EST. 1956 • 70 YEARS OF SERVICE

Celebrating 70 Years of Service and Giving

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ABOUT US

Built on a Legacy of Caring and Community

Established in 1956, The Cottagers, Incorporated is a 501(c)(3) philanthropic volunteer organization of 100 proud African American female homeowners on Martha’s Vineyard whose mission is to support charitable, educational, and community service initiatives that enrich the quality of life across the Island.

Group of women standing on the porch steps of a house, dressed in white, with many wearing purple scarves around their necks, smiling for the camera on a sunny day.
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OUR WORK

At the heart of The Cottagers are four core initiatives: charitable giving, scholarship awards, community outreach and children’s initiatives. Built on a legacy of service and giving, the organization’s fundraising efforts provide the foundation for supporting local charities that make a meaningful difference in the quality of life across the Martha’s Vineyard community, while also sustaining its annual scholarship program and children’s initiative designed to support, inspire, and invest in the Island’s youth.

Four Core Initiatives, One Island Community

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Three women smiling and holding a large sign about a clothing drive to benefit United Methodist Church. Behind them is a sign that reads 'Clothes-To-Go', indicating a clothing distribution service.

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Upcoming Events

Join The Cottagers each summer for an exciting season of events — from charitable traditions to unforgettable new experiences.

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Events

TESTIMONIALS

The Voices of Those Who Matter Most

“The Cottagers are a blend of the young, and the mellow, of the new, of the experienced. In this summer of their building fund, and the programs, now being outlined, to serve the community, it takes all talents to achieve these goals.”

Cottager Dorothy West, Acclaimed Harlem Renaissance Author and Cottagers’ Corner/Vineyard Gazette Columnist Quote from the article: “Ladies Who Own” published by the Gazette in July 1969

An elderly woman sitting outdoors at a wooden deck, with a window behind her, wearing a striped shirt and looking thoughtfully into the distance.
An elderly woman sitting outdoors at a wooden deck, with a window behind her, wearing a striped shirt and looking thoughtfully into the distance.

Dorothy West
Photo by Mark Lovewell- Martha’s Vineyard Magazine, 1990

Woman in orange blouse and hat shaking hands with a seated woman at an outdoor event under a white tent.

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Stay Connected with The Cottagers

Stay connected with The Cottagers. Join our mailing list to receive updates on upcoming events, community programs, special announcements, and opportunities to celebrate and support our work throughout Martha’s Vineyard. We look forward to staying in touch with you.

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