The Art of Giving
Dear Friends,
Through the Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation, we continue to invest in initiatives that strengthen life across the Island and Falmouth. Community enrichment remains a central focus of our giving, encompassing education, housing, and other programs that support our neighbors.
Highlights include a $250,000 award to the YMCA of Cape Cod to expand access to early childhood education and community wellness programs, and a $200,000 grant to Chilmark Preschool to help build the school’s new home. Additional funding supported local nonprofits, educators, students, and animal welfare organizations.
These efforts reflect our shared commitment to building vibrant communities through collaboration, compassion, and long-term vision. Thank you for being part of this work and for joining us this evening in recognition of those who make it possible.
Warm regards,
James M. Anthony President & CEO
Martha’s Vineyard Bank
Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation
Created in 2019 to mark Martha’s Vineyard Bank’s 110th anniversary, the Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation launched with a $1 million commitment to serve the community. That commitment has grown to $9.3 million over the six years since inception. Today, the Foundation continues to support impactful nonprofits and local initiatives that foster social progress and economic vitality.
Our Mission
Inspired by the fabric of our communities, the Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation supports nonprofits that enhance the lives of those we serve.
GRANTS & DONATIONS
$636,640 EMPLOYEE & TRUSTEE DIRECTED DONATIONS
$1,016,840
SPONSORSHIPS
$166,200
$128,000
SCHOLARSHIPS
$86,000
“Our goal every year is to channel resources into ideas and programs that not only serve, but also grow stronger roots here. That’s why we invest in people, places, and purpose.”
Jennifer Ray, Community Engagement Director Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation
$250,000
The YMCA of Cape Cod is planning a new facility in Falmouth that will expand access to educational, wellness, and youth-development programs. This grant will support the capital campaign to build a space that fosters learning, connection, and community growth.
Through this initiative, the YMCA strengthens its capacity to support children, families, and residents across the region while deepening its role as a cornerstone for community well-being.
YMCA CAPE COD YMCA CAPE COD
CHILMARK PRESCHOOL
$200,000
Chilmark Preschool provides a nurturing environment where children learn through exploration and creative expression. This grant supports the school’s $4.6 million capital campaign to build an energy-efficient facility with expanded classroom space for the growing student population.
FALMOUTH SERVICE CENTER
$20,000
The Falmouth Service Center helps reduce hunger and housing insecurity by providing access to food, resources, and support services. Current expansion plans include new office space for community partners and a clothing room, allowing agencies such as MassHealth and SNAP to resume on-site assistance. These efforts promote stability and resilience for Falmouth residents in need.
Photo by Maria Thibodeau
BELONGING TO EACH OTHER
$10,000
Through transitional housing and dedicated year-round support, Belonging to Each Other helps unhoused adults in Falmouth regain safety and independence. This year’s matching grant supports expanded programs for elder residents, offering housing and compassionate services that provide comfort and security.
$10,000
Dedicated to expanding access to affordable homes, Falmouth Housing Trust creates pathways to housing stability for local residents. This year’s $10,000 matching sponsorship supports the Building Dreams in Falmouth event, which raises funds to develop and preserve housing opportunities within the community.
HOUSING ASSISTANCE
$10,000
Housing Assistance Corporation works to prevent homelessness and expand access to safe, stable housing across Cape Cod and the Islands. This year’s grant supports the Falmouth Homeless Prevention Program, helping residents remain housed and assisting those without homes in finding long-term stability.
PENIKESE ISLAND SCHOOL
$8,000
Through immersive, STEAM-focused programs, Penikese Island School connects students with the natural world. This grant will support the Discovery Days program, a hands-on, environmental education initiative that uses Penikese Island’s natural setting as a classroom.
FRIENDS OF NOBSKA LIGHT
As part of a multi-year capital initiative, the funding awarded in 2024 is now being put to work building a permanent maritime museum and supporting year-round educational programming. This investment helps preserve Nobska Lighthouse Station, enrich the visitor experience, and share the region’s maritime heritage with future generations.
HARBOR HOMES OF MARTHA’S VINEYARD
Harbor Homes of MV provides year-round shelter and supportive services, focusing on acquiring properties that offer transitional residences and pathways to independence for individuals and families in need. This grant supports the congregate housing and homeless prevention program, which pairs secure living spaces with essential skills training.
ISLAND HOUSING TRUST
Part of a multi-project initiative launched in 2022, this funding supports the Takenash Knoll housing development, now underway in Oak Bluffs. The project will deliver 60 year-round rental apartments in a sustainable, all-electric complex complete with open space, a community building, and passive house design elements.
