For the ninth consecutive year, The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod will support local food pantries for Giving Tuesday 2022. The Coop will donate $10,000 to 10 local pantries serving communities from Falmouth to Provincetown.

“With inflationary pressures and the worsening housing crisis, the number of people across Cape Cod experiencing food insecurity has never been higher,” said Lisa Oliver, Chair, President and CEO of The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod. “The Coop applauds the dedication and hard work of these food pantries and their volunteers to ensure Cape Cod families have food on the table. Please join us and generously support our local food pantries during the holiday season and throughout the year.”

The pantries receiving $1,000 donations include Cape Cod Military Support Empowerment Center; Falmouth Service Center; Family Table Collaborative; Hands of Hope Community Outreach Center and Food Pantry (operated by Cape Cod Council of Churches); Helping Our Women; Lower Cape Outreach Council; Sandwich Food Pantry; SKIP (Soup Kitchen in Provincetown) Food Pantry; The Family Pantry of Cape Cod; and Yarmouth Food Pantry.

Giving Tuesday was established in 2012 as a dedicated day during the holiday season to encourage people to do good. Over the past decade, Giving Tuesday has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity.

The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod announces that FAIR (Financial Assistance in Reentry) Project, Inc., its nominee for a Massachusetts Bankers Association (MBA) Charitable Foundation award, has received an Honorable Mention designation with an accompanying $1,500 grant.

FAIR Project, Inc. is Cape-based nonprofit organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of formerly incarcerated people through financial lending and community support. It helps recently released individuals legitimately overcome financial barriers to get resettled in their communities by providing low-interest loans. Repaid principal and interest are reinvested, which increases the organization’s capacity to serve more individuals.

“FAIR is very grateful to the Massachusetts Bankers Association for their generous donation, and to The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod for nominating us,” said Jud Phelps, vice president, FAIR Project, Inc. Board of Directors. “The formerly incarcerated population on Cape Cod is a vulnerable group who face unique challenges. FAIR will put this donation to good use and make a significant difference in the life of a person who truly needs it.”

Additional information about FAIR Project, Inc. can be found here.

“FAIR Project gives hope for the future by providing a second chance to formerly incarcerated individuals returning to the community and looking to rebuild their lives,” said Lisa Oliver, Chair, President and CEO of The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod. “The Coop is proud to support FAIR Project and its efforts to provide clients with resources needed for successful reentry and reducing recidivism.”

Past recipients of funding from the MBA Charitable Foundation nominated by the bank include Amplify POC Cape Cod, Calmer Choice, Cape Kid Meals, Duffy Health Center, and Pause A While.

The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod Charitable Foundation Trust (The Coop Foundation) has awarded $98,000 in grants to five local nonprofit organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the region.

The grants awarded mirror the bank’s  corporate giving focus areas for fiscal year 2023 – Housing Initiatives and Solutions, and Social Justice and Racial Equity.

“I congratulate the five deserving nonprofits that have been awarded The Coop Foundation grants and applaud their tireless work to make Cape Cod a better and more equitable place to live,” said Lisa Oliver, Chair, President and CEO, The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod. “The latest cohort of grant recipients exemplifies The Coop Foundation’s mission to cultivate vibrant and thriving communities. While the region’s housing, social justice and racial equity issues will not be resolved overnight, these organizations are creating and implementing innovative programs to make an immediate difference and contribute to long-term solutions.”

During the recent quarterly meeting of the Board of Trustees, the following grants were awarded:

