In 2019, Nelson Congregational Church created the Garrett-Larsen Social Justice Fund, in honor of the 19-year ministry of the Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen in the wider Nelson community.
The fund is offered to individuals or nonprofits in the Monadnock region that demonstrate a passion for social and environmental justice, a plan to advance that cause and a need for funding. In 2021, grants were awarded to Monadnock Quaker Meeting in Jaffrey to help build a short-term emergency shelter, Monadnock Area Transitional Shelter in Peterborough for its Hope Fund; and to the Sacred Ally Quilt Ministry for its work in racial justice.
The fund also provided a challenge grant last winter to raise money to support Afghan refugees as they settle into the community.
Any individual or nonprofit group with a strong tie to the Monadnock region is invited to apply in writing. For 2022, a total of $2,000 will be awarded. Recipients will be notified within four weeks of the Oct. 31 deadline.
To receive an application form and details on the process and criteria for applying, send email to nelson.church.clerk@gmail.com, or call the church office at 603-847-3280. The guidelines and application are also available at nelsonchurch.org/social-justice-fund.