CHARLTON, Mass. — Members of the RACE Foundation told the Board of Selectmen on Feb. 11 that the nonprofit continues to award heating and cooling grants to Charlton residents age 60 and older but needs volunteers and fundraising capacity to sustain and expand the program.

"We serve exclusively the town of Charlton," said Sabrina Webb, a foundation board member, explaining that RACE — the Residential Energy Assistance for Seniors Foundation — provides anonymous awards to qualifying residents and has operated since August 2009. Webb said the group has processed 609 applications and granted more than $200,000 to Charlton seniors since its founding.

Webb described typical grant amounts and seasons: cooling grants (May–August) at tiers of $250, $200 and $150, and heating grants (October–March) at $500, $400 and $300. She said the foundation typically awards higher-tier grants and that applicants must meet income and asset thresholds based on federal poverty guidelines and program-specific heating guidelines used by local assistance agencies.

The foundation keeps awards anonymous. Webb said an awards subcommittee of two to three people reviews applications and that recipients and vendors receive notice when a grant is approved; vendors receive payment directly. Webb also said the group does not disqualify applicants who receive other assistance (for example, from WCAC or similar programs).

Webb urged residents to volunteer. RACE currently has six board members, three to four of whom are active, she said, and the group hopes to grow to about 12 active members to restore the signature "Taste of the Towns" fundraiser and expand outreach. She told selectmen the group's funding sources include donations, event proceeds, periodic grants and ARPA dollars that helped the foundation during the pandemic; Webb said the foundation has limited reserves and has capped grant amounts to stretch funds.

Board members thanked the group and asked clarifying questions about eligibility and how vendors are paid. RACE board members left contact information for residents interested in volunteering or joining event committees.