Anthony F. Cordeiro Foundation Awards $19,400 in Grants to Support Critical Community Needs in Southeastern Massachusetts

The Anthony F. Cordeiro Charitable Foundation has awarded $19,400 in grants to five nonprofit organizations serving Southeastern Massachusetts, continuing its commitment to supporting essential community resources. This latest funding round addresses critical needs including emergency relief, food security, and mental health services for vulnerable populations.

Two organizations received $2,500 each to support fire relief efforts at Gabriel House. The United Way of Greater Fall River is providing comprehensive program support including Red Cross response coordination and mental health services for affected residents. Simultaneously, the Firefighter Wives Association is offering direct individual assistance, providing clothing, food, and personal items to those displaced by the tragedy.

The Veterans Association of Bristol County was awarded $5,000 to ensure three months of uninterrupted food security through their Food Pantry program. This critical funding supports the distribution of 20,000 pounds of food monthly to over 500 veterans and their families. The grant will also sustain the Harvest for Heroes program, ensuring fresh produce is included in monthly food distributions to promote nutritional health among veteran households.

Gnome Surf received $4,900 to purchase specialized equipment for their virtual SurFit Social-Emotional Wellness Program. This innovative program serves neurodivergent, physically disabled, and medically complex youth who cannot access traditional in-person programming. Through interactive remote sessions, participants learn mindfulness techniques, movement-based emotional regulation, and connection skills that support their overall wellbeing and social development.

Community Connections, Inc. was granted $4,500 to fund a free, 6-week outdoor yoga and mindfulness series designed to serve 50-100 participants in Fall River. The program specifically targets individuals experiencing social isolation, limited access to wellness resources, or various physical and mental health challenges. The series aims to reduce stress, foster community connection, and promote overall wellbeing through gentle yoga and meditation sessions conducted in accessible outdoor settings.

Funding for these grants originates from individual donations and proceeds from the foundation's annual events, including the 20th Annual Golf Invitational held at https://www.lakeofisles.com. The foundation has distributed over $275,000 to local organizations since 2018, demonstrating sustained commitment to addressing community needs throughout Southeastern Massachusetts.

Applications remain open for the foundation's second round of 2025 funding, with guidelines and materials available for download at https://www.afcfoundation.org/apply. Nonprofit organizations in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island whose missions align with the foundation's community support goals are encouraged to apply before the December 31, 2025 deadline.