Amy Heil
Working toward her Master of Education in Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement at Merrimack College, Amy is building on her experience as a Head Start home visitor with Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, where she has supported children and families since 2017. Her scholarship covers one semester of study and advances her focus on youth mentorship and community-based programs.
Carmen Creanga
While pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at William James College, Carmen also works as a counselor to students at Edgartown School, guiding their social-emotional development. The scholarship covers one semester of study, enabling her to strengthen the Island’s mental health resources through multilingual, culturally responsive care.
Falmouth Recipients
Deneb Laundre Lehigh University
Mairead “Maggie” McManamon American University
Martha’s Vineyard Recipients
Annabelle Metell
UMASS Amherst
Malika Khelalfa American University
William Thornton
UMASS Amherst
Jonathan Cardoso Wentworth Institute of Technology
The Ronald H. Rappaport Scholar Fund
Established in 2024 by the Rappaport family and the Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation, the Ronald H. Rappaport Scholar Fund celebrates Ron’s lifelong dedication to the Island community. We look forward to announcing the first recipient in 2026, continuing his legacy of leadership and service.
Sandy Paws Rescue is a volunteer-run operation that rescues and rehomes dogs and cats in need, providing medical care, spay and neuter services, and foster placements until permanent homes are found. Their mission is to give every pet a second chance at health, safety, and love.
Farming Falmouth strengthens the local food system through farmland preservation, community gardens, and education programs that expand access to fresh, healthy food. They also provide locally grown produce to community food banks and the Falmouth Service Center.
Since 1983, MVYRADIO has operated as an independent, listener-supported station that reflects the Vineyard’s voice through music, news, and culture, enriching local life through summer concerts and its extensive archive of live performances.
Sunny Paws Rescue gives homeless and abandoned dogs a path to safety through foster care and adoption. Run by volunteers, the organization provides medical treatment and support to prepare each dog for a loving home. This grant helps sustain their ongoing efforts statewide.
EVENT SPONSORSHIPS
The Foundation awarded $166,200 in event sponsorships to 47 organizations across Martha’s Vineyard and Falmouth. These included a 5K run and a golf tournament that benefited Hospice & Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard, and Sail MV’s Annual Seafood Buffet & Auction, which supports maritime education and youth sailing programs.
Recipients & Their Projects
Susan Adamo: Bridge Unit Tisbury School
Fallon Aiello: Cooking 101 West Tisbury School
Chris Baer: A Closer Look at Vineyard Wildlife
Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School
John Cabral: Jammin with the Pans West Tisbury School
Mary Lee Carlomagno: Explorations in Engineering /Math
Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School
Michael Irving: The Regal Seaglettes North Falmouth School
Christy Castleberry: What Do I Need To Learn Best?
North Falmouth School
Sandra Dawley: Building Strong Readers: Providing Decodable Readers Oak Bluffs School
Sylvana Dole: Tiny Houses
Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School
Christine Ferrone: The Art of Well-Being Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School
Gail Gardner: Technology, Coding, and Robotics Edgartown School
Benjamin Hughes: Rock the Rock Recording Studio Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School
EMPLOYEE & TRUSTEE GIVING
With 100% participation, 118 employees and 10 trustees donated $128,000 to 75 organizations, 62 on Martha’s Vineyard and 13 in Falmouth. Recipients included the Island Autism Group and Angel Flight NE, reflecting a commitment to diverse causes spanning health services, youth programs, housing, animal welfare, and community development.
Sarah Karlinsky: Reading Under the Stars West Tisbury School
Tonya Katz: Flexible Seating Oak Bluffs School
Alicia Knight: Makers Bloom: A Seed Edgartown School
Jeffrey Majkowski: Mini-Robotics Trailblazers West Tisbury School
Moiria Mercier: Special Education Tisbury School
Kim O’Callaghan: Kangaroo Math Enrichment Program Oak Bluffs School
Andrew O’Sullivan: Inclusive Play and Skill Development Falmouth School
Bob Porto: Engineering Capstone Competitions Lawrence School
Nichole Shank: SPARK Enrichment Project Edgartown School
Jane Taylor: Health Education Tisbury School
Sarah Vail: Family & Consumer Science Edgartown School
Thank You
Our sincere thanks to Camp Jabberwocky for hosting us and to everyone whose contributions and community spirit continue to make this event a success.
