October 2026 Scharfman Grants Awarded to Five Local Leagues

LWV Cape Ann: LWV Cape Ann was awarded a grant to advertise a candidates forum for the 6th Congressional District Democratic Primary. The forum was held jointly with four other Leagues, the MA Women’s Political Caucus, and North Shore Juneteenth. It was open to the public, recorded, and made available through local cable TV and League websites.

LWV Martha’s Vineyard: LWV Martha’s Vineyard was awarded a grant to videotape its candidate forums for local elections. Forums are held in all six Island towns, are free and open to the public, and are shown on MVTV and posted on the League website. The League follows LWVMA guidelines to keep the forums fair and objective.

LWV Norwood: LWV Norwood was awarded a grant for general election dated signs and voter information. The signs are placed on six sandwich boards around town to remind voters of the November 3 election, which falls on a different day than Norwood’s local elections. The funds also support street listing books that help residents confirm their voting districts.

LWV Williamstown: LWV Williamstown was awarded a grant to support the Supporting Democracy Leadership Award, which is open to youth ages 16 to 21. Applicants submit a 300-word essay, a resume, and one or two letters of recommendation, and three winners each receive $500. Grant funds will go directly to the scholarships, as grant funds cannot be used for food.

Joint Leagues (Hingham, Sharon/Stoughton, Westwood/Walpole/Dedham, Boston & Norwood): The Leagues in the 8th Congressional District joined together to host a candidate forum with Stephen Lynch and Patrick Roath. It was the only event where the two candidates met and engaged in a forum, and voters left with a clearer picture of both candidates and their positions.