Above: Over the years, the Choate Grant has supported many recreation projects in Southborough (including a Cozy Cocoon and AEDs last year). If you have a project you’d like to see funded, now is the time to act. (images cropped from photos previously contributed or posted to Facebook by past grant recipients or grant administrators)
Have a public recreation project you think deserves funding? The Choate Fund Trustees are looking for applicants for this year’s round of awards.
Over 100 years ago, 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 $5,000 is available in this year’s fund.
The grants can’t be used for operating costs. (The application indicates awards should be to use for capital costs. But last year’s grants covered use for contracted services for events.)
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 31st.
Last year, funds were both granted to the Southborough Recreation Department, split between:
- A spinning “Cozy Cocoon” installed at Fayville Playground.
- AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) installed at recreation fields around town.
In past years, grants have supported a wide range of recreation, including basketball hoops, outdoor chess, piloting a youth Rugby team, resources for Town Trails, and much more.
*Choate Fund Trustees are currently: Superintendent of Schools, Southborough and Northborough, Gregory Martineau; Head of School, St. Mark’s School, John Warren; and Head of Fay School, Robert Gustavson.
