Pennies for Poverty:
Two Cents For Change
Two Cents for Change:
Raise awareness of poverty in the community and raise money to fund the 2 cent grant. 100% of the money raised will be given out in grants to lift people out of poverty. The 2 Cent Grant funds will not be used for any of Pennies operating expenses. This money—2 cents a day or $7.30 a year—will ALL be given out in 2 cent grants to individuals or organizations with new ideas to lift people out of poverty or to fund under-funded necessary current programs that help those in need in Newburyport. Further, not a penny of the 2 Cent Grants can be used for salaries or overhead expenses; so your 2 Cent donations are directly helping those in need. We also require 6 month and 12 month reports on all grants given out to ensure that the 2 Cent Grant funds are being used as applied for.
We are asking that everyone in Newburyport donate 2 cents a day to the Two Cents for Change Campaign. Two cents a day is $7.30 per year which doesn't seem like much but the combined 2 cents of everyone in Newburyport would total $125,000! This money could fund programs which are currently not available to lift people out of poverty. Look for 2 Cent jars around town and a downloadable label is now available for you to have your own 2 Cent jar at home. Can we afford not to give our two cents?
Total 2 Cent Grants awarded: $12,550
- Ann Smith received a $50 2 Cent grant for her idea "Meal Marks".
- The Learning Enrichment Center was awarded a $5,000 grant.
- YWCA $2,000 2 Cent Grant awarded for scholarships for low-income children in Newburyport.
- Park Circle Tenant's Organization $2,000 awarded 2 Cent Grant for start-up and children's equipment.
- Newburyport Learning Enrichment Center awarded $3,500 for new afternoon programs and scholarships.
Community Needs Grant awarded: $1,514
- $332 Community Needs grant to Belleville Church to make up Emergency Bags for those in need
- $416.75 Community Needs Grant awarded to Community Service
- $465.81 Community Needs Grant awarded to His Provisions Too
- $300 Community Needs Grant awarded to The Salvation Army for personal care items.
Have you given your 2 cents today?
For questions regarding the 2 Cent program, 2 Cent Stores and Businesses: JLindner@penniesforpoverty.org.
How It Works:
Take any container and add the Pennies for Poverty: Two Cents for Change label and you have a 2 cent jar. Fill it up with pennies (or other coinage or even paper bills!). When it is full, bring the jar to one of the following banks and ask that the money be put in the Pennies 2 Cent account. Participating banks: Eastern, Five Cent Savings, Institution for Savings, and the Provident.
OTHER OPTIONS:
You can also write a check—note "2 Cents" on the check— and deposit the check in one of the 4 banks or mail to: 282 High St., Newburyport, MA 01950.
WHY 2 CENTS:
We have been asked, why 2 cents? Why not a quarter or a dollar? There are several reasons: First, it's a play on words - give your 2 cents worth. Second, it's a dollar amount that is feasible for everyone in town. Who can't afford $7.30 a year?