The Anthony F. Cordeiro Charitable Foundation has awarded $19,400 in grants to five local nonprofit organizations in Southeastern Massachusetts.
The grants, announced Aug. 20, aim to support organizations that provide access to health and mental health services, food and shelter, according to a community announcement.
Since its inception in 2018, the foundation has awarded more than $275,000 to local organizations.
The United Way of Greater Fall River and the Firefighter Wives Association (Fall River) each received $2,500 to support those impacted by the fire at Gabriel House. The United Way is offering program support, including Red Cross response and mental health and recovery services, while the Firefighter Wives Association is providing individual supports such as clothing, food and personal items.
The Veterans Association of Bristol County (Fall River) received $5,000 to ensure three months of uninterrupted food security for its food pantry program, which distributes 20,000 pounds of food to more than 500 veterans and their families each month. The grant will also provide fresh produce to sustain the Harvest for Heroes program, which ensures that fresh produce is incorporated into each cart of food the association provides monthly.
Gnome Surf (Fall River) received $4,900 to purchase equipment to facilitate interactive remote sessions and trainings for its virtual SurFit Social-Emotional Wellness Program. The program is targeted toward neurodivergent, physically disabled and medically complex youth who are unable to access in-person programming and is designed to equip children with skills including mindfulness, movement-based emotional regulation and connection.
Community Connections Inc. (South Yarmouth) received $4,500 to fund a free, six-week outdoor yoga and mindfulness series for 50 to 100 participants and local community members in Fall River, with a focus on those experiencing social isolation, limited access to wellness resources or physical or mental health challenges. The series will feature gentle yoga and meditation sessions designed to reduce stress, foster connection and promote wellbeing.
The grants are funded by individual donations and proceeds from the foundation’s annual golf tournament and gala. This year’s 20th annual Golf Invitational will be held at Lake of Isles Country Club in North Stonington, Connecticut, on Aug. 19.
“Our grantees leave indelible impacts on the communities they serve, and we are proud to support them in their efforts,” said Anthony F. Cordeiro, founder of the foundation. “We would also like to thank our donors, Founders’ Circle members, local business owners, friends and neighbors, without whom our work would not be possible.”
Applications are currently open for the foundation’s second round of funding for 2025. Nonprofit organizations in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island whose goals align with the foundation’s mission are invited to apply. Full guidelines and application materials can be downloaded here. Applications are due on or before Dec. 31.
Questions about grant applications or the seventh annual Cordeiro Foundation Gala, which will be held Jan. 31 at Venus de Milo in Swansea, can be directed to Melanie Cordeiro at melcordeiro@cordeirocharitablefoundation.org.