Giving Guidelines
The Social Service League of Cohasset identifies and assists the most needy and least served people of all ages within our surrounding communities. We create, develop and support programs that directly help those in need through generous donations and educational programs that we believe have a positive and beneficial impact.
Philanthropic Mission
We are committed to having a meaningful impact on the 5 communities we serve (Cohasset, Hingham, Hull, Norwell and Scituate) through our philanthropic efforts.
Our primary areas of focus are:
- Elder Service Programs
- Teen Safety Programs
- Families in Crisis
We provide funding via two sources.
Mary Hooper Fund: The Mary Hooper Fund provides assistance to the elderly, with an emphasis on helping them to remain in their homes.
Social Service League Grants: These local grants address the most needy in our communities, with an emphasis on teen programs and families in crisis.
We have three ways of providing support:
- Community Partners ($10,000 +)
The League has a Community Partner Program which provides annual funding to organizations deemed to fit squarely into our mission. This is generally a long-term partnership that allows us to make an impact on a given community or need. Partnerships are reviewed annually, based on available funding and assessment of partner impact.
- Local Grants ($500 - $9,999)
Working with community leaders, the Social Service League directs the majority of our giving through Local Grants that address pressing needs in our areas of focus. Grants are accepted on a rolling basis and awarded twice annually (May and December). Organizations must fill out a grant application for funding consideration, and though grant requests may vary, to be considered an organization must serve at least one of our core communities and at least one of our areas of focus. The Social Service League Grant Committee will review all grant requests and make recommendations for the entire board to vote on semi-annually.
Download Local Grant Application .pdf>
- Emergency Assistance (up to $500)
We recognize that the people we serve may at times need immediate assistance that does not fall within the structure of a grant process. We do occasionally accept requests for assistance of under $500 on an ad hoc basis. These requests must fall within the same funding guidelines as our grants (communities served and areas of focus). We will consider a limited number of Emergency Assistance requests within each 60-day period. Emergency Assistance requests may be made of a Board Member and require approval of the Board President and Treasurer.
In all instances, the Social Service League of Cohasset provides financial support to qualified non-profit organizations operating within our five designated South Shore communities. We fund programs that provide direct assistance to people in need and within these communities.