The Chatham Fund Awards $11,850

The Chatham Fund of The Cape Cod Foundation announced $11,845 in grants awarded this fall, bringing the total awards from The Chatham Fund to $35,845 in its three 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.  The Chatham Fund supports nonprofits that are responsive to community needs and opportunities, work in collaboration with others, think innovatively in their solutions and work strategically to enhance the quality of life in Chatham.

The focus of The Chatham Fund is to support projects and programs addressing hunger, children’s needs, the environment, or other social issues.

“The mission of The Chatham Fund is to improve and enrich the quality of life in Chatham,” said Chris Rhinesmith, Chair of The Chatham Fund.  “We are excited to continue growing and employing our resources to assist community organizations with providing needed services and programs to Chatham residents.”

Fall 2015 Chatham Fund Grants:

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

To support The Community Outreach Program. This program brings fishermen, partners, and the public together to increase appreciation of sustainable seafood, promote environmental stewardship, and improve understanding of fishing, marine science, and fisheries policy.

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.

Chatham Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization, $3,000

To support Calmer Choice programs in Chatham Elementary School. Calmer Choice is a universal prevention program committed to teaching young people how to effectively and safely manage stress and resolve conflict so that they live happy, healthy and successful lives.

Eldredge Public Library, $360

To support the purchase of a printer/scanner for the Genealogy Department.  The Edgar Francis Waterman Memorial Genealogical Collection at the Eldredge Public Library began in 1979.  It is a substantial collection, spanning from the Maritime Provinces of Canada, down the eastern seaboard, and west towards Ohio and Louisiana.

First Night Chatham, $1,200

To support First Night Chatham’s children programs, including the Children’s Du Jour Circus and the children’s fireworks display. These two programs will allow all families with children to enjoy and partake in the celebration.

Massachusetts Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, $2,000

To support school and day camp educational programs for Chatham children from Pre-Kindergarten through high school.  Programs include classes, field trips, and a special curriculum for the high school marine biology class.

Monomoy Community Services, $2,785

To support organizational infrastructure to streamline outreach. The Chatham Children’s Fund and Monomoy Community Services organize and complete the distribution of  clothing, coats, boots and basic household needs for more than 100-125 Chatham families in need throughout the year, particularly during the winter months and holiday season.

The Chatham Fund is a permanent endowment of The Cape Cod Foundation, a community foundation whose mission is to build permanent charitable resources for community betterment through informed grantmaking and civic leadership. The Foundation has distributed more than $50 million in grants and scholarships since its founding in 1989.