An emotional Lainy LeBow-Sachs, a longtime friend and aide to the late Gov. William Donald Schaefer, said announcing the transfer of $1.4 million from a private foundation to a civic fund finally wrapped up business with his estate.

On Tuesday the Baltimore Community Foundation announced the money from a private foundation established by Schaefer was being transferred to the William Donald Schaefer Civic Fund that provides small grants to communities in Baltimore City and Baltimore County.

"It’s just a wonderful day the governor would have been so thrilled," LeBow-Sachs said.

The civic fund already has assets of about $600,000 and the addition from the estate will raise that to a nearly $2 million permanent endowment making $63,000 more in grants available each year, according to a news release. 

The Baltimore Community Foundation also announced the recipients of its 2012 Neighborhood Grant Program that is supported by the Schaefer Civic Fund, among others.

"It’s the culmination of something [Schaefer] really wanted. It’s not something made up. Everybody knows he was all about the neighborhoods," LeBow-Sachs said. 

North Baltimore Grant Winners:

Better Waverly Community Organization was awarded $7,500 for a community artist in residence at 901 Arts, an arts center for children and teenagers.

Greater Homewood Community Corporation was awarded $3,750 to establish a leadership program for 10-15 Barclay residents based on community organizing, conflict resolution and issue advocacy.

Waverly Elementary and Middle School was awarded $4,630 to help build, design and maintain a mobile garden at the school.

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