• $30,000 to Amplify POC (People of Color) over the course of three years for communications and programs capacity building. Amplify POC promotes racial equity by providing accessible resources and education that enhance visibility and increase sustainable ownership opportunities for communities of color. The grant will be used to create communication and education materials, enhance the organization’s website to connect the BIPOC community to more financial and educational resources, and compile data about program participant demographics, community need and program impact
• $3,000 to Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts to provide scholarships for six low- and middle-income girls to attend summer camp in 2022. The organization’s camps offer girls a nurturing single-gender community that fosters healthy development and opportunities to build self-esteem, learn new skills, enjoy the natural world around them and stay mentally and physically active while under the guidance of caring, trained adults.
• $10,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod to help fund the cost of building materials and licensed contractors to construct four new two- and three-bedroom homes in Falmouth. For four families, the opportunity to help build their own home and then purchase it on terms they can afford will provide a permanent solution to the housing insecurity they may have experienced for years.
• $50,000 to Housing Assistance Corporation over the course of four years for its new THRIVE (Tools to House Residents in a Vulnerable Economy) housing voucher program. The program has been designed to help participants decrease debt, improve financial health and establish more stable and sustainable housing by bridging the gap between resources currently available. Strong results from a recent pilot of the program have already yielded a two-year grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to assist daycare and disability care workers, whose professions are critical to households dependent upon them to remain in the workforce
• $5,000 to Lower Cape Outreach Council for emergency food assistance to serve clients at its nine food pantries on the Lower and Outer Cape. The grant will be used to purchase additional protein, produce and dairy products for the pantries, which have been experiencing supply issues from a primary inventory source.

The Falmouth Chamber of Commerce in partnership with The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod and Falmouth Community Television produced a three-part series aimed at educating the community on why housing is an issue that is affecting us all.

 

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Additional Resources

As a homeowner, how do I get started to build an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)? 

• An ADU is a self-contained living space or apartment in a single-family home that is either attached to it or in a separate structure on the same property. They have been recognized as effective solutions to provide much needed affordable housing while generating revenue for homeowners as they become landlords in the comfort of their own homes.
• The Coop has implemented flexible qualifying guidelines to streamline the ADU loan qualification process, including allowing the use of projected rental income to be considered with the applicant’s existing income. Financing for an ADU can take either first or second lien position depending on what best suits an individual’s needs. Applicants must also present evidence of a town-issued building permit and copies of construction plans and specifications.
• Visit our ADU webpage for more information.

Falmouth Housing Corporation

• The Falmouth Housing Corporation‘s goal is to research and advocate for the production, maintenance, support, construction, rehabilitation, financing, and improvement of affordable housing and housing programs in Falmouth, for the benefit of persons of very low income, low income, and any other persons in need of assistance.

Falmouth Housing Trust

• Falmouth Housing Trust is an independent nonprofit organization. The Trust is not affiliated with the Town of Falmouth or other housing organizations, but collaborates with them to promote and develop affordable work force housing in our community. With an eye toward small, strategic projects, we acquire properties and create housing to fit into the landscape of our community. Our housing is rented or sold to qualifying, working individuals at affordable prices.

Housing Assistance Corporation

• Housing Assistance Corporation was founded in 1974 as a pilot project to test the use of rental vouchers to help secure housing for year-round workers on Cape Cod. Since that time, our programs have expanded to assist more than 175,000 low- and middle income households on Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
• Homeowners interested in creating an ADU can contact Housing Assistance Corporation or visit https://haconcapecod.org/adu/ for technical assistance in determining what they can build on their property, connecting with contractors, landlord support, and possible financial incentives to help further offset construction costs.

The Boston Business Journal has named The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod an honoree in its annual 2022 Corporate Citizenship Awards, a recognition of the region’s top corporate charitable contributors.

The Business Journal annually publishes this list to showcase companies that promote and prioritize giving back to their communities – a feat that is even more important during times of turmoil and crisis, such as those we all collectively experienced throughout 2021.

“The past couple of years has presented companies and communities with many challenges, and the needs have continued to grow.  It is with honor that we present our list of the Top Charitable Contributors in Massachusetts – companies who gave $100,000 or more to Mass.-based in charities in 2021. Collectively, they gave $322 million in cash contributions – a true example of the business community coming together to help those in need.  We are proud to celebrate these organizations who give both money and time to make Boston a stronger and better place for all.” said Boston Business Journal Market President and Publisher Carolyn Jones.

This year, 95 companies have qualified for the distinction by reporting at least $100,000 in cash contributions to Massachusetts-based charities last year as noted above. The honorees this year include companies from such industry sectors as financial and professional services, health care, technology, retail, and professional sports.

“We are honored and proud to be recognized by the Boston Business Journal as one of the region’s most charitable companies,” said Lisa Oliver, Chair, President and CEO of The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod. “Philanthropic support of local nonprofits working to keep our communities and neighbors strong, vibrant and healthy has been a hallmark of The Coop for more than a century. As Cape Cod’s needs evolve, so does our focus. That’s why we will be concentrating our charitable giving on housing solutions and racial equity and social justice issues during our fiscal year 2023.”

