Investing In The Community: Outreach Goal Of Women’s Club Of Chatham Grants

 CHATHAM – Sometimes all it takes is a little thing to make a big difference. 

 Since 2011, the Women's Club of Chatham has given over $60,000 to community non-profit organizations, starting with a goal of doing outreach to the community. 

 This year the club will be awarding a total of $10,000, and the deadline to apply is fast approaching. Applications for 2025 grants must be postmarked by Feb. 25. The grants will be awarded at the general meeting of the club in April. 

 Any organization that has a request for a specific need is welcome to apply through the club's Community Investment Program. Grants are targeted for "programs and projects that benefit Chatham, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans and local Cape areas." 

 The program began 14 years ago when "the club wanted to give grants for smaller, unique and specific things that could be helpful," according to Sue Locastro, the club's community investment grant program chair.

 Over the years, awards have been made for a wide variety of projects and to a broad cross section of organizations. A desktop magnifier was requested by the Eldredge Public Library; Chatham Marconi Maritime Center needed a sign for their parking lot; and the Cape Cod Shakespeare Festival in Chatham sought a sound system for its outdoor performances. 

 The requests support all ages and demographics in the community, Locastro said. Harwich Elementary School requested a cube for a "Calm Down Corner" in the kindergarten classroom; the Chatham Chorale asked for funding to put on a concert for the Harwich Children's Center; the Cape Cod Nordic Walking Club asked for five sets of hiking poles for seniors.

 Other supported requests include First Night Chatham for a grant to cover button-free performances; the Chatham Historical Society to hire a college intern for its summer education program; and Pleasant Bay Community Boating to support a classroom field trip.

 Each year the club has more requests than the last, Locastro said. 

 "Our goal is to reach more of our community," she added, "and sometimes, depending on the request, we may give partial funding." While organizations can apply each year, it must be for a new project each time, she said.

 Members of the committee start to work in the fall, Locastro said, and then things "really heat up in January," as they review applications and make final decisions. It's a lot of work, she noted, but "we enjoy doing it. [We’re] happy to be giving to the community." They especially enjoy seeing and hearing about what each organization is doing. "It makes you feel good when you are doing something good."

 The application is available at www.womensclubofchatham.org. It requires an organization to be a 501c(3) nonprofit and asks for a description of the need and a requested monetary amount. In 2024, Locastro said, 30 organizations applied and 25 grants were issued. 

 "We are more willing to say yes than no," Locastro said.

 Applications are reviewed by the committee, Locastro said, and the recipients are notified in March. The grants are awarded at the April meeting of the Women's Club.