Non-Profit and Community Recipients to be Celebrated at CACF’s June 17 Event
The Cape Ann Community Foundation (CACF) announced the recipients of its 2026 grants, selecting seven organizations serving a variety of groups across Greater Cape Ann.
The Cape Ann Community Foundation – a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization established in 2015 by the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce – manages and awards grants from the proceeds from sales of the Cape Ann License Plate. CACF makes grants for projects that support the Foundation’s mission to improve the economy and overall quality of life for the residents of Greater Cape Ann.
The 2026 grant recipients address a variety of community needs including food insecurity, cultural awareness, support for seniors, at-need students and at-risk youths.
The 2026 grant recipients are:
100Trees – the CACF grant will be used to maintain new street trees planted by this grassroots organization along Washington Street in Gloucester
Acord Food Pantry – the CACF grant will be used to continue a “mobile mart” in Essex at the Council on Aging, providing food to seniors and individuals living in affordable housing who have transportation barriers
Chabad Cape Ann – the CACF grant will be used to cover programming costs for the Cape Ann Jewish Cultural Festival, a free community event that brings together people from across Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, and Manchester-by-the-Sea for an afternoon of music, art, food, and shared cultural experiences
The Cornerstone Creative – the CACF grant will help The Cornerstone Creative expand its mentorship and woodworking programs, providing local youth with hands-on skill building, supportive mentorship, and opportunities for personal and professional growth in a safe and creative environment
First R Foundation – the CACF grant would help First R purchase books for kindergarten and first-grade students in Gloucester and Rockport during the 2026/2027 academic year
Kinship Farm – the CACF grant will be used to sustain and expand the organization’s Grow Food for Good program, which plays a critical role in addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable agriculture for underserved members in Ipswich and other Greater Cape Ann communities Friends of Manchester-by-the-Sea Council on Aging – the CACF grant will be used to support the organization’s all- voluntary Coffee and Conversation Program, providing beverages, snacks, supplies, guest speakers and other programs for seniors in Manchester
These grant recipients will be celebrated at the Foundation’s third annual Candlepins for a Cause event at Cape Ann Lanes on June 17. They will be joined by past CACF grant recipients and friends of the Foundation to spotlight CACF support for community organizations and programs and promote adoption of the Cape Ann License Plates. The sale of Cape Ann license plates makes the Foundation grants possible.
Anyone interested in fielding a team can do so with a $240 donation. There are also Silver and Bronze sponsorship levels available as seen on our website LoveCapeAnn.com. Individual bowlers can participate with a $40 donation to the Foundation. Those who would like to attend the event and cheer on the bowlers – and support the Foundation – are asked to make a $25 donation.
Bowlers and other attendees can register by clicking on the event link on the Foundation’s www.lovecapeann.com website.
“The funds we raise with Candlepins for a Cause – together with the revenue from Cape Ann license plate sales – will help us continue to support our region’s non-profit and civic organizations,” said CACF Co-Chair Britta Cahoon.
“Candlepins for a Cause is a great way to show our support for the non-profit organizations that serve Greater Cape Ann, and the Cape Ann license plates are a great way to show our love for our community,” said Tony Sapienza, CACF Co-Chair.
To learn more about the Foundation, the Cape Ann license plate, and the organizations supported by CACF grants, visit the Foundation website at www.lovecapeann.com.
Good Morning Gloucester 