Three local groups were the recipients of a combined total of $8,000 in funding from the Bowie Community Outreach Committee, according to a press release.

Grace Lutheran Church was awarded a grant for its Read Roost for Early Readers Program, which provides free tutoring for kindergarten through second grade students with reading difficulties or disabilities. The program targets children whose families are unable to afford traditional tutoring services.

The Bowie Gets Fit Program, which will offer free fitness training to Bowie youth on Saturday mornings, also received a Community Outreach Grant this year. The program aims to make up for a lack of physical activities in school and to inspire children to better fitness.

Christ Community Church received funding for its Back to School Send-Off 2013. Through this program, the church promotes education by providing school supplies for Bowie’s neediest children.

Each year, the Community Outreach Committee awards grants to local groups that are meeting the needs of Bowie residents. Grants awarded are for a maximum amount of $5,000, according to the city’s website.