Nonprofit leaders and volunteers from across Martha’s Vineyard gathered at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury Wednesday night as the Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation handed out more than $400,000 in grants.

“Our mission statement is to enhance and preserve the quality of life on this Island, and . . . you all have enabled us to fulfill our mission,” foundation chair Alec Walsh told the crowd.

“Whether it’s the arts, keeping our ponds clean, maintaining the maritime tradition of the Island, looking after our elderly, our young — I’m in awe of what you do,” Mr. Walsh said.

Foundation executive director Paul Schulz said the organization received 59 grant applications — an increase of more than 50 per cent over previous years — and was able to fund 38.

That’s one out of every eight nonprofits on the Island, Mr. Schulz said.