SouthCoast Community Foundation

"Change doesn't always come from sweeping reforms—though those are vital. Sometimes, it starts with a focus on one small action for one person, the next, and the next. We can make a difference in that moment. It might be for one person, in one moment, but that moment could change their world—and yours. So today, I leave you with this: don't let an opportunity to make a difference pass you by. When your time comes…do something. That is how we keep Dr. King's legacy alive." – SCCF President Dr. Melanie Edwards Tavares at the City of New Bedford's MLK Celebration “Yesterday, I had the honor of serving as the keynote speaker at the City of New Bedford’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. The event was a moving tribute where we heard from our city leaders and celebrated the remarkable creativity of our local students as they beautifully captured Dr. King's enduring legacy. Hearing from our incredibly talented local musicians also reminded me of the critical role the arts played in the civil rights movement—inspiring change, fostering unity, and giving voice to the struggle for justice. I was deeply inspired by these contributions, which underscored how young people and artists alike took bold leadership and often risked their lives to advance equality. “I want to take a moment to thank the committee members who did a superb job organizing this event and bringing our city together in such a meaningful way. Their efforts made this celebration a truly powerful and unifying experience.” – Dr. Melanie Edwards-Tavares More on SCCF's commitment to Dr. King's values to strengthen community and advance equity: https://lnkd.in/eQxS-GT4

Would you like to make a difference in the lives of young people in our region? By volunteering to read and rate our scholarship applications, you can help someone to achieve their dreams! It's volunteerism that can be done from the comfort of your own home, and over the course of several weeks. Click for details and to sign up: https://lnkd.in/eF_QHmVs

There's just one week left to complete your scholarship application! We have $800K in scholarships, including ones for: - Adult learners returning to school - Specialized career paths, like nursing, engineering, business and many others! - Town/city-specific, including Plymouth, Carver, Somerset, Wareham, New Bedford, Fall River, and more! The app takes less than hour - start now! https://lnkd.in/evgmrZJP And, don't miss the Zoom info session on Tuesday at 5 pm - bring your questions! (register at link above)

🎓 Attention SE Mass students! Don't miss out on the chance to fund your future. Apply for our scholarships before the deadline - 11:59 pm on January 21st! ⭐ So many scholarships, just for southeastern MA students - New Bedford, Fall River, Plymouth, Wareham, Taunton, Somerset and more! Apply now: https://lnkd.in/evgmrZJP #NewBedford #Fallriver #somersetma #fairhavenma #plymouthma

We're proud to manage charitable funds, like Senator Rodrigues Community Empowerment Fund, that support great work being done right here in our communities!

Why give to the Community Foundation Annual Fund? “I believe in the transformative power of the arts to inspire and uplift individuals and communities. The SouthCoast Community Foundation’s dedication to supporting youth arts programs and emerging arts organizations ensures that creativity continues to thrive across our region. By contributing to the Community Foundation, I’m investing in a more vibrant, culturally rich South Coast, and I hope others will join me in supporting this work.” - Eve Rounds, SCCF Arts & Culture Committee Member All gifts to the Annual Fund will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $40,000 through December 31st! Make a gift today: https://lnkd.in/eSqKKHgc

A special message from SouthCoast Community Foundation President, Dr. Melanie Edwards-Tavares. We hope you'll consider a gift to our Annual Fund this year, which will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $40,000 through Dec. 31st! https://lnkd.in/eSqKKHgc

Why give to the Community Foundation Annual Fund? “I’m proud to support the vital work of the Community Foundation. The Foundation has helped me to understand the nonprofit landscape, where the needs are, and how we can collectively make a difference. The Foundation serves as a community leader and convener, building connections and amplifying resources that strengthen our entire region. I hope my gift inspires others to join in building a more vibrant, thriving South Coast.” - Jonathan Rounds, SCCF Board Member All gifts to the annual fund will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $40,000 through December 31st! Make a gift today: https://lnkd.in/eSqKKHgc

When you give to the SouthCoast Community Foundation’s Annual Fund, you’re not just supporting us—you’re uplifting the entire network of nonprofits we partner with, like the ROADS cohort of arts organizations that we serve with capacity-building support. New Bedford Art Museum/ArtWorks!, part of the ROADS cohort, is reaching young people with their artMOBILE and delivering expert guidance and art kits to thousands of children and families in local housing developments, schools, public parks, community centers and more. Your gift to the SouthCoast Community Foundation Annual Fund strengthens the ROADS program, allowing us to continue investing in organizations that change lives every day. And, right now, your gift is being matched by a generous donor, dollar for dollar up to $40K, through December 31st! Join us: https://lnkd.in/eSqKKHgc Photo courtesy New Bedford Art Museum

🌟 Supporting the SouthCoast together 🌟 When you give to the SouthCoast Community Foundation’s Annual Fund, you’re not just supporting us—you’re uplifting the entire network of nonprofits we partner with, like the ROADS cohort of arts organizations that we serve with capacity-building support. 🎭 New Bedford Festival Theatre, part of the ROADS cohort, is making a difference by providing equitable, tuition-free theatre education programs to youth in our region. Through our grants, technical support and collaboration, we’re proud to amplify their incredible work across the South Coast! Your gift to the SouthCoast Community Foundation Annual Fund strengthens these connections, allowing us to continue investing in organizations that change lives every day. ➡️ And, right now, your gift is being matched by a generous donor, dollar for dollar up to $40K, through December 31st! Join us: https://lnkd.in/eSqKKHgc Watch for more nonprofit partner spotlights throughout December! Photo courtesy New Bedford Festival Theatre