“These two grant programs cover a broad range of activities that enhance the quality of life in our communities and help nonprofits enhance their organizational performance and capabilities,” said Stephen Adams, president of the Community Foundation.

CFNCM is accepting online grant applications through Friday, August 19, and award decisions will be announced by October 10. Applications can be submitted by visiting the Community Foundation website.

Examples of projects that will be considered for Community Enrichment grants include those:

• Arts and Culture: including but not limited to art in public places, programs that encourage art in community institutions (community centers and schools), and “art for art’s sake.”
• Community Development: including but not limited to community-enhancing projects, and the preservation of community heritage and history.
• Civic Engagement: advancing community cohesion and participation.

For the 2022 grant cycle, the Organizational Development grant program will support small capital needs that strengthen and improve nonprofit organizational efficiency and effectiveness. Examples include:

• Furniture
• Equipment
• Technology
• Facility improvements

Ineligible projects and expenses include, but are not limited to:

• Undesignated contributions to larger capital campaigns
• Program support
• Staff salaries or other administrative costs

Priority will be given to projects where CFNCM funding can be leveraged to secure matching gifts.

While there are no set grant amounts, grants tend to fall between $2,000 and $10,000.

Informational sessions for interested grantees will be held on July 14 at 10 a.m. and July 21 at 2 p.m. via Zoom (zoom.us/j/9452255403).

The Community Foundation’s grant programs seek to improve the quality of life in North Central Massachusetts by supporting initiatives that have a capacity for long-term viability, offer thoughtful plans of action and outcome measurements and leverage collaborations.