The Art of Giving
2024 ANNUAL CELEBRATION
Dear Friends,
At Martha’s Vineyard Bank, we’re very proud to allocate a substantial portion of our annual earnings to our community through grants and scholarships, all of which are administered by the Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation. In collaboration with local nonprofits and community organizations, we aim to address pressing social and economic challenges and invite our customers to participate through our Community Impact Grants.
We are excited to see several grants from previous years coming to fruition this year and next. Notably, the Island Grown Initiative will unveil its new food pantry this fall, while the Island Health Care Dental Center is set to open this winter. Additionally, the Island Housing Trust’s Meshacket Commons will break ground in the upcoming months, and the Falmouth Service Center has acquired new refrigeration and warehouse equipment to enhance its food pantry services.
Tonight, we celebrate those who help make our community such a unique and vibrant place. Thank you for joining us in our collective mission to foster a brighter future for all.
James M. Anthony President & CEO, Martha’s Vineyard Bank
Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation
Launched in 2019, in recognition of Martha’s Vineyard Bank’s 110 th anniversary, Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation began with an initial donation of one million dollars. Since then, the foundation has focused on supporting high-impact nonprofit organizations and community service initiatives that enhance local societal and economic development.
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.
HONORING A LEGACY: The Ronald H. Rappaport Scholar Fund
To honor Ronald H. Rappaport’s exemplary leadership and devotion to civic life, the Rappaport family, in partnership with Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation, has created the Ronald H. Rappaport Scholar Fund. This award serves as a tribute to the tremendous influence Ron had and as a symbol of gratitude for his many years of service. More details will be announced in the coming months.
Ron’s death in June 2024 was a profound loss for both Martha’s Vineyard Bank and the Island. A distinguished attorney and community pillar, he dedicated over 50 years to enriching lives. His 22 years on the Bank’s Board of Trustees were marked by prudent financial governance and a deep commitment to the well-being of others. Through his strategic leadership and compassionate outreach, Ron helped shape a future where growth and prosperity can thrive together. Ron’s legacy will inspire and guide us, as the values he embodied and the vision he established will continue to resonate within all of us.
Photo courtesy of Jeanna Shepard
this fund.
PHILIP J. NORTON, JR. SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Taynara
Goncalves,
student at UMass Chan Medical School
This scholarship fund was established with an initial contribution of $250,000 to honor Philip J. Norton, Jr., whose distinguished credentials include serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Martha’s Vineyard Bank, Dukes County Commissioner, and Edgartown Moderator for 43 years.
This year’s recipient is Taynara Goncalves, a Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School graduate currently working toward a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at the UMass Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing. Taynara is dedicated to promoting equitable access and care for all patients, regardless of ethnicity, race, or social class. This scholarship, totaling $12,500, is helping her achieve her goals.
“Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation was created with the goal of giving back in ways that make our communities more prosperous and sustainable. Whether it’s addressing food insecurity and affordable housing or supporting cultural and environmental causes that matter to the people we serve, we are proud to be able to say we are making a difference.”
Jennifer Ray, Community Engagement Director Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation
FOUNDATION GRANTS
EVENT SPONSORSHIPS
$152,000 awarded to 50 local nonprofit organizations serving Martha’s Vineyard and Falmouth.
BANK EMPLOYEE SUPPORT
Through employee-directed and trustee-directed contributions, a total of $130,250 was donated to a wide range of 501(c)(3) organizations servicing Martha’s Vineyard and Falmouth.
Monthly and Quarterly Grants
$1,895,223 awarded to 116 local nonprofit organizations serving Martha’s Vineyard and Falmouth.
Community Impact Grants
A total of $20,000 awarded to four local nonprofits: Friends of Nobska Light, Wellstrong, Island Grown Initiative, and MV Film Society.
Art of Teaching Grants
$20,000 in total ($15,000 for Martha’s Vineyard teachers, $5,000 for Falmouth teachers) distributed in amounts up to $1,500 and awarded to 26 local public-school teachers. These grants support educational enrichment outside the basic curriculum and show that even small gifts can have a big impact.
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
College Scholarships
$73,500 total awarded to four high school seniors from Martha’s Vineyard and two from Falmouth.
$250,000 Philip J. Norton, Jr. Scholarship
$12,500 awarded to Taynara Goncalves to support her goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner.
FRIENDS OF NOBSKA LIGHT
$100,000
for maritime museum and educational programming
Friends of Nobska Light is committed to saving, restoring, and preserving Nobska Light Station, a beloved Cape Cod landmark located near the division between Buzzards Bay, Nantucket Sound, and Vineyard Sound. They aim to enhance the visitor experience with a maritime museum and to share Nobska’s rich history with future generations.
This grant money will go toward educational programming throughout the year and the longawaited permanent home for the maritime museum.
Photo courtesy of Gregg Squeglia, via
ISLAND GROWN INITIATIVE
$1 million for new food pantry opening this fall
Island Grown Initiative’s (IGI) mission is to build a regenerative and equitable food system with the Martha’s Vineyard community. Since 2006, they have led an innovative, collaborative effort to increase local food production, reduce food waste, promote climate-friendly farming techniques, and expand access to healthy, affordable food.
IGI grows, gleans, cooks, distributes, and provides free food for those who need assistance. They also teach Island children about food from its history and ties to our culture, to how to grow and prepare healthy meals.
This fall they will be opening the new food pantry on Dukes County Ave in Oak Bluffs.
