Williamstown Community Chest Receives $750,000 Bequest
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Williamstown Community Chest has received a bequest from the estate of Mary and Henry Flynt, longtime residents of Williamstown and devoted supporters of the community, with a value of approximately $750,000.
The bequest is the largest-ever received by the Community Chest.
“We are honored by Mary and Henry’s trust in the Community Chest,” Kathy McKnight, president of the Chest’s board of directors, said. “They set an example of service to neighbors and to organizations that make Williamstown a strong community and we are proud to follow their lead.”
The terms of the bequest specify that the gift be used to establish an endowment fund and 5 percent of its value on January 1 of each year be distributed as grants by means of a competitive process to “persons or entities (including the Town of Williamstown) that provide services to the town or its residents (although not necessarily exclusively).”
The criteria for reviewing applications will “relate to the maintenance or improvement of the quality of life of the residents of Williamstown, defined broadly.”
Juliet Flynt, a daughter of Mary and Henry, said the purpose of the newly available grants is very much in concert with her parents’ work for the community.
“My parents were committed to improving the quality of life for the residents of Williamstown, so it’s fitting that this grant is designed to continue that legacy,” she said.
An application form for the Mary and Henry Flynt Grant is available beginning July 15 on the Williamstown Community Chest’s website or by contacting the Community Chest office at 413-458-2443. The deadline to submit an application is Sept. 15.
Since 1927, the Williamstown Community Chest has strengthened its community by raising and distributing resources to organizations that help people in need. Its volunteer board of directors conducts an annual fundraising campaign and 100 percent of the proceeds support 16 local human service agencies that assist people of all ages and circumstances. The member agencies have changed over time and are subject to an annual review process to ensure their governance and mission continue to provide active and stable support for the community.
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