Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

$225K grant to help PJB fund programs, pay bills

Project Just Because president Cherylann Lambert Walsh (left) and executive director Shana Adams show off a sign announcing the nonprofit recently was awarded a Cummings Foundation grant. PHOTO/COURTESY SHANA ADAMS

A large grant from the Cummings Foundation to Project Just Because will allow the organization to fill gaps in its budget over the next three years.

“The best thing [about the grant] is … we don’t have to make decisions based on financial limitations, we can make decisions based on our mission,” said Shana Adams, PJB’s executive director and grant writer.

PJB recently was awarded $225,000 from the Cummings Foundation, to be paid out in $75,000 installments over three years. The foundation offers 150 grants to Boston-area nonprofits annually. Adams noted that the grant program sees a lot of applicants, and the food pantry has been seeking funds for several years.

“This allows us to focus on serving the community better,” she said. “It helps us better be able to serve more people.”

Added Adams: “Cummings investing in us is basically helping every child, family, senior and individual who comes to us for support in any of our 14 different programs.”

One of the perks of the funding is that there are fewer stipulations on what the money can be used for. It also is a larger award than other general operations grants.

While the nonprofit is waiting for the money to be disbursed, Adams said that PJB staff have been meeting to discuss where to allocate the first year’s worth of funds.

“We’re going to continue fundraising — do the things we normally do,” she noted, stating that the Cummings grant will provide money for “immediate needs.” 

Adams said the money comes as the need for PJB’s services continues to increase and the time of year when donations slow down. She explained the food pantry is working on a program to provide food bags for kids and seniors during weekends to help with food insecurity. There also is an ongoing campaign to purchase a delivery truck.

“There is absolutely a continued need,” said Adams. “This [grant] will just help us catch up on bills.”

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

Construction crews will be out this week working on an irrigation conduit on Marathon Way and a test pit in the driveway of Hiller’s Cleaners as part of the Main Street Corridor Project.

Hopkinton High School softball coach Shannon Allberry-Yerardi said the team’s strong culture and resilience helped it to win the Tri-Valley League this season.

Coach Brian Prescott’s hopes for a strong performance this spring by the HHS boys outdoor track and field team were fulfilled as the team went undefeated in the Tri-Valley League and finished seventh in the Division 2 state championship.

Town meetings tonight include the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board (6) and Planning Board (7).

Photo of the Day

Children take part in the tot trot during the Sharon Timlin Memorial Event, which was held Saturday at Hopkinton High School. Click here for more photos.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO