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FOR NONPROFITS2023-09-20T17:16:33+00:00
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For Nonprofits

Grant Programs

ProgramTargetApplication Timeline
Community Fund - Fall cycleResponsive grants for community-based nonprofit organizations that address local challengesClosing 12:00 pm, September 26, 2023
Community Fund - Spring cycleResponsive grants for community-based nonprofit organizations that address local challengesOpening January 2024
Imagined in Cambridge! Social Innovation AwardFor emerging nonprofits and grassroots projectsOpening Spring 2024
Imagined in Cambridge! Fund MicrograntFor social innovators that have previously applied for the Imagined in Cambridge! Social Innovation AwardTemporarily Closed
Food Access and Security InitiativeNew program for nonprofits effecting transformational change in the Cambridge emergency food system.Closed

Online Grants System

To complete applications and reports, all organizations must register on our Grant Portal. To register your organization, please follow the procedure below:

  • optional: Watch the “Applicant Tutorial Video” and review the “Create an Account/Log On” information here.
  • Click here to access the portal.
  • Click “Create New Account”
  • Enter all required information:
    • Organization information
    • User information
    • Executive Officer information
  • Finally, set a password for your account.

After registering your organization, you will be able to begin applying to any of the Foundation’s open grant programs.

To apply to one of our grant programs, access the portal here:

GRANT PORTAL

Click here to view the Applicant Tutorial.

NOTICE: As of July 2023, CCF is managing all grant processes using a new online Grant Portal. All application and report forms will be available through this portal.

Upcoming Events

No upcoming events at this time

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I access the Grant Portal?2023-08-07T20:36:40+00:00

Beginning in July 2023, CCF will be managing all grant processes using a new online Grant Portal. All application and report forms will be available through the portal.

To complete applications and reports, all organizations must register in the Grant Portal. To register your organization, please follow the procedure below:

    • optional: Watch the “Applicant Tutorial Video” and review the “Create an Account/Log On” information here.
    • Click here to access the Grant Portal.
    • Click “Create New Account”
    • Enter all required information:
      • Organization information
      • User information
      • Executive Officer information
    • Finally, set a password for your account.

After registering your organization, you will be able to begin applying to any of the Foundation’s open grant programs.

What is this year’s grant timeline?2023-09-20T17:14:09+00:00

The Fall application will close on September 26, 2023 at 12 pm. Grant awards will be announced before the end of the calendar year.

The Spring application will open in January 2024.

What is new about the FY24 application?2023-07-12T20:32:37+00:00

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 Community Fund Grant between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023. How do I submit my grant report?2023-09-20T17:15:06+00:00

The report form for all Community Fund Grants from FY23 (July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023) will be part of the FY24 application. When you begin the application for the upcoming Community Fund cycle, you will be prompted to complete the grant report.

Please note a slight adjustment in the deadline for the report form. The application, including the report form, is due by 12:00 pm on Tuesday, September 26th.

If you do not intend to apply in FY24 but received a grant in FY23, please contact the grantmaking team.

Can my organization apply for a grant this grant cycle?2023-07-12T20:30:38+00:00

An organization can apply for a Community Fund grant once per fiscal year. The Cambridge Community Foundation’s fiscal year is July 1 – June 30.

Is my organization eligible to apply for a Community Fund grant?2023-07-12T20:27:55+00:00

Community Fund grants are for Cambridge-based organizations and organizations that provide services in Cambridge. If this describes your organization, then you are eligible to apply.

I received a multi-year initiative grant; do I need to submit an application this year?2023-07-12T20:29:20+00:00

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?2023-09-12T19:57:16+00:00

Please email the grantmaking team at [email protected].

What do you fund?2017-11-30T00:54:59+00:00

Cambridge Community Foundation funding is available for existing programs, new programs, or for building the organization’s capacity and infrastructure.

Who is eligible to receive general operating support?2017-11-30T00:54:58+00:00

General Operating Support grants are available to organizations with proven track records or for proposals that demonstrate clear and measurable outcomes and impact. We call these grants ‘negotiated’ general operating support grants, which allow you the flexibility to use funds at your discretion, while we assess your success based on established outcomes.

What if your group does not have IRS designated 501(c)(3) status?2017-11-30T00:54:58+00:00

Applicants who are not 501(c)(3) organizations can apply for funding if they operate under the fiscal sponsorship of a tax-exempt nonprofit, that serves the people of Cambridge. The application must provide evidence of fiscal sponsorship.

What is the process of getting funded through an initiative?2023-09-12T20:00:03+00:00

Please view the current grant programs to see which initiative programs are accepting applications.

What are your reporting requirements?2023-09-12T20:03:14+00:00

All grant programs require a final report at the conclusion of the grant period. The report form is available on the grant dashboard, and asks grantees to describe the use of the funds in relation to the outcomes you stated in the grant proposal. High quality reports share progress, lessons, and constituent stories, if possible. A grant report must be received before further funding will be considered.

Resources and Opportunities

Funding

  • September 26: Safety Net Grants – The Boston Foundation
  • Forward Fund – Cambridge Redevelopment Authority
    • September 30 and November 30: Capital Infrastructure Grants
    • Rolling: Feasibility Study Grants
  • October 17: Cambridge Arts
    • Local Cultural Council Grants
    • Organizational Investment Grants
    • Art for Social Justice Grants 
  • The Shubert Foundation
    • October 18: Dance, Arts Related, and Shubert Scholars Grants
    • December 5: Theatre Grants

More questions?

Contact the Grantmaking team

Our Grantmaking and Nonprofit News

For more information on our impact and nonprofit partnerships, explore our past press releases and sign up to receive newsletters.

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