Community Foundation distributes more than $290,000 in new grants

Community Foundation distributes more than $290,000 in new grants
Sunday, August 31, 2014

Community Foundation distributes more than $290,000 in new grants

FITCHBURG — The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts has announced 23 grants totaling nearly $293,000 from its general endowment and a field of interest fund.

Seven grants made from the foundation's general endowment were awarded to the following:

•CASA Project Inc., Worcester, received $14,910 to provide advocacy for child victims in the court system in North Central Massachusetts.

•A $9,940 grant was made to Community Legal Aid Inc., Worcester, to help local families who are homeless move out of crisis and toward stability by providing free legal assistance to obtain shelter.

•L.U.K. Crisis Center Inc., Fitchburg, received a $16,898 grant for its North Central Runaway and Homeless Youth Network, which proactively reaches out to the young adult homeless population.

•To provide mentoring services to homeless families, Montachusett Interfaith Hospitality Network Inc. in Leominster received a $19,880 grant.

•A $3,979 grant to The Salvation Army, Athol Corps, will fund a safe haven to keep children physically active at critical times during the year.

•The Salvation Army, Montachusett Corps, based in Fitchburg, received a $9,940 grant to reduce juvenile crime by improving school attendance and grades.

•A grant of $2,982 will help the Sterling Council on Aging purchase 125 carbon monoxide detectors for elderly residents.

A fund established for environmental causes and animal welfare made seven grants to the following organizations:

•Friends of Sholan Farms Inc. in Leominster received $10,000 for developing the second phase of its master strategic plan.

•A $14,000 grant to Groton Conservation Trust will be used to reduce invasive species, with the goal of sharing best practices with surrounding communities.

•Just Understand My Potential Inc., Harvard, received $2,000 to help at-risk youths and young adults access the outdoor environment in a meaningful way.

•A $4,000 grant to the Massachusetts Audubon Society Inc. will be used for a science education program for Grades 3 and 4 teachers at Crocker Elementary School in Fitchburg.

•Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society, Salisbury, received a $10,000 grant to provide low-cost spay services for cats belonging to residents of Fitchburg, Gardner and Leominster.

•The completion of 25 new trails will happen for the Millers River Watershed Council Inc. in the Athol area, thanks to a $9,250 grant for their Upper Millers-Otter Blue Trails.

•At-risk youths will get vocational and educational experience through The Trustees of Reservations program, Leominster Regional Youth Conservation Corps, which received a $15,000 grant.

A fund established for organizational development made the following six grants:


•A $9,890 grant to Athol Orange Community Television Inc. will provide FM access to local programing and municipal meetings.

•Seven Hills' Children's Aid Family Services in Fitchburg received a $5,528 grant to purchase computer equipment and software for its Child Enrichment Center.

•A $14,835 grant to the Friends of the Templeton Elders will be used to expand its food programs.

•Fruitlands Museums Inc. of Harvard received a $4,958 grant to develop a strategic business and facilities plan.

•Gardner's House of Peace Education Inc. received a $9,890 grant for its Hopeful Boutique, a nonprofit enterprise that provides educational programs.

•A $14,835 grant to Twin Cities Community Development Corporation in Fitchburg will be used for a regionalization project.

A fund established for basic human needs made three grants:

•Kylee's Kare Kits for Kidz Inc. of Leominster received a $10,000 grant to provide food assistance to students attending Leominster Public Schools.

•A $5,000 grant was made to Our Father's Table in Fitchburg, which provides hot meals to local families in need.

•The foundation's Educational Access Fund made a $75,000 grant to Mount Wachusett Community College for its scholarship program.

Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $35 million in grants and distributions from 160 funds that have been established by individuals, families and organizations. "What continues to impress me is the quality of the programs that we had the opportunity to support," said Phil Grzewinski, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts.

Unum awards college scholarships to local Worcester students

WORCESTER — Unum recently awarded college scholarships to two children of Unum employees.

Nicole Mello, daughter of Nancy Mello, a senior complaints specialist at Unum's Worcester office, will further her studies in the field of education. "As a present and future teacher, I'm delighted to be a part of Unum's long tradition of supporting education," Miss Mello said. "My mother has worked for Unum since before I was born, and I know it means a lot to her to see I'm receiving a scholarship from Unum."

Noelle Scarlett, daughter of Paul Scarlett, a quality assurance consultant at Unum's Worcester office, is preparing for Boston College where she will major in communications and theater arts. Miss Scarlett said, "I feel truly honored to be selected as a 2014 scholarship recipient and sincerely appreciate Unum's commitment to my education with such a fine institution."

Since 1991, the Unum scholarship program has donated $1,416,410 to help 227 students further their education. The scholarships range from $1,000 to $3,000. Each award is based on factors such as academic performance, school and community involvement and financial need.

The two recipients are among 10 who received scholarships this year. The 10 were chosen from 77 applicants nationwide and boast a combined GPA of 3.93.

Country Bank gives $14,500 to schools

WARE — Country Bank surprised 29 local schools that participate in the bank's Savings Makes Sense school banking program with a $500 gift cards to Staples to help cover the cost of back-to-school supplies.

"We know how difficult it is for the schools to have the supplies they need when budgets become tight," said Jodie Gerulaitis, financial education officer of Country Bank. "They are truly so grateful and appreciative of this gift."

Country Bank serves Central and Western Massachusetts with 15 offices in Ware, Palmer, Brimfield, Belchertown, Ludlow, Wilbraham, Paxton, Charlton, Leicester and West Brookfield.