Giving back to the community has always been important to businessman, Allan Soto. Now he’s ramping up efforts through a new grant initiative.
“There are a lot of people in Augusta who are doing good things and going under the radar,” said Soto, who plans to give a total of $250,000 this year.
Charities the founder of Vinea Capital already gives to have programs that assist individuals with special needs and underserved youth as well as working to end intergenerational poverty, he said.
Those organizations he already supports will receive $150,000 with another $100,000 being distributed through the Vinea Foundation grants, he said. One organization he supports is Heritage Academy, a private school in Olde Town. In December, he presented them with a check for $18,000.
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After meeting with officials with the Community Foundation of Augusta and discovered he could broaden his giving to reach those who are doing good things, but he just doesn’t know about them.
Grants will be given twice a year.
The application process for the first round of grants began on Jan. 1 and will close March 31. Recipients will be awarded April 4.
Another round of applications will be accepted from Aug. 31 to Oct. 31 with awardees being named Nov. 7.
In additional to Vinea Capital, Soto owns several businesses in the area including ABLE Kids which serves children on the autism spectrum and Pineapple Ink Tavern.
He said the Augusta community has been good to his business endeavors, and he wants to pay it back.
Applications are available at Vinea Capital’s website, www.vineacapital.com.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Managing Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