FALMOUTH COMMUNITY VETERANS CENTER
$25,000 for education and technology center
The Falmouth Community Veterans Center opened its doors on Memorial Day 2024. It has since forged strong partnerships with local leaders and volunteers who are integral to its operations. The Center is dedicated to developing programs and outreach initiatives that foster a welcoming environment for all veterans—regardless of branch, service length, era, or location—as well as their family members.
This funding will go toward expanding education and technology services that the Center offers.
FALMOUTH SERVICE CENTER
$22,500 for refrigeration and warehouse equipment
The mission of the Falmouth Service Center (FSC) is to ease stress, reduce hunger, and improve quality of life for neighbors in need. They work to increase self-sufficiency by building networks among clients, neighbors and agencies.
Since 1983, FSC has worked with the community to offer support services, including an extensive food pantry, mobile produce markets, and nutrition education programs. They also offer financial relief to Falmouth residents who need housing assistance or help paying utilities. With over 600 volunteers, FSC is a place for anyone in need of help or wishing to lend a hand.
HOUSING ASSISTANCE CORPORATION
$10,000 to support homelessness
prevention
Housing Assistance is one of the leading developers of affordable housing in the region. They work to increase year-round housing options, empower individuals, and strengthen community connections across Cape Cod and the Islands.
In 2024, they’re celebrating 50 years as a vital part of the community. Founded as a rental voucher agency, today the staff of 120 offers a wide range of services and programs that bridge the gap between homelessness and home ownership. These include rental assistance, financial education, and construction services. Their mission is to strengthen the local economy, support residents of all ages and income levels, and address the root causes of the housing crisis.
BELONGING TO EACH OTHER
$10,000 for transitional housing support
Founded in 2015, Belonging To Each Other (BTEO) provides transitional housing for unhoused adults in Falmouth during the cold weather months, along with year-round housing restoration services.
While some may manage to cope during the summer, the harsh conditions of winter— freezing temperatures, rain, snow, and mud— pose serious challenges for those lacking safe shelter. Without a warm place to stay, individuals struggle to cook meals, bathe, do laundry, or even charge their phones, leaving privacy out of reach. By offering temporary housing, BTEO ensures access to essential amenities, helping their neighbors move toward more permanent housing through comprehensive services.
FALMOUTH HOUSING TRUST
$20,000 for housing development
Falmouth Housing Trust exists to address critical housing needs in Falmouth by developing practical solutions that benefit the community. This includes increasing access to affordable homes and rental options. Activities include acquiring properties and then selling or renting them to qualifying individuals and families, rehabilitating housing, and encouraging employers to create and retain job opportunities.
ISLAND HOUSING TRUST
$100,000 (part of a $250,000 grant) for Meshacket Commons, breaking ground this fall
Island Housing Trust supports a diverse and vital community on the island of Martha’s Vineyard by creating and sustaining permanently affordable rental and ownership housing serving low- and moderate-income residents.
Island Housing Trust will be building 40 affordable units: 36 rental units and 4 units available for purchase. Designed for residents earning 30%-100% of Dukes County AMI for rentals and 90%-120% AMI for homeownership, the neighborhood will have pedestrian and bike access, a community building, recreational areas, and paths connecting to Old Meshacket Road.
ISLAND HEALTH CARE DENTAL CENTER
$25,000 for dental practice opening this winter
The Island Health Care Dental Center is scheduled to open in winter 2024 and will focus on providing accessible dental services to the Vineyard community. The Center will feature four treatment rooms equipped with advanced dental technology, including panoramic X-ray machines for comprehensive diagnostics. They look forward to addressing the Island’s dental care needs and enhancing overall community health, and they are committed to offering inclusive, high-quality care for all Islanders.
OTHER NOTABLE DONATIONS
$21,000 for art education
Featherstone Center for the Arts is a vibrant community art center on Martha’s Vineyard, with year-round education, programs, and experiences for all ages and abilities. Their numerous spaces offer creative outlets for visitors, students, and artists. Their mission is to make art accessible to all.
$17,000 for Adult Language Learners, School for Offseason Survival, and Community Apprenticeship & Mentoring
ACE MV is the Island’s home for lifelong learning, community networking and peer and mentor-based support. By strengthening the Island’s learners and learning resources, they are working toward building a secure, sustainable, and fulfilling future for all Island residents.
$10,000 toward student transportation
Penikese Island School offers kids experiential STEAM-focused educational programming on Penikese Island, a unique, unspoiled natural environment.
$10,000 toward its maintenance fund
The Falmouth Dog Park was created to provide a welcoming, safe, and environmentally-sensitive dog park for use by residents, visitors, and their pets. The dog park is free of charge, open from dawn to dusk, and accessible to all.
$5,000 for preserving and restoring Island water resources
Founded in 1998, Great Pond Foundation specializes in estuary science and restoration, using data to inform pond management. They build strong partnerships with neighbors, fostering learning and sharing tools to keep the coastal waters of Martha’s Vineyard clean and healthy.
$5,000 for scholarships to Island students
Misty provides unique, magical experiences where people connect with horses and themselves on a deeper level. They work with students to understand their emotional, physical, and mental needs in order to improve their health and wellness.
A Note of Gratitude
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Camp Jabberwocky for generously allowing us to use their space for this evening’s event, St. Augustine’s Church for opening their parking lot to us, and to all the community members and organizations for their ongoing support and dedication.