Cape Ann Community Foundation

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Cape Ann Community Foundation

Each year, low-number license plates are sold in an online auction where the foundations offers available plates to the highest bidders.

The Cape Ann Community Foundation's primary purpose is to enhance the economic environment and overall quality of life of the Cape Ann region and the four Cape Ann communities of Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Rockport. HISTORY

The Cape Ann Community Foundation (CACF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization established in 2015 by the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce to manage

and award grants from the proceeds from sales of the Cape Ann License Plate. Since its inception, the CACF has awards grants for projects supporting, enriching, and celebrating a robust series of non-profit educational, social service, recreational, and economic initiatives throughout the communities of Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport, Massachusetts. HOW WE FUNDRAISE

The CACF oversees the special Cape Ann License Plate (CALP) as part of a fundraising plan that supports the awarding of annual grants to local organizations making active contributions to enhancing the local community and engaging residents. By encouraging local non-profits and educational initiatives to thrive, the CACF serves as a true community partner by investing in the future health, growth, and development of Cape Ann. The foundation also accepts direct donations through our website.

06/05/2026

Ready to roll for a great cause? 🎳 Candlepins for a Cause is coming up soon at Cape Ann Lanes, and there’s still time to get involved as a sponsor, bowler, or supporter!

Join us for an evening of candlepin bowling, refreshments, community connection, and celebration as we honor our 2026 CACF grant recipients and raise funds for future community grants across Cape Ann.

• Teams of 6: $240
• Individual bowlers: $40
• Non-bowling guests: $25
• Sponsorships available from $100–$1,000

Every dollar raised helps support local nonprofits, schools, and organizations making a difference throughout Greater Cape Ann.

Huge thanks to our sponsors who have already signed up: presenting sponsors Campbell Funeral Home Pratty's and gold sponsors Prince Insurance Agency and Ruth E. Pino, RE/MAX Beacon

Sign up or learn more at lovecapeann.com/candlepins-for-a-cause.

06/02/2026

Our annual Candlepins for a Cause bowling fundraiser at Cape Ann Lanes is just a couple of weeks away, and we are still accepting sponsorship applications! We have multiple tier levels available, ranging from $1,000 to $100, and all proceeds go towards our mission of supporting Cape Ann organizations, schools, and non-profits.

Or, join us as a bowler! We will be honoring our 2026 grant recipients and enjoying refreshments over games of candlepin bowling.
• Teams of 6: $240
• Individual bowlers: $40
• Non-bowling guests: $25
• Multiple sponsorship tiers available

Visit lovecapeann.com/candlepins-for-a-cause to learn more and sign up!

05/31/2026

Board member Olivia Jarvis asks attendees of our February Driving for Dollars event if they have a Cape Ann License Plate yet! Do you have yours?

05/29/2026

✨A heartfelt thank you to Ruth E. Pino, RE/MAX Beacon, for the generous Gold Level Sponsorship of Candlepins for a Cause! 🎳

Your support helps the Cape Ann Community Foundation continue its mission of strengthening our community and creating opportunities that make a lasting impact throughout Greater Cape Ann.

We are grateful for your commitment to giving back and for helping make this event a success. Thank you for being such a valued community partner!

Visit www.ruthpino.com for more details.

Sponsorship details and bowling sign-up at https://bit.ly/CandlepinsCACF

05/26/2026

Get ready to roll! 🎳 Our annual Candlepins for a Cause fundraiser is coming up at Cape Ann Lanes on June 17 from 5:30–7:30 PM.

Meet past grant recipients and see the impact of your support in action.
• Teams of 6: $240
• Individual bowlers: $40
• Non-bowling guests: $25
• Multiple sponsorship tiers available

Spots are limited, so gather your crew and sign up today: lovecapeann.com/candlepins-for-a-cause

05/23/2026

Cape Ann Community Foundation funds come from three main sources:

1. The sales of our Cape Ann License Plate
2. Through our two main annual events: Driving for Dollars, a virtual golf night held in February; and Candlepins for a Cause, an evening of candlepin bowling held to celebrate our grant recipients each June
3. Direct donations made through our website

All these funds make it possible for us to award 8-10 grants each year back to the community. We're grateful for your support!

Learn more about what we do and consider donating at lovecapeann.com.

05/18/2026

We're just a month away from our annual bowling fundraiser at Cape Ann Lanes: Candlepins for a Cause! 🎳

From 5:30-7:30 PM on June 17th, you'll have the chance to meet past grant recipients and see firsthand the organizations your support makes possible.

Spots will fill fast, so rally your team and let's roll for a great cause! We're building 16 teams of six bowlers at just $240 per team.

Flying solo? Individual bowlers can join the fun for a $40 donation. Prefer to cheer from the sidelines? For a $25 donation, you can be part of the excitement and support the cause.

Learn more and register now at lovecapeann.com/candlepins-for-a-cause!

05/15/2026

Flashing back to last year's Candlepins for a Cause event as we gear up for our next one! Join us at Cape Ann Lanes on June 17th! Grab your friends, lace up those bowling shoes, and roll with us for a night that's all about community, connection, and giving back. We can't wait to see you there.

Register your bowling team and inquire about sponsorship opportunities at lovecapeann.com/candlepins-for-a-cause. 🎳

05/11/2026

Meet Ken Riehl - CACF Board Member

Ken retired as CEO of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce in 2022, having served his life's mission there for ten years after a thirty year career in defense contracting. Upon creation of the Cape Ann License Plate, Ken worked with several community leaders to form the Cape Ann Community Foundation in 2015 in fulfillment of a requirement by the Registry of Motor Vehicles to have a 501c3 non-profit manage the proceeds of the specialty plate. Upon retirement as Chamber CEO he exited the Board in 2023 and re-joined in 2024 representing the community of Essex.

What Ken loves most about his involvement with the Foundation is working with Board members over the years to generate funds in excess of $100,000, and seeing the funds awarded to and making a difference for more than 50 Cape Ann community non-profits and schools. He is also proud of the Foundation's role as Fiscal Agent in the creation of Cape Ann Plein Air, having become an important contributor to Cape Ann's incredible Creative Economy.

Ken delights in seeing an increasing number of Cape Ann License Plates while driving around our region and the country. He is a proud resident of our smallest Cape Ann community nestled on the Great Marsh, having raised his family there with his wife Holly. His retired life allows increased time to support our community through more direct involvement with several non-profits while also spending more time boating and adventuring with Holly.

05/07/2026

If you're a local business looking to give back to the Cape Ann community, we'd love to hear from you! We have sponsorship opportunities available for our upcoming Candlepins for a Cause bowling fundraiser at Cape Ann Lanes on June 17th.

Join us as we celebrate the incredible organizations and programs supported by the Cape Ann Community Foundation and help us raise funds to keep that impact growing!

Learn more at lovecapeann.com/candlepins-for-a-cause.

Address

24 Harbor Loop
Gloucester, MA
01930

Telephone

+19782831601

Website

https://www.lovecapeann.com/

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