In 1964, the Will of William E. Lancaster created a trust known as the William E. Lancaster Trust. In brief language, the Will gives the Selectmen (Town Council) discretion in the use of his gift as follows: "to be used by the Selectmen of the Town of Salem in any way they see fitting and proper to make Salem a better place to live in." Each year in mid-April, the Town Council establishes a 30-day period for non-profit organizations to submit a request for funding from the Lancaster Fund. The highest amount an organization may receive is $2,500. The dates to request funding in 2024 have not yet been set. Check back in early spring for additional information. In the meantime, please review the Lancaster Fund submission guidelines attached here for more information and requirements for all organizations submitting requests for funding.