The Community Chest of Port Washington announced Friday that it will award a total of $325,000 in grants to 28 local charities in 2019.
“There is so much need in our community and we are pleased to be able to help these charities that serve the people of Port Washington,” Michael Cooperman, the organization’s budget and allocation co-chair, said in a statement. “Without the funding from Community Chest, many of these organizations would be having a really hard time providing services to their clients.”
The grants cover a variety of programs for Port residents, ranging in age from toddlers to seniors. Local organizations submitted an application for a grant in March; the Community Chest then interviewed the organizations to discuss program narratives, budgets and evaluation plans. The Community Chest’s Budget and Allocations Committee also reviews audit reports, tax returns, board lists and financial statements of the applicants to ensure they will follow through on the proposed programs.
Six organizations received funding for a specific program. Grassroots Environmental Education received funding for its Dodge Farm, a historic landmark maintained by the organization where vegetables are grown for the local food bank and the Port Washington Organic Farmer’s Market. The Hellen Keller National Center in Sands Point received a grant for the Destiny Home, a community residence for people with combined vision and hearing loss as well as intellectual disabilities.
The Port Washington Community Action Council received a grant for its college tour program, as did the Twin Pines Charitable Thrift Shop for its financial literacy program. The Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence and PW Parent Resource Center’s Outreach Program also received funding.
Nine organizations received grants to fund scholarships for youth sports teams, child care, and college. The charities included the Community Scholarship Fund of Port Washington; Girl Scouts of Nassau County; Landmark on Main Street Inc; Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation; Port Washington Boy Scouts; Port Washington Children’s Center; Port Washington Police Athletic League; Port Washington Soccer Club and Port Youth Activities.
Finally, 13 organizations received funding for general operations. These charities were Child Abuse Prevention Services; Littig House Community Center; Manhasset Coalition Against Breast Cancer; Port Summer Show; Port Washington Senior Center; North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center; Plant a Row for the Hungry Port Washington; Port Counseling Center, a Division of Long Beach Reach; Port Rowing; Port Washington Youth Council; Senior Community Center/EAC Inc., Spectrum Designs Foundation and the Safe Center LI.
Community Chest Executive Director Julie Meer Harnick thanked the donors who made these grants possible and encouraged others to help if they could.
“Given the anguish, mental health and drug epidemics and financial insecurity in our community, it is more important than ever to donate to the Community Chest,” she said in a statement. “With one donation, you are supporting many charities and thousands of people in Port.”
Port residents can go to portchest.org for more information or to make a donation.
Reach reporter Luke Torrance by email at ltorrance@theislandnow.com, by phone at 516-307-1045, ext. 214, or follow him on Twitter @LukeATorrance.