The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod, whose contributions in many instances include both the corporation and its charitable foundation, will be honored at the BBJ’s 17th Annual Corporate Citizenship Awards on Thursday, September 8th at the Revere Hotel Boston Common (200 Stuart St., Boston) from 5:30pm – 8:30 pm. The evening will be filled with networking, making connections, and recognizing all the Charitable Contributors, the Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation CEO Social Leadership Awardee and our 2022 Corporate Citizenship Community Collaboration Awardees (previously our Partners of the Year).

Mary Lenihan has been chosen to serve as our Employee-At-Large board member for the The Coop Foundation.

Mary has been with the Bank for almost seven years, and she currently is a First Vice President, Commercial Relationship Manager. Mary is passionate about philanthropy and has helped many nonprofit organizations throughout her career.

“Being involved in the community is part of what has made my career so rich and fulfilling,” said Mary. “I’m excited to be part of the decision-making process for The Coop Foundation.”

She also serves as treasurer for the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod and secretary for The Rotary Club of Yarmouth, plus she’s on the advisory board for Pause-A-While.

Former employee board members are Michelle LeBlanc, Christine Parent and Jessica Terry. Christine’s term ends in June and will overlap with Mary’s for six months.

“It was so rewarding being involved in providing the resources to help so many nonprofits do so much in our local community, especially when the need has never been so great,” said Christine. “I had no idea how many different organizations we assist in a given year, such as Champ Homes, Heroes in Transition and Cape Cod Children’s Place. Knowing that the funds provided through the Foundation helped these organizations continue to expand their mission is incredibly rewarding.”

The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod Charitable Foundation Trust (The Coop Foundation) has awarded $26,000 in grants to five nonprofit organizations that enhance quality of life by addressing fundamental needs and challenges of the local community.

During the quarterly meeting of the Board of Trustees, the following grants were awarded:

• $10,000 to the Falmouth Housing Trust New Projects Fund that enables the organization to quickly respond to opportunities to acquire property; develop affordable housing that meets the needs, character and best interest of the community; and help the Town of Falmouth work toward its 10% affordable housing goal. This grant will specifically support two affordable housing projects in process: Lewis Neck Road and Esker Place in Falmouth. Between the properties, four homes will be added to Falmouth’s affordable housing stock.
• $5,000 to Lower Cape Leadership Forum to continue a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) training program that began earlier this year. The Forum is a collaboration of six Cape Cod organizations that work to enhance the quality of human services to low- and moderate-income families on the Lower and Outer Cape. Forum members include Cape Cod Children’s Place; Community Development Partnership; The Family Pantry of Cape Cod; Homeless Prevention Council; Helping Our Women; and WE CAN. The organizations each serve diverse populations, underlying the critical need for DEI training to enhance knowledge, skills and actions to improve the quality of services for each agency.
  $4,000 to Camp Lightbulb, one of the first overnight camps for LGBTQ+ youth in the nation. The grant will provide a full scholarship for three local youth for the 2022 three-week summer camp in Provincetown. Camp Lightbulb will give recipients the opportunity to explore their identity, the arts and the outdoors.
• $4,000 to Duffy Health Center to help fund a part-time consultant for phase two of a medical respite program, established in collaboration with Cape Cod Healthcare and several other health and housing partners. Medical respite care is acute and post-acute medical care for homeless persons who are too ill or frail to recuperate from an illness or injury on the streets, but not ill enough to be hospitalized.
• $3,000 to Mass Appeal, a volunteer-staffed organization with a mission to provide free clothing to residents of the four towns on the Outer Cape: Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown. The grant will be used to purchase athletic shoes for children. Most items offered at Mass Appeal are donated, but the organization purchases new winter boots and sneakers annually using grant funds.

“Congratulations to the deserving nonprofits that have been recognized in the latest round of The Coop Foundation grant awards,” said Lisa Oliver, President, Chair and CEO of The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod. “These organizations have a meaningful impactful by providing services to our vulnerable and underserved neighbors. I hope these acts of kindness inspire all of us during this holiday season to support the many charitable causes serving the needs of Cape Cod residents.”

