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 2025, the Community Fund distributed $1,518,300 to 161 Cambridge-serving organizations.

APPLICATION PERIOD

Closed January 15, 2026 at 11:59pm

GRANT OVERVIEW

Grants supporting Cambridge-serving organizations. Up to $25,000 may be awarded for either programmatic or general operating use.

Info Sessions

For more details about the application process and using the grant portal, please attend or watch one of our virtual info sessions, details below.

CONTACT

Danny DiCamillo
Senior Programs and Grantmaking Associate

✉ Send an email
🗓 Book a meeting
☎ 617.865.2216

Eligibility

Your organization is encouraged to apply if it aligns with the following eligibility considerations:

• Nonprofit status: Your organization must have an active 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or work with a fiscal sponsor.
• Application limit: Each organization may submit only one application per year.
• Community connection: Your organization must actively engage with the Cambridge community and serve people who live in or rely on Cambridge. Priority is given to organizations that have strong, ongoing relationships within the community.
• Other CCF funding: If your organization currently has an active grant from another CCF program, please contact us to determine if you are eligible to apply for the Community Fund.

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 received a grant in FY25 and intend to apply in FY26 will complete a report as part of the FY26 application. Organizations that do not apply in FY26 will be asked to submit a report before the end of the grant period.

FY26 Application Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions