COMMUNITY FUND GRANTS
The Cambridge Community Foundation supports community-based nonprofit organizations that address local challenges and foster opportunities across the community. Community Reviewers volunteer to read applications and make funding recommendations that best support Cambridge. Community Fund grants make investments in many areas, including arts and culture, child and youth development, community building and engagement, economic security, education, environment, food, health and wellbeing, and housing.
In FY24, the Community Fund distributed $920,500 to 129 Cambridge-serving organizations. To learn more visit the Recent Grants page.
Grantmaking process
Eligibility
Applicant organizations must meet the following requirements to apply:
- Have an active 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or a fiscal sponsor
- Submit no more than 1 application each cycle
- Serve people who live in or rely on Cambridge
Use of funds
Organizations selected to receive a grant from the Community Fund may use funding at their discretion, including for general operating expenses.
The Community Fund does not make grants for any of the following purposes:
- Endowment campaigns
- Capital improvement campaigns
- Reimbursement for events or activities that take place outside the grant period
Application review
CCF grant funding supports nonprofits that preserve strengths, address challenges, and foster opportunities for those who live in or rely on Cambridge. All Community Fund applications are read by a panel of community reviewers, who make recommendations for funding based on the work they feel best supports the needs of the community.
Typically, reviewers find applications that include the following to be the strongest:
- How your organization or program addresses specific community needs in Cambridge; why your organization or program is operating in Cambridge (especially for organizations or programs that serve communities beyond Cambridge)
- Both qualitative and quantitative information about the impact of your organization or program
- A description of the goals your organization or program intends to accomplish during the grant period
Reporting
Organizations that intend to apply in FY25 will complete a report as part of the FY25 application. Organizations that do not apply in FY25 will be asked to submit a report before the end of the grant period.
AT A GLANCE
APPLICATION PERIOD
Opens November 12, 2024
Closes January 28, 2025 at 11:59pm
GRANT OVERVIEW
Up to $25,000 for operating or programmatic expenses to support the work of Cambridge-serving nonprofits.
CONTACT
Danny DiCamillo
Senior Programs and Grantmaking Associate
✉ Send an email
🗓 Book a meeting
☎ 617.865.2216
FY25 Application Timeline
| DATE | ACTIVITY | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| October 28, 2024 | Application preview | You may preview the application on the Application Portal. |
| November 12, 2024 | Application opens | The application will be available to begin on the portal. |
| November 14, 2024 | Info Session 1 | View recording |
| December 11, 2024 | Info Session 2 | 10am; RSVP |
| January 9, 2025 | Info Session 3 | 2pm; RSVP |
| January 28, 2025 | Application deadline | After 11:59pm the application will no longer be available to edit. |
| February – March 2025 | Application review | Applicants may be contacted for additional information at this time. |
| April 2025 | Applicant notification and grant disbursement | All applicants will receive the status of their application. Those selected for grants will begin the disbursement process to receive funds. |
Frequently Asked Questions
CCF is adopting a single Community Fund grant cycle for the FY25 fiscal year, which began on July 1, 2024. The grant application will open on November 12, 2024, and close on January 28, 2025. Funds will be disbursed in early April.
The FY25 application will remain largely the same as the FY24 application. The question list will be available for preview on October 28, 2024.
Your organization may apply if it meets the following eligibility criteria:
- Have an active 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or a fiscal sponsor
- Submit no more than 1 application each cycle
- Serve people who live in or rely on Cambridge
Please note that the Community Fund does not make grants for any of the following purposes:
- Endowment campaigns
- Capital improvement campaigns
- Reimbursement for events or activities that take place outside the grant period
Applicants may request up to $25,000 each cycle. Due to the large number of organizations, please note that few grantees receive their full request amount. In FY24, the median grant amount was $5,000 and the average grant amount was $7,136.
The level of competitiveness varies each year. In the most recent year, 73% of organizations that applied received grant funding.
The report form for all FY24 Community Fund grants (July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024) will be part of the FY25 application. If you do not apply in FY25, our team will reach out to arrange your report.
CCF’s grantmaking team is working to facilitate programs and services that address the additional needs of our nonprofit partners; the information you’ve provided in this section of the application informs this work. Please note that these questions are always optional and are not used to make a funding decision.
Catch our latest stories in grantmaking and programs. 
Arrow Street Arts Fund awards new grants for local performing arts.
July 2, 2024
The fund invested $65K in 11 organizations in its first year.
The Cambridge Community Foundation invests $645K in nonprofits responding to local needs and uplifting community
April 11, 2024
With record requests, 78 organizations receive funding this spring.
Building economic mobility.
February 9, 2024
We've invested in Just A Start's Economic Mobility Hub, opening this year at Alewife.
