Cape & Islands United Way Awards Latest Round of Micro Grants, Receives $62,000 Commitment from Eversource Foundation

HYANNIS, MA — The Cape & Islands United Way is pleased to announce the recipients of its latest round of Community Impact Micro Grants, awarding funding to seven local organizations whose volunteer-driven programs are making a meaningful difference across Cape Cod. The organization is also proud to recognize a new $62,000 grant from the Eversource Foundation, including $20,000 designated to support the United Way’s Micro Grant Program, which encourages local volunteerism and grassroots community improvement projects.

The Cape & Islands United Way Micro Grant Program provides funding to initiatives that engage residents of all ages in volunteer-driven projects that address local needs, strengthen neighborhoods, and improve quality of life. Projects supported through the program often focus on community beautification, environmental stewardship, youth engagement, multi-generational service, and collaborative efforts that bring people together for the greater good.
This latest round awarded grants to seven organizations representing a wide range of community needs and opportunities, including youth leadership development, environmental education, recovery and workforce training, health equity, entrepreneurship, maritime education, and water safety initiatives.

“The Micro Grant Program continues to demonstrate the incredible impact that can be achieved when local volunteers are empowered with resources and support,” said Mark Skala, President and CEO of Cape & Islands United Way. “These grants may be modest in size, but they help fuel innovative ideas, strengthen community connections, and inspire people to become actively involved in making Cape Cod a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

The seven organizations receiving funding in this round are:

• Cape Cod Young Professionals
• Barnstable United Elementary School
• Hope and Comfort
• The Michael English House
• Cape Cod Maritime Museum
• Cape Tide
• Nauset Boosters Club

The latest awards bring the organization’s total micro grant funding in 2026 to more than $46,000, with an additional funding round planned for later this fall.

The Micro Grant Program is made possible through the support of the Eversource Foundation, the Bilezikian Family Foundation, Granite City Electric, and numerous community donors who believe in the power of volunteerism to create lasting change.

The Cape & Islands United Way also expressed its gratitude to the Eversource Foundation for its recent $62,000 grant, which supports several community initiatives, including the Micro Grant Program.

“Thank you to the Cape and Islands United Way for your leadership and commitment to our communities,” said Theresa Hopkins-Staten, President of the Eversource Foundation and Vice President of Community Partnership and Engagement. “We value our partnership and look forward to continuing our work together in the year ahead, including collaborating during Eversource’s annual Employee Giving Campaign, which will launch this fall. We are excited to provide opportunities once again for our employees to support the causes and organizations that make a difference in the communities we serve.”

In addition to its financial support, Eversource plays an active role in the grant review process. Elizabeth West and Stephanie Bete of Eversource serve on the Cape & Islands United Way Micro Grants Committee, helping evaluate applications and identify projects that will have a meaningful impact throughout the region.

“We are especially grateful not only for Eversource Foundation’s generous financial support, but also for the time and expertise that Elizabeth and Stephanie contribute through their service on our grants committee,” said Skala. “Their involvement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening communities through volunteerism, partnership, and local engagement.”

Applications for the next round of Cape & Islands United Way Micro Grants are expected to open later this year. Organizations interested in learning more about the program can visit the United Way’s website for eligibility requirements and application information.

About Cape & Islands United Way
Cape & Islands United Way works to improve lives and strengthen communities across Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance education, financial stability, health, and basic needs. Through strategic partnerships, volunteer engagement, grantmaking, and community initiatives, the organization helps create lasting change for individuals and families throughout the region.