The Kitsap Community Foundation has announced its 2012 grant recipients.

In this year’s competitive grant process, the foundation awarded 14 grants, part of the more than $66,400 that it has distributed since Oct. 1, 2011.

“Projects funded include programs to assist with basic needs such as food programs for the low-income and homeless, and to increase individuals’ self-sufficiency allowing them to stay in their homes,” said Pete Atha, executive director.

“Several grants will benefit children and youth by increasing reading skills, improving the lives of homeless youth, and providing low-income youth with music experiences,” he said.

Grants ranging from $300 to $2,500 were awarded to Bainbridge Performing Arts, Café Oasis Youth Shelter and Poulsbo Center, God’s Kitchen, Great Peninsula Conservancy Clear Creek Task Force, Habitat for Humanity, Island Music Center, Joy of Freedom, Kitsap Legal Services, KRON/Kitsap Regional Library, Suquamish Elementary Rolling Reader Program, Village Green Foundation, Washington Community Alliance for Self-Help, and YWCA of Kitsap County.

The Kitsap Community Foundation was founded in 1993 by a group of dedicated citizens who wanted to ensure there was a “forever” mechanism for providing on-going support to meet the changing needs of the community.

The foundation currently manages 42 different funds established by individuals, families and organizations.

Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over $850,000 to local nonprofits.