NATCHEZ — West Primary School is the recipient of a $1,000 partnership grant from Entergy Mississippi.

The company awarded more than $35,000 statewide to 42 projects that aim to educate, promote a healthy environment and healthy families and strengthen the community.

“A lot of good work is going on in Mississippi communities and there are a lot of strong ideas for projects that improve quality of life,” said Tim Runnels, customer service manager for Entergy Mississippi, Inc. in Natchez. “So I’m especially pleased to announce that this local project has been selected to receive a 2010 Entergy Mississippi Community Partnership Grant of $1,000.”

Entergy Mississippi has funded the grants program for more than two decades. It’s part of the utility’s ongoing commitment to invest in the communities it serves, Runnels said.

Community organizations use the grants as “seed money” and seek additional funds and volunteers to help with projects.

“Big projects with big budgets tend to get a lot of attention, and they are important,” said Runnels. “But just as important are these creative, grassroots efforts that with a little help make a big difference in their communities.