Our Mobilizing Volunteers Micro Grant Program offers one-time funding opportunities of up to $2,500 to support and encourage local volunteer projects. The goals of the grogram are to engage residents of all ages in projects that address local concerns, improve the community landscape and bring attention to the value and reward of volunteerism.
We are thrilled to announce micro grant awards for two outstanding programs led by the Cape Cod Toy Library and the Martha's Vineyard Vegan Society.
Cape Cod Toy Library – Toy Lending Program
This past year more than ever, many parents have been forced to navigate uncharted waters as they face issues with job security, food security, child care and ever changing school schedules and protocols. The increased financial and emotional burden has caused many parents to lose confidence and feel ill-equipped to support their children’s needs.
There is tremendous concern for the impact on emotional and behavioral health as well as children’s development, especially for vulnerable families with special needs and mental health conditions.
The Cape Cod Toy Library is a community resource for families to access developmentally appropriate toys and information on how to facilitate play for children to be actively engaged in meaningful learning. While they've had to be closed, they continue to reach out to families, including creating engaging parent-child videos and putting together fun and safe events such as their "Outdoor Family Play Challenge."
Grant funds will be used to re-launch their toy lending program as soon as possible. A dedicated volunteer team of early childhood educators have been cleaning, organizing, photographing and cataloging a curated collection of 1,400+ high-quality toys and 200+ parenting resource books, donated by 100+ Cape families and businesses.
Martha's Vineyard Vegan Society – Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
The Martha's Vineyard Vegan Society (MVVS) provides a vegan approach to solving some of our society’s biggest challenges.
In collaboration with Island Grown Initiative and the Island Food Pantry, the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) provides weekly fresh fruits and vegetables to anyone in the community in need. This initiative has become a crucial resource during both the COVID-19 epidemic and increasing food insecurity on the island.
MVVS delivers fruits, vegetables, grains, bottled water and protein powder to the elderly, homebound and hospice patients by referral. If possible a masked professional puts all the food away and spends time with each client hoping to provide not only nutritionist food and support, but also companionship and love through such a difficult time. This free delivery program is especially needed right now – grant funds will be used to purchase PPE (mask and gloves), print COVID information and recipes for clients, purchase water and pay for volunteer transportation.
If you have a volunteer-focused project that needs funding, you can learn more about our micro grant program and apply at capeandislandsuw.org/microgrants