The Chatham Fund Awards $20,000

The Chatham Fund of The Cape Cod Foundation announced grants totaling $20,000 this fall, bringing the total awards from The Chatham Fund to more than $60,000 in its four years of grantmaking. The Chatham Fund was established in partnership with The Cape Cod Foundation to provide the benefits of a community foundation within the local community of Chatham, with the goal to improve and enrich the quality of life in the town.

This year, The Chatham Fund focused on supporting projects and programs that address hunger, children’s needs, the environment, and other social issues impacting Chatham residents.  The grants are responsive to both existing community needs and also to emerging needs within the community that are being identified by those working on the front lines.

“Housing, transportation, year-round employment and economic security are some of the challenges faced by many members of our community,” said Hank Holden, Chair of The Chatham Fund.  “We are pleased to continue building a pool of permanent resources that are flexible and able to respond to needs as they change. The Chatham Fund is proud to support organizations providing vital services to Chatham residents.”

“It is encouraging to find community support and growing acknowledgement of the critical role childcare and family support services play in the lives of working families and in the stability of the local economy,” said Theresa Malone, Administrative Director for Monomoy Community Services, a 2016 Chatham Fund grant recipient. “Monomoy and Chatham Children’s Fund are honored to be recipients of the Chatham Fund’s innovative generosity.”

The Family Pantry of Cape Cod also received a grant from the Chatham Fund this fall. According to its Executive Director, Christine Menard, the Family Pantry used Feeding America’s “map the meal” assessment in determining which towns on the Lower Cape could most benefit from a mobile pantry. Chatham was identified in the research as one of the towns that needed additional resources in order to provide three meals a day to those in need. The Pantry launched the ‘Healthy Meals in Motion’ mobile pantry in partnership with the Chatham Council on Aging this past September. Five percent of the Family Pantry’s clients come from the town of Chatham.

The Chatham Fund is pleased to announce the fall 2016 grantees:

Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance – $1,500

To support development of a pilot shellfish-based education program. Third grade students will learn about the importance and fragility of the Cape’s blue water economy, and the role of shellfish in cleaning our waters and feeding our community.

Chatham Marconi Maritme Center – $1,500

To support Summer STEM Program scholarships for students living in Chatham who could not otherwise afford to participate.

Community Development Partnership – $2,500

To provide comprehensive business support programs designed to grow and strengthen existing businesses, formulate actionable business strategies for startups and assist entrepreneurs with conceptual ideas for new ventures.

Creative Arts Center – $1,000

To support free art demonstrations open to membership and the public.  In lieu of a fee attendees will bring food items that will be donated to The Family Pantry of Cape Cod.

Homeless Prevention Council – $2,500

To support Case Management services, which provide extensive counseling and guidance to those at risk of becoming homeless, for up to 10 individuals or families who are residing in the town of Chatham.

Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary – $3,000

To support the 2016-2017 spring semester Chatham Elementary School Conservation Science Education Program, and scholarships for Chatham children who could not otherwise afford to attend the 2017 Natural History Day Camp.

Monomoy Community Services – $6,500

To continue to make available an emergency reserved childcare slot in Monomoy Community Services childcare program, and to continue the work of the Chatham Children’s Fund to provide local families with financial assistance for food, school-related supplies and fees, transportation (bus or gas) and other basic needs throughout the work and school year.

The Family Pantry of Cape Cod – $1,500

To support the food program for Chatham residents. In 2015, 127 Chatham households, consisting of 294 people including 92 children, used the services of The Family Pantry of Cape Cod. This equates to $109,607 worth of food to Chatham residents. In addition, the first mobile pantry visit to the Chatham Council on Aging served another 15 individuals.