The Falmouth Fund Meets Willett Foundation Fund Challenge Receives $50,000 Matching Gift to Build Endowment Fund

 The Falmouth Fund of The Cape Cod Foundation recently announced that it has met the Willett Foundation Fund Challenge and will receive a $50,000 matching gift to build its endowment fund. 

Earlier this year, The Willett Foundation Fund made a generous gift of $100,000 to the organization–$50,000 to be distributed as grants to nonprofit organizations serving the Falmouth community in 2019 and $50,000 to be used as a matching gift challenge for the endowment. 

The Falmouth Fund, established in 2009, has awarded almost $500,000 in grants to more than 70 nonprofit organizations since inception. Its goal is to support local projects, programs, and initiatives with community-wide impact in the following areas: education; health and human services; arts and culture; and the environment.    

“As we approach our tenth anniversary, we felt it was extremely important to concentrate on building the endowment so that we can meet the future needs of the community and seize opportunities that arise,” said Sharon Nunes, Chair of The Falmouth Fund.  “The matching gift from The Willett Foundation Fund has given us great momentum to continue this important work.”

Last year, the Fund awarded $100,000 to 27 nonprofit organizations.  Nunes said they will also award up to $100,000 in the current grant cycle, now in progress.

“The Fund’s impact is community-wide,” Nunes added.  “We have awarded grants to local food pantries, shelters, health centers, and mentoring programs. We have helped bring equipment, resources, and opportunities to seniors, women in transition, and those with disabilities. We have helped build playgrounds, send kids to camp, and fund busses for field trips. We have helped preserve historical buildings and precious open spaces. We have supported talks, concerts, film festivals, and new theatrical works.”

“The Town Fund model is a powerful way to help meet the community’s current needs and to plan for its future,” said Kristin O’Malley, President and CEO of The Cape Cod Foundation.  “The Falmouth Fund has combined strategic fundraising and informed grantmaking to strengthen the Falmouth community and impact many people’s lives.”

Those wishing to donate to The Falmouth Fund can visit falmouthfund.org, call the Foundation at 508.790.3040, or send a check, payable to The Falmouth Fund, to The Cape Cod Foundation, 261 Whites Path, Unit 2, South Yarmouth, MA 02664.