Photo/Anna Miller -Tufts University
Grafton – Three local community organizations have been awarded nearly $3,000 in grants from the Tufts Neighborhood Service Fund (TNSF). The TNSF collects donations from faculty and staff at Tufts University throughout the year and then awards small grants to community-based, charitable organizations that serve Tufts’ host communities.
The three Grafton grant recipients are: Community Harvest, $500 for irrigation improvements; the Grafton Senior Center, $500 for medical van rides for Grafton seniors and disabled persons; and St. James Outreach, $2,000 for food and services to assist residents in need.
“The TNSF is just one way that Tufts University partners with nonprofit organizations in our host communities,” said Rocco Dirico, co-director of Tufts’ Government and Community Relations office.
“Every year, we are more and more impressed by the work done by these not-for-profit groups and what they are able to accomplish with the donations they receive,” added fellow co-director Barbara Rubel. “It’s really a privilege to support TNSF.”
For an organization to be considered, Tufts community members must actively volunteer with the organization. In this way, TNSF supports not only community organizations but also the work of the many Tufts students, staff, faculty, and alumni who volunteer with them.
A committee comprised of Tufts administrators, faculty and staff meets annually to review proposals and select grant recipients. Members of the TNSF committee base their decisions on a desire to address the most pressing needs in the communities and to encourage expanded involvement of Tufts volunteers.
Questions regarding the Tufts Neighborhood Service Fund can be directed to the Office of Government and Community Relations at Tufts University online or by phone at 617-627-3780.
