THE West Vancouver Community Foundation was able to give out over $40,000 in grants this spring despite the economic downturn that forced the cancellation of last fall's grant program.

"We figured we managed very well to give out any grants at all. Forty thousand doesn't sound like very much but a few thousand dollars is going to help organizations like Meals on Wheels a lot," said foundation trustee, Merla Beckerman.

There were applications for $113,000 in grants from not-for-profit groups in the fields of education, arts and culture, social services, environment, seniors and youth.

The 17 recipients were announced at an awards ceremony May 5 at the West Vancouver Community Foundation office. They include: the West Vancouver Youth Band, the Harmony Arts Festival, North Shore Palliative Care Program (Lions Gate Hospital), North Shore Meals on Wheels, West Vancouver Seniors' Activity Centre, West Vancouver Youth Outreach and BOOKtopia.

The foundation will be giving out 10 scholarships of up to $2,000 each in June at high school graduation ceremonies.