Granny’s Attic recently completed its spring grant cycle and awarded $90,000 to local nonprofits that focus on the health and well-being of islanders.

The grants went to nine organizations, ranging from Vashon Community Care and the Vashon Senior Center to The DOVE Project and the Vashon Island Growers Association. As in the past, the money supports both ongoing operations and innovative projects, such as a diabetes nutrition program at the food bank and funding for medical marijuana for those who need it.

Tim Johnson, who is the business manager at Granny’s, said that one grant was excluded because it was not health-related, but the remainder were all funded to some extent — which is not typical.

“I think this was a strong crop of good grants that had compelling stories and reasons behind them. They were really well written, meaningful grants,” he said.

Once again, Vashon Community Care received the largest sum: $39,500.

Verna Everitt, the executive director of the Vashon Community Care Foundation, said she is “eternally thankful” to the Granny’s volunteers, who vote to award the funds.

Everitt is tasked with raising $450,000 a year to help offset the operating deficit because of inadequate Medicaid reimbursement, and she noted that Granny’s support typically accounts for a quarter of that sum. She noted that she had requested $100,000 and will ask for the remainder in the fall grant cycle, but stressed her gratitude for the current sum given, saying every penny goes to support the center’s work.

The next largest amount, $20,000, went to Neighborcare Health for the conversion of two offices to patient exam rooms, a project that is expected to be completed by the end of May. Clinic Administrator Stephanie Keller noted she is “very grateful” for the money and said the funds will allow the clinic to provide more same-day appointments by hiring another provider. Nurse practitioner Meghan Bergeron will start seeing patients in June and will cover same-day needs for illness and injury, such as strep throat, earaches and minor cuts.

The Vashon Senior Center received approximately $12,600 from Granny’s, which will support general operating funds lost last year when longtime-funder United Way of King County curtailed its scope. With that loss, Executive Director Ava Apple said the grant money is vital.

“It will support all of our programs by keeping the doors open,” she said.

The Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness was also among the organizations that received substantial support: $5,000 for operational support and $3,000 for medical marijuana.

The council’s Emma Amiad said that organization’s needs have increased greatly, and that the $5,000 will go toward low-income islanders’ needs related to health, such as helping pay for medications and assisting with the cost of ferry fare to off-island medical appointments. The smaller grant will support the purchase of medical marijuana for people with health problems that respond well to it, such as anxiety, extreme pain and Parkinson’s Disease.

This is the second time that Granny’s Attic has provided funds for medical marijuana, and Amiad said the program has been going well. Most of the people participating are older and often take products without THC, the mind-altering component of the plant, she added.

“They have been helped a great deal, and we continue to hear that gratitude,” she said.

Granny’s next grant cycle will be in October. With the grants it awards, as well as vouchers and scholarships, Granny’s Attic support to the community totals about $250,000 annually, Johnson said