To graduating High School seniors, it's a financial boost in the form of scholarships to colleges that may have been beyond their means. To townspeople seeking to change, sharpen or add skills after college or high school, its funds to help pursue those opportunities. For town agencies and organizations, it's Grants to buy items, equipment or offer services that may not have been in a budget, but are critical to achieving their community goals or mission.

In 2006, the Foundation gave out $163, 390 in grants and scholarships. In the Grant category, the Foundation provided a wide range of rewards. For example, tuition assistance at Camp Hazen YMCA went to Westbrook students in need, the library upgraded its computer technologies and expanded free internet access for townspeople, St Mark Church received funds to start building an outdoor non denominational labyrinth, funds for high tech safety suits ensured that members of our local Ambulance Association are better protected when they arrive on scene, and the High School Theater Department will be able to purchase a storage shed and a new sound system for its productions.

The total outlay for all Grants was $82,940.

For graduating seniors, the Foundation manages 13 Scholarships bearing the name of a donor or benefactor. The primary one is the Barbara Spencer Memorial Scholarships, comprising four categories of academic excellence, Leadership, Good Citizenship and Special Awards. Several of the other Scholarships reward graduating seniors for excellence in specific areas such as nursing and engineering. Last year, the Foundation began a new scholarship for post secondary and continuing education study. It is funded by a $237,000 gift from the Messerschmidt family, and seven Westbrook residents are already benefiting from this money.

In total, $80,450 in scholarship funds was given to 35 students in 2006.