Who do I contact for more information?
Please email [email protected].
July 2023
Which grant program could/should my organization apply for?
Organizations may seek funding from both the Community Fund and the Food Access and Security Initiative. However, the same program or project cannot be funded through both programs. Organizations who are selected for Food Access and Security Initiative grants may only apply to the Community Fund for a different program or project. My organization.. Food Access and Security Initiative Community Fund Uses funding to benefit the Cambridge community x x Has 501c3 status, or is under fiscal sponsorship of a 501c3 entity x x Seeks funding to... effect transformational change, addressing the Cambridge emergency food system respond to other community needs Seeks funding for... one to three years one year Applicants not selected for a Food Access and Security Initiative grant are eligible to submit their application to the Community Fund (which accepts proposals for its Fall cycle from August 25 to September 25).
Can I apply to the Food Access and Security Initiative and the Community Fund?
The Community Fund is the Foundation’s competitive twice-yearly grant cycle that provides one-year responsive grants to nonprofit organizations. The Food Security and Access Initiative supports multi-year requests focusing on collective impact and systems change in the Cambridge food system. Eligible organizations may apply for both Community Fund and the Food Access and Security Initiative. However, organizations that are awarded an Initiative grant CANNOT apply to the Community Fund with the same project or proposal.
Who is eligible to apply for the Food Access and Security Initiative?
The Food Access and Security Initiative seeks to fund projects that answer the question: how can we strengthen the emergency food system? Within this scope, the Foundation is prioritizing three funding areas: Sector communication and collaboration Program sustainability and expansion Capacity building Additionally, projects must meet the following eligibility criteria: Established organizations that have been in existence for at least two years. Organizations and projects that serve Cambridge and those that live in or rely on Cambridge. Organizations with 501(c)3 status or a fiscal sponsor
When does the Food Access and Security Initiative grant cycle take place?
Starting July 14, 2023, interested organizations submitted a Letter of Interest to the Foundation’s Food Access and Security Initiative. All applicants were notified whether or not they had been invited to submit a full application by August 18, 2023. Final grant decisions were announced in October. Please note that not all organizations that submit a Letter of Interest will be invited to submit a complete proposal and an invitation to submit a full proposal does not imply a guarantee of funding.
August 2022
Can my organization apply for a grant this grant cycle?
Your organization may apply to the Community Fund once per the foundation’s fiscal year (July 1 – June 30).
What is this year’s grant timeline?
Applications are no longer being accepted for FY24. Please check back for the FY25 grant timeline.
What is new about the FY24 application?
Since the last Community Fund cycle, the Foundation has transitioned to a new grants management system. This will require your organization and relevant users to register in the new system before you are able to begin applying. All application and report forms will be available through this system. Please access the system using this link.
I received a multi-year initiative grant; do I need to submit an application this year?
No. If you received a multi-year initiative grant, you are no longer required to apply each fiscal year. You are required to submit mid-term/final reports. You will receive an email about reporting requirements.
I still have questions, who should I contact?
Please email the grantmaking team at [email protected].
