Awarding Our First Grants

Parenthood for Me received over 60 completed applications on our first attempt at awarding grants. The applications poured in from all over the country: Iowa, Minnesota, California, Georgia, Arizona just to name a few. There was a dedicated committee to reviewing all the applications and narrowing down the selection for the entire board of directors to place their vote.

I was not a part of the review committee. But I was told that all the applications which included a personal statement were touching and in many cases heart breaking. I understand firsthand the hardships of wanting to be a parent. In some cases there were families trying to having more than one child.

There was a delay in PFM notifying the grantees because the process of choosing was overwhelming. There was a quantified scale rating process for each application and several people reviewed the same application.

If we all had our way, everyone would receive financial help. We want to help everyone.

We are able to help 4 couples from all over the U.S. awarding a total of $12,000. The grants will go towards adoption and assisted reproductive technology.

The Chairman of the Board, Chuck had the pleasure of notifying the recipients. He claimed it was one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.
For all those applicants who did not receive a grant, thank you for taking the time to put together the application. You will be receiving a letter in the mail from the Chairman.

Reaching this milestone as a young non-profit has made all of the hours of work more than worthwhile. Knowing that we are able to help people fulfill their dreams of parenthood breathes new life into me and reinforces my drive to get out there and raise more money.

PFM is in the process of formulating ways that you can help us raise money from your corner of the country. We can assist you in organizing a bake sale, yard sale, a walk or run, or car wash. Please leave a comment if you are interest in organizing a fundraiser in your hometown.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us either by spreading the word of our cause and/or donating to our endowment.

If you or someone you know is considering donating to charity this year, please consider visiting our website to make a donation. No amount is too small.

We are unsure of when we will be accepting applications again. We have fundraisers coming up which will determine when we will be able to award more grants. At this time the prediction is spring 2011. The goal is to award grants 2 times a year. I hope we can get to that point within the next 2 years.
Thank you to all of the board members. We are an all volunteer organization.
Board of Directors:
Erica Schlaefer- President/Founder
Charles Montante- Chairman of the Board
Kevin Mulcahy- Vice President
Rob Spatola, CPA- Treasurer
Elaine Pelissier- Secretary
Sally Bacchetta
Mark Gunther, Esquire
Melissa Mulcahy
Nancy Koris
Abbey Naples
Jerry Furciniti
Heather Smith
Christina Westmiller

10 thoughts on “Awarding Our First Grants”

  1. Congratulations to you and the whole PFM team! I can only imagine how very rewarding it feels to know that you’ve made such an impact in someone’s lives!

  2. How exciting! I’ve been waiting to hear the results of the grants awarded. I can’t wait to hear about the next fundraiser!

  6. Congrats! I am so proud of what you’ve accomplished. What an amazing gift to be able to give couples. I look forward to your next fundraiser. If you ever have a silent auction I’ve got some handmade pottery I’d love to donate.

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