 

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Stuff A Stocking Clothing Drive

Thank you to everyone who donated warm children’s clothing to our “Stuff A Stocking Clothing Drive”. Donations were brought to our branches through Dec. 31. The clothing drive benefitted Katelynn’s Closet, a Cape Cod nonprofit organization devoted to providing children in need with clothing, footwear, and basics to help them maintain their dignity and foster self-esteem. Thank you again!

Give Hope through Independence House

We partnered with Independence House – a Cape-based nonprofit that helps survivors of domestic and sexual assault, and their children – this holiday season.

Donations from $15 to $100 helped provide hotline assistance, counseling services, clothing, transportation, and so much more. Donations for Independence House were made directly to the nonprofit at https://independencehouse.org/coop-give-hope-healing/ through Friday, Dec. 31.

#GivingTuesday

We’re proud to continue our #GivingTuesday tradition of supporting local food pantries by donating $1,000 each to 10 different pantries across the Cape.

• Cape Cod Family Table Collaborative
• Cape Cod Military Support Empowerment Center
• Falmouth Service Center
• Hands of Hope Community Outreach Center & Food Pantry
• HOW-Helping Our Women
• Lower Cape Outreach Council
• Sandwich Food Pantry
• SKIP Food Pantry
• The Family Pantry of Cape Cod
• Yarmouth Food Pantry

#PayItForward

In 2021, our employees have raised about $21,000 through employee-managed #PayItForward Program. For the past 12 years, our employees have supported local nonprofit organizations in our community by wearing jeans at work.

Every other Friday, employees donate a minimum of $5, and an organization is designated as the beneficiary. The organizations are nominated by employees and selected by the employee-based Pay It Forward committee. The only criteria for nominations is that the organization be affiliated with Cape Cod and a registered 501(c)3.

This holiday season, our employees worked in teams to use #PayItForward funds for the following holiday community programs:

• Adopt A Family: Our employees helped 12 students this holiday season through the Marguerite E. Small Elementary School‘s “Adopt a Family” fundraiser.
• The Salvation Army’s Dress A Live Doll: The program pairs volunteers with children whose caregivers need a little extra help in making their holidays special.
• Stuff-A-Bus/Toys for Tots: The Stuff-A-Bus has been a Cape Cod holiday tradition since 1996. All toys and money collected go to the Marines’ Toys for Toys program and stay on Cape Cod.

2021 #PayItForward Additional Awardees:

• A.L.S. Family Charitable Foundation
• Alzheimer’s Family Support Center
• Cape Abilities
• Cape & Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition 
• Cape and Islands United Way
• Cape Cod Art Center
• Cape Cod Brite Lights
• Cape Cod Center for the Arts
• Cape Cod Foundation
• Cape Cod Veterans
• Children’s Cove
• CHIP’s House
• Falmouth Military Support Group
• Habitat for Humanity Cape Cod
• Helping Our Women
• Homeless Prevention Council
• Independence House
• Kennedy Donovan Center
• NAMI
• Robert A. Cooke Memorial Scholarship Fund
• Soup Kitchen in Provincetown
• WE CAN
• Wild Care

For the eighth consecutive year, The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod supported local food pantries for Giving Tuesday 2021. The Coop will donate $10,000 to 10 local pantries serving communities from Falmouth to Provincetown.

“Through the generosity of our communities, local food pantries have been able to respond to the increased demand for service during the pandemic,” said Lisa Oliver, Chair, President and CEO of The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod. “During the past 20 months, a spotlight was placed on our vulnerable neighbors living paycheck to paycheck in a region with high housing and cost of living expenses. We are fortunate to have a vibrant nonprofit and volunteer network on Cape Cod focused on mitigating food insecurity, and The Coop is proud to support them now and in the future.”

The pantries receiving donations are Cape Cod Family Table Collaborative; Cape Cod Military Support Empowerment Center on Joint Base Cape Cod; Falmouth Service Center; Hands of Hope Community Outreach Center and Food Pantry; Helping Our Women; Lower Cape Outreach Council; Sandwich Food Pantry; SKIP Food Pantry; The Family Pantry of Cape Cod; and Yarmouth Food Pantry. Each beneficiary will receive a donation of $1,000.

Giving Tuesday was established in 2012 as a dedicated day during the holiday season to encourage people to do good. Over the past nine years, Giving Tuesday has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity.