The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod Charitable Foundation Trust has announced the awarding of $18,000 in grants for the first quarter of its fiscal year.
The grants were awarded to three local organizations dedicated to safe affordable housing and access to education:
- $7,500 to The Cape Cod Times Needy Fund for its Housing Stability for Vulnerable Residents program. The three-year commitment of $7,500 annually will aid the program’s mission to help approximately 65 economically challenged and housing insecure residents of Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket counties with assistance for rent and mortgage payments, access to shelter and security deposits.
- $5,000 to the Cultural Center of Cape Cod for its Enhanced Access to Education program. The initiative, launched during the early phase of the pandemic, provides affordable or free access to online curriculum, especially for youth at risk and populations that lack transportation, have mobility issues or suffer from health problems that limit in-person participation.
- $5,500 to Cape & Islands Gay and Straight Youth Alliance (Thrive!) for housing for LGBTQ+ youth and allies in crisis. The organization plans to use the funds as a down payment on a home to provide shared housing resources for members of the LGBTQ+ community, with a priority on those aged 30 and under.
“As we emerge from the pandemic, we have become more aware of the severe affordable and workforce housing crisis on the Cape and Islands, and the importance, value – and often necessity – of online education programs,” said Lisa Oliver, president, chair and CEO of The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod. “The three organizations awarded Coop Foundation grants are resolute and purpose-driven to create solutions for these critical issues affecting our communities.”
The grants were awarded as the bank approaches the centennial of its founding on July 19, 1921, as a mutual community bank serving residents of Cape Cod. The Coop has been a constant presence on Cape Cod during the past century, demonstrating philanthropic commitment to efforts focused on improving the quality of life in the region.
Throughout 2021, the bank will be celebrating the centennial with special events and programs, along with the “100 Reasons to Love the Coop” campaign to highlight what it has meant to generations of Cape residents, businesses and employees.
Additional information can be found at www.mycapecodbank.com/100reasons.
