FAQ
Q: Who has access to this information?
A: The application is
sent to the office. A trustee reads the
application, checks to see whether it is complete and creates an anonymous
summary to submit to the committee for review.
Names and addresses are not used.
If there is further information to be learned, a committee member may be
asked to get this information. This
might mean checking the tax bills at the local assessor office. All information should be considered
confidential. We get as much information
as we can to make a fair determination.
Q: What makes me eligible to apply for a grant?
A: You are eligible to
apply if you receive a pension from the MTRS and are a member of REAM (Retired
Educators Association of Massachusetts).
Q: What are the types of income that should be reported?
A: All household income
should be reported. That would include
spouses or significant others. Also relatives or roommates who share household expenses.
Q: May one apply to the Edith Stewart Chase Foundation more than
once for a grant?
A: You may apply more
than once for a grant but for subsequent applications, you should be able to
show you have explored other options such as those offered by the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, local community assistance programs and those offered by
Senior Citizens groups in your community.
Q: Is there a maximum amount that can be applied for?
A: Grants range from a
few hundred dollars to a few thousand.
We are limited to the money made on our principal and the generous
donations made throughout the year by our chapter members. We try to distribute it fairly.
Q: What is meant by a financial emergency?
A: A financial emergency
is generally an unexpected financial expense which cannot be postponed and for
which you do not have the available resources.
Q: What do I do if I am not a REAM Member and do not have $30 to
become a member?
A: We can arrange to
have REAM membership for the first year included in the grant.
Q: What is the process for having grants approved?
A: The committee meets
four times a year (Feb., May, Aug., Nov.) to approve grants. You must submit an application and the
required paperwork prior to the quarterly meeting. If approved, you will get a letter indicating
you will use the grant money for the purposes stated in the application and
will submit proof of payment within a reasonable amount of time.
Q: What if I have transferred ownership of my home to another
person?
A: If the ownership is
no longer in your name, work done on the property becomes the responsibility of
the owner. This is not negotiable. We do check the tax bills in the town to
verify ownership.