Grafton Community Action Inc

Programs

1. VENDING - This year marked the launch of our Vending Service Program and the beginning of an exciting new opportunity. Like any first season there was a learning curve as we became familiar with operating the machines and troubleshooting unexpected issues along the way. One of the biggest lessons learned was the impact of placing the machines outdoors. Direct sunlight created challenges with interior cooling and occasionally affected the touchscreen menu system. Throughout the season adjustments were made to improve performance and plans are now in place to relocate the machines into a climate-controlled area. This move is expected to greatly reduce weather-related issues while also providing better control over access to help prevent vandalism. Despite the early challenges customer use of the machines exceeded our expectations. The strong response has reinforced the potential of the program and we are excited to build on this momentum heading into the 2026 season with expectations for even greater growth.

   $2,350 spent$970 earned by the program
   4% of program spending

2. COMMUNITY EVENTS - Annual Easter Egg Hunt: In 2025 our organization proudly continued its sponsorship of the annual Easter Egg hunt for local children an event that brought together approximately 90 young participants from the community. Beyond providing candy for the egg hunt we enhanced the family-friendly atmosphere by offering a variety of food and beverages ensuring everyone felt welcome and comfortable. Importantly this event was offered at no cost to those attending making it accessible to all families. The success of the Easter Egg hunt was made possible by the enthusiastic efforts of 15 dedicated volunteers whose commitment ensured a memorable experience for everyone involved. Ongoing Support for the Community Center: Our dedication to community enrichment extends beyond single events. We actively assist in the operation of the community center bar a crucial facility that supports private gatherings such as weddings graduations and other celebrations. The community center serves as a vital hub for our city and our organization remains committed to its ongoing success and future sustainability. Heritage Depot Museum Trick-or-Treating Event: 2025 marked the second…

   $2,150 spent
   3% of program spending

3. HERITAGE DEPOT & MUSEUM - The Heritage Depot & Museum thrived in 2025 maintaining its tradition of welcoming visitors on the 1st and 3rd Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. These seasonal openings allowed guests to explore exhibits delve into local history and enjoy the historic depots unique atmosphere during the summer. A significant achievement was the completion of the window restoration project in spring 2025. The refurbished wooden windows now shielded by newly installed storm windows have notably enhanced the museums energy efficiency and preserved the buildings historic charm. Upgrades to the model train layout increased visitor excitement enabling two extra trains to operate simultaneously and introducing illuminated buildings for a more realistic and engaging experience. Securing a grant to repaint the depots exterior was a crucial preservation effort safeguarding the historic structure from the elements and enhancing its visual appeal for the community and visitors. The Heritage Depot & Museum remained a hub for various GCA events throughout the year hosting popular celebrations like Depot Halloween and Depot Christmas uniting community members and visitors for…

   $49,078 spent
   79% of program spending

4. The organization continued its commitment to community beautification throughout the year with volunteers maintaining flowers at the city welcome signs and proudly lining Main Street with American flags during the season. These efforts help create a warm welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike while fostering a strong sense of community pride. Although no park improvement projects were completed this year the organization remains dedicated to supporting future enhancement efforts throughout the community. Ongoing Support for the Community Center: Our commitment to strengthening the community extends far beyond individual events. The organization continues to play an active role in supporting the operation of the community center bar an important feature of a facility that hosts weddings graduations reunions and many other celebrations throughout the year. As a central gathering place for the community the community center remains a vital asset to the city and our organization is proud to support its continued success growth and long-term sustainability. In 2025 we secured a grant to renovate the bathrooms which was greatly needed.

   $8,410 spent
   14% of program spending

The 4 programs described on its FY2025 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $61,988.