SECTION 1.  The town of Eastham is hereby authorized to establish a fund known as the Eastham Community Fund (the Fund) for the purposes of providing human service support, emergency financial assistance, and for the general well-being of its residents; and, for the beautification and general support of programs and projects benefiting the community.  Such fund will operate consistent with the provisions of MGL Chapter 44, Section 53A concerning the acceptance and expenditure of grants and gifts; and provide the ability for the town to appropriate monies to the Fund as authorized by town meeting.

SECTION 2.  Any costs incurred under the provisions of this section may be funded by an appropriation to the fund as duly authorized by town meeting, gifts, or grants that have been provided to the Fund.  Any such appropriation by the town to the fund shall not be included for the purpose of computation of the levy otherwise imposed upon the town by the general laws.  Expenditure from the Fund may be made without further appropriation.

SECTION 3.  The Board of Selectmen shall appoint a committee known as the Eastham Community Fund Committee consisting of up to seven (7) members, to establish the policies and programs of the Eastham Community fund, as approved by the Board of Selectmen.  The Committee shall make grants to individuals and community organizations consistent with the policies and programs approved by the Board of Selectmen from time to time.

SECTION 4.  The Board of Selectmen may enact regulations to carry out the Fund’s programs as it determines necessary that are within the general scope and intent of the Act.

SECTION 5.  This act shall take effect upon its passage.