News
CFSEMA Raises Nearly $4 Million in 2007
Moves to Sundial Building in January
2007 was a banner year for CFSEMA, which raised nearly $4 million and more than doubled the amount of revenues brought in the previous year.
This brings the Foundation’s endowment to more than $18.5 million. This enabled the Foundation to return more than $1.5 million to Southeastern
Massachusetts in 2007 through grants to arts and cultural institutions, environmental and educational programs and for scholarships.
The Foundation also moved in January to 63 Union Street, New Bedford, MA, 02740. We are now located on the first and second floors of the Sundial Building at the corner of Union and North Water streets, adjacent to the Whaling Museum. Also housed in the building are the Women's Fund, SEEAL (Southeastern Environmental Education Alliance), and AHA! (Art History Architecture, all Community Foundation programs. Stay tuned for details on an upcoming Open House.
Polaroid, Acushnet Foundation, Award $125,000 in Workforce Development, Early Literacy Grants
The Community Foundation has awarded $125,000 in grants from the Polaroid Fund and the Acushnet Foundation Fund to New Bedford area programs that focus on Workforce Development and Early Literacy.
Four organizations received a total of $75,000 from the Polaroid Fund for Workforce Development projects that emphasize English Literacy (ESOL) and Adult Education (ABE and GED courses). Another $25,000 was awarded by the Polaroid Fund as a matching grant to the Acushnet Foundation Fund, for a total of $50,000 awarded to two organizations for Early Literacy programs.
Report Studies Impact of Michael Bianco Raid on Children
A new report by The Urban Institute and the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) shows that immigration raids such as the March 6 raid on the Michael Bianco factory in New Bedford create emotional trauma and family hardships for the children who are affected. The report was released Oct. 31 by the Mass. Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) and the Mass. Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NSWMA).
The Community Foundation took a lead in response to the raid by establishing the Ninos Fund to support children whose parents were detained.
Polaroid Fund Workforce Develpment Grants
The Community Foundation recently accepted applications for this year’s grants from the Polaroid Fund.Up to $100,000 is available each year through the Fund to support organizations focusing on workforce development in Greater New Bedford with an emphasis on English literacy (ESOL) and adult education (ABE and GED courses). Applications were due on October 23; award decisions will be announced early December.
In addition, there will be a family literacy component added to this grant cycle, with up to $50,000 available for programs that integrate early literacy for children from birth to age 3 with ESOL and parenting courses. The Acushnet Foundation Fund will provide up to $25,000 for the family literacy component and the Polaroid Fund will provide the other $25,000.
View more information about the Polaroid Fund RFP
View the Full Press Release
Another Splendid, Successful Evening
Summer's Last Blast photos by Robert Hughes
Summer's Last Blast III attracted 450 guests to the Bullard family waterfront estate in Nonquitt, South Dartmouth, on Sept. 7 and raised nearly $100,000 to benefit the Community Foundation! Guests were treated to dinner from Fine Catering by Russell Morin, an open bar provided by Cardoza's Wine & Spirits, and dancing to classic favorites by First Take.
View a list of sponsors and photos from the event
View the press release
Dartmouth Education Foundation to Enhance Opportunities for Public Schools
Education Foundation Established Through Community Foundation
The Dartmouth Education Foundation has been launched as a fund of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts (CFSEMA) to enhance educational opportunities for Dartmouth public school students in years to come. Planning for the Foundation has been underway for nearly a year with the first Board elected in May.
In addition to developing a permanent endowment for public education in the Town the group announced that it was launching a separate campaign to raise funds to supplement school programs for the upcoming year. Funds raised through this effort will be used to support enrichment programs, field trips and scholarships for students and families who will need assistance in financing proposed fees for school bus services and extracurricular activities.
$1 Million Gift Establishes Albert F. Carr Scholarship Fund
Albert F. Carr was a New Bedford native and 1943 graduate of New Bedford High School who moved to Baltimore after graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1948. Although he lived in Baltimore for 57 years until his death in 2005 at age 79, Mr. Carr still spoke of Massachusetts as home and recalled his high school alma mater with great affection.
Mr. Carr left a legacy that relays his fondness for his hometown and high school: a $1 million gift to establish a scholarship fund for New Bedford High School graduating seniors who wish to attend MIT. The Albert F. Carr Scholarship Fund, which will be managed by CFSEMA, was announced at a press conference in New Bedford City Hall on May 8.
William A. Harvey, a long-time friend of Mr. Carr and the trustee for his estate, came to New Bedford from Baltimore with his son, Perry, to make the presentation. Mr. Carr spent every Sunday and holiday with us during his last 10 years, Mr. Harvey recalled. As a result, I can tell you more than you ever want to hear about parts of New Bedford. I am talking beyond the whaling industry and beyond the cotton industry My point is Albert never lost his enthusiasm for his place of birth, and that is why we are here today.
