Sabrina Webb, a board member of the RACE Foundation, presented the nonprofit’s work to the Select Board and asked the community to help expand the group’s volunteer base so it can sustain and grow energy-assistance grants for Charlton seniors.

“We serve exclusively to the town of Charlton…we assist them with their heating and their cooling expenses,” Webb said. She described the group’s mission as supporting residents age 60 and older who meet income requirements and said applications are handled anonymously by a small awards committee.

Webb said the foundation was formed in August 2009 and has processed 609 applications and awarded “over $200,000” to Charlton residents. She told the board the group currently has six members and would like to grow to about 12 active members to help revive its signature Taste of the Towns fundraiser and expand outreach.

The foundation’s grants are intended to help with both heating (October through March) and cooling (May through August), Webb said. She described the program’s flexibility: when a recipient buys a lower-cost appliance, any remaining grant funds can be applied toward utility bills. Webb also said the organization does not deny applicants who have received other forms of state or regional assistance; she said the group has recorded seven denials since its founding because of income or asset thresholds.

Webb credited American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding with keeping grants available after the pandemic and said community fundraisers, corporate partners and local events have been central to the group’s revenue. Board members and attendees asked about the group’s balance and sustainability; Webb said the foundation does not publicly disclose its current balance but indicated the organization might have enough funding to operate for one more season and that recruiting volunteers is essential for long-term viability.

Board members and residents encouraged outreach to younger volunteers and student groups. Webb provided contact information and said the foundation would accept volunteers for either the board or event-specific committees such as Taste of the Towns. There was no formal action requested or taken by the Select Board at this meeting.