The Cape Cod Foundation recently announced inaugural grants totaling $50,000 from The Women and Girls Fund to four local nonprofit organizations.
The Foundation established this permanent endowment fund in 2022 to build flexible resources to support programs and initiatives that strengthen the lives of women and girls throughout the region, now and in the years to come.
“While there is much we can work on together, we determined that grants in our first year of the Fund would help break the cycle of poverty by increasing economic opportunity and self-sufficiency for women through trainings and educational programs and break down barriers for girls by providing new, expanded, or more accessible educational opportunities, out-of-school programs, and mentorship opportunities,” said Kristin O’Malley, President and CEO of The Cape Cod Foundation.
The inaugural recipients are:
WE CAN and Amplify POC, $20,000 ($10,000 to each organization)
To support a pilot partnership between the two organizations that will increase economic stability and opportunities for women of color living and working on Cape Cod and building capacity for both organizations to better support these women into the future.
Falmouth Volunteers In Public Schools, $15,000
To support the Be Bold mentorship program for 4th grade girls in Falmouth schools. The program is designed to instill confidence and nurture leadership skills through education and opportunities with diverse female entrepreneurs, professionals, and community members.
Entrepreneurship for All (Cape Cod), $15,000
To support access and participation in the Accelerator program for women, with focus on immigrant and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) communities. This program helps individuals to launch new businesses through trainings, individualized support, and mentorship.
“Two local banks have been very instrumental in the Fund’s initial success,” O’Malley added. “The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod provided seed funding to establish the fund and has pledged two years of additional support for a total investment of $50,000. With the same generous spirit and commitment to women and girls in the community, The Cape Cod 5 Foundation has contributed $25,000. We are so grateful for this critical support from two leading Cape Cod businesses.”
Over the first few months, with support from individual donors, private foundations, and corporate partners, the Foundation has raised nearly $175,000 towards its 5-year goal of raising $1million.
“Our community is aware of the need,” O’Malley said. “With continued support, we can fuel initiatives that will redress systemic inequities and give women and girls new opportunities to thrive.”
To learn more about or to donate online to The Women and Girls Fund, visit capecodfoundation.org. Donations can also be sent to: The Cape Cod Foundation; 261 White’s Path; Unit 2; South Yarmouth, MA 02664.
