Above: In 2012, kid-sized outdoor basketball courts were added to Woodward thanks in large part to the Choate Fund. Trustees are seeking proposals for this year’s grant. (contributed photo)
Have a public recreation project you think deserves funding? Applications for Choate Fund Recreation Grants are now being accepted for 2018.
Over 100 years ago, a Southborough’s Charles F. Choate established a fund to benefit the town. He wanted his estate to support recreation projects, particularly for young people.
The fund continues to give, these days through annual grants decided upon by the heads of Southborough’s main school systems: public schools, St. Mark’s School, and Fay School.
Approximately $4,500 is available in this year’s fund.
Here are the details:
- The grants are restricted to public recreation capital projects (not operating costs).
- Applications should include: 1) a brief statement of purpose; 2) a proposed budget; and 3) a description of the intended beneficiaries.
- Completed paperwork should be submitted by April 30th to: John C. Warren, Head of School, St. Mark’s School, 25 Marlboro Road, Southborough, MA 01772.
Proposals will be reviewed by the Choate Fund Trustees*. They hope to make their final decision by May 31, 2019.
Past grants have funding includes support for the 9/11 Memorial Field, clearing of walking trails, an after-school field hockey program, outdoor activity areas for Woodward and Finn Schools, and lighting improvements at the Choate facility for the baseball diamond and soccer fields in front of Woodward.
*Choate Fund Trustees are currently: Superintendent of Schools, Southborough and Northborough, Christine Johnson; Head of School, St. Mark’s School, John Warren; and Head of Fay School, Robert Gustavson.
Update (4/3/19 7:51 am): I was curious about what grant was funded through last year’s award. I heard back that about $4,000 was awarded for a project by a Boy Scout and Southborough resident to construct a roof for the outdoor performance stage on Neary campus.
