The Cape Cod Foundation Distributes Over $3.6 Million in 2018

The Cape Cod Foundation has announced that its total grant and scholarship distributions for 2018 exceeded $3.6 million, bringing its total distributions since inception in 1989 to nearly $69 million.  The year-end total represents an increase of more than $200,000 compared to 2017.

“We live in a very caring community,” said Kristin O’Malley, President and CEO of the Foundation.  “The Foundation manages more than 320 individual funds. Each one was created by people who want to support the causes they care deeply about.”

The $3.6 million figure for 2018 includes nearly $850,000 in scholarships from the Foundation and its supporting organization, The Cape Cod Association.  Grants to nonprofit organizations support all aspects of Cape Cod life: health and human services; education; arts and culture; the environment; community and economic development; housing; and children, youth, and families.

“In addition to helping others create charitable legacies,” O’Malley added, “the Foundation has assumed a strong civic leadership role. We strategically build and invest discretionary funds in local nonprofits to help them fund critical initiatives that will strengthen them and have a meaningful impact in the community.”

As part of its annual grantmaking, The Foundation recently awarded $62,000 in Strategic Focus Grants to seven local nonprofit organizations so that they could add key personnel, hire consultants, purchase and upgrade technology, and strengthen existing programs.

The 2018 Strategic Focus Grantees are:

Association to Preserve Cape Cod, $10,000

To support the design and implementation of a Cape-wide monitoring program for cyanobacteria (previously called blue-green algae) in freshwater ponds. With the new rapid-assessment monitoring protocol, the organization will be able to evaluate more ponds and share information about this critical issue more efficiently.

Calmer Choice, $7,500

To support the development of Calmer Choice curriculum for copyright and evidence-based designation. This will expand the organization’s opportunities to partner with schools requiring this designation and make it eligible for national, state and local funding reserved exclusively for programs with it.  The initiative will also create additional possibilities for service delivery models and increase the organization’s sustainability.

Cape Abilities, Community Connections, Latham Centers, $12,500

To support a collaboration among the three agencies to hire a consultant in procurement and strategic corporation relations. The consultant will help them increase efficiencies and introduce best practices to reduce costs in each agency.

Community Health Center of Cape Cod, $7,500

To support personnel and equipment for expansion in Centerville. The additional office will provide primary care, behavioral health, and dental services to the community. Its co-location with Gosnold will enhance integrated care.

Cultural Center of Cape Cod, $9,700

To support the purchase of new software that will maximize efficiency, conserve resources, and increase the Center’s capacity to serve the community. With the new system, patrons will be able to renew their own memberships, make automatic monthly donations, purchase tickets, and register for classes.  The staff will be able to manage events and classes better, make more effective use of social media, identify potential donors, and manage/increase volunteerism.

Housing Assistance Corporation, $10,000

To support hiring a Process Improvement Trainer who will provide in-depth training and one-on-one coaching to managers. The goal is to identify and implement projects that improve client services and organizational effectiveness by decreasing the following:  the length of stay for residents in shelters; the length of time from intake interview to receipt of emergency financial assistance; and the turnover of shelter employees. The result will improve cash flow management agility and better serve clients and the community.

WE CAN, $5,000

To support Information Technology (IT) improvement.  With increased effectiveness, security/encryption, and enhanced quality of services, the organization will minimize support costs and maximize the return on its IT investment. Annually, WE CAN serves 2,600+ women and receives more than 15,000 contacts.

Anyone interested in creating a charitable fund, donating to an existing fund, or supporting the Foundation’s Strategic Leadership initiatives can call Kristin O’Malley at 508.790.3040 or visit www.capecodfoundation.org for more information.