Hooper Fund Grant Program

Hooper Fund Grant Program

Funder: Hooper Fund for Manchester Children Inc

Geographic Scope: Manchester and Essex communities, Cape Ann, MA, US

Mission: To promote after school and summer educational and recreational programs for children in the community.

Background

The Hooper Fund was established in December 2000 to honor the memory of Robert Nelson Hooper, an eighth-generation Manchester native. Bob Hooper was devoted to the welfare of children in the community and was actively involved with the School Committee, Boys Scouts, sailing, skiing, and Little League.

Funding Focus Areas

• Academic and Artistic Programs: Student Coalition Against Racism, MERHS Math Team, MERHS Robotics Team, MERHS Speaker Series, MERHS Science Team, MERHS Speech and Debate Team, MERHS Drama Club, MERHS United Nations Club, MERHS STEAM Showcase, MERHS World Trade Visit
• Educational Programs: Summerstage Community Read Program, M/E Middle + High School Library Programs, Essex Elementary School Library Program, Manchester Children's Public Library programs, Manchester Historical Museum's Children's Program
• Sports and Leisure Programs: M/E Softball, M/E Youth Soccer, M/E Little League, M/E Girls and Boys Travel Basketball, M/E Junior Hornets Football, Manchester Sailing Association, Essex Bay Sailing Club, Cape Ann Girls and Boys Lacrosse, Manchester by the Sea Fishing Tournament, M/E Winter Track Program, M/E Middle School Hockey Program, MERHS Pickle Ball Club, MERHS Athletics
• Community Programs: Pan Mass North Shore Kids Ride, Manchester Police Comfort Dog, Sustainability Fair, Manchester-Essex Green Team, Manchester Parks and Recreation After School and Summer Programs, Girls and Boys Scouting Troops, Manchester–Essex Bicycle Pedestrian Committee, Memorial Park Improvement Project, Music in the Park, Essex Elementary Edible Garden
• Scholarships: Magic Years Nursery School Scholarship Fund

What They Fund

• Scholarship programs
• Youth activities and enrichment
• Library program enhancements
• Athletic and recreational equipment
• Educational speaker series
• Concerts and performances in the park
• "Seed" money for new programs for children

Eligibility

• School programs must be signed by school administrator
• Programs serving Manchester and Essex communities
• After school and summer programs

Award Timeline

• Application Period: January 1 - May 1
• Review Period: June (Directors meet to discuss requests)
• Awards Distribution: June
• Funding Source: Awards based primarily on gifts received during the year; annual community appeal in November

Contact Information

The Hooper Fund PO Box 544 Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944

Directors:

Anne Kneisel (Founding Director)

Abby Considine

Tyler Kneisel

Robert Fulford

Robert Garlitz

Lynda Surdam

Muffin Driscoll

Sue Kent

Adam Scott