October 2025 Scharfman Grants Awarded to Four Local Leagues

LWV Norwood: LWV Norwood received a grant to sponsor a program, “Assisting Today’s Immigrants and Refugees” featuring Senior Immigration Attorney, Cristina Dacchille Freeman. Freeman will provide factual information to educate the audience as to how MIRA, the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy coalition, works with their numerous organizational partners, to provide legal consultation and support to families living in designated emergency assistance shelters. She will outline the services of the program and the resources available to the public community. Q & A will follow. 

LWV Martha’s Vineyard: LWV Martha’s Vineyard received a grant to hold candidate forums in each of the Island’s six towns where there is a contested race for local elections. Candidates for every office are invited to participate. All candidate forums are free and open to the public. 

LWV Williamstown: LWV Williamstown received a grant to support their student essay contest. Through the essay contest, participants explore topics such as the meaning of democracy, overcoming barriers to voting, and ways individuals can contribute to and defend democratic values. Three winners will each receive a $500 Supporting Democracy Leadership Award and the opportunity to shadow an elected official to gain firsthand experience in public service.

LWV Plymouth Area: LWV Plymouth received a grant to support a “Vote Local” campaign designed to increase voter turnout in local elections, which historically have lower participation than state and federal contests. Through this grant, the Committee will replenish its stock of voter engagement signage to strengthen community awareness and encourage participation ahead of the Spring 2026 election.