Responding to the largest number of grant applications in its 26-year history, the Permanent Endowment for Martha’s Vineyard last month awarded $35,050 in grants to 17 nonprofit organizations on the Island.

Permanent Endowment chairman Debbie Hale said the number of applications for its fall 2008 funding round was unprecedented. “There is a tremendous amount of need in our community right now,” she said in a statement. “Although we were not able to meet every request for funding, the Endowment is pleased to be assisting more than half of the organizations seeking support for their work in the areas of art and culture, education, the elderly, the environment, health and human services, housing and youth. Certainly, there is much being done to better the quality of life on the Island and the Endowment is delighted to participate in that effort.”

Recipients of the grants this fall included Adult and Community Education of Martha’s Vineyard, the American Red Cross Cape and Islands Chapter, Aquinnah Cultural Center, Farm Institute, Habitat for Humanity of Martha’s Vineyard, Island Children’s School, Island Community Chorus, Island Health, Inc, the Joint Edgartown/Oak Bluffs Committee on Sengekontacket Pond, Martha’s Vineyard Art Association, Martha’s Vineyard Community Services’ Daybreak Clubhouse, Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival, Oak Bluffs Council on Aging, Rising Tide Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc., Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, Windemere Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Women Empowered.

The Permanent Endowment Fund is the Island’s community foundation. Established in 1982, its resources are focused exclusively on addressing the needs of the Vineyard. With more than $6.5 million in assets, the Fund provides grants to nonprofit organizations and funds scholarships for Vineyard students. For details, see online endowmv.org or call 508-338-4665.