Church/One Child, the Lilly Center, Johns River Valley Camp, Blowing Rock Convention Center and E&R Historic Society.

Other community service recipients included Rowan County Literacy Council, the Pregnancy Support Center, Prevent Child Abuse Rowan (Terrie Hess House), Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society, Five-Alive, Meals-on-Wheels and the Center for the Environment.

At First United Church of Christ, gifts were designated for the Choral Scholars, college scholarships, youth missions, and ongoing landscape and maintenance.

The First United Church of Christ Foundation committee has seven members. All distributions are approved by the church council. Foundation funds are managed and distributed by the Foundation for the Carolinas.