By Andrew Martins, Managing Editor
Eight local non-profit organizations were awarded a total of more than $7,300 in grant money during the Hillsborough Township Committee meeting on Tuesday., Received through the Hillsborough Rewards Visa Credit Card Program, the funds were presented by Mayor Carl Suraci with help from members of the Credit Card Advisory Committee and a large ceremonial check., “The Hillsborough Rewards Visa Credit Card program is a great resource for our local organizations, that qualify, to obtain funding without any expense to our taxpayers,” Suraci said., The Spring 2017 grant recipients were the Hillsborough Dukes; the Hillsborough Band Parents Association; the Hillsborough Baseball League; GiGi’s Playhouse; the Hillsborough Rockettes and Rocket; Senior Chapter B; the Hillsborough Jr. Raiders; and the Hillsborough Girl Scouts., Representatives from each organization received the funds during the meeting, citing various purchases and improvements that would be gained through that money., According to officials, the program works when local residents and businesses sign up for the special Affinity Hillsborough Rewards Visa Credit Card. As purchases are made on the card, a portion of every charge is placed into the Hillsborough Credit Card trust fund., Along with providing support for local organizations, cardholders get one point for every dollar spent, which they can use for a number of rewards, including cash back, gift cards and other options., The program is the result of a partnership with the Hillsborough branch of the Affinity Federal Credit Union., “By obtaining and utilizing a rewards Visa credit card, funds will continue to be raised for future grant offerings,” Suraci said., Since its creation, officials said the program has awarded nearly $70,000 in grants to various youth, senior and local nonprofits.
