We support the work of local nonprofit organizations.

One way we do this is by awarding grants to programs, projects, and initiatives within our 33-community region.

These competitive grants are awarded to tax-exempt organizations, including municipalities, whose programs, projects, or initiatives address the grant program’s objectives and align with the funding guidance. Organizations may apply to multiple grant programs each year, but we will only accept one application per organization per grant program.

We allow organizations with a fiscal sponsor to apply for our grants.
 

Proposal Principles

Proposals for grants are expected to address each of the following principles:

• Clearly and concisely articulate the expected impact of the grant on the community
• Meet well-defined and documented community needs
• Provide strategic and achievable goals (that can be measured and reported within and/or at the conclusion of the grant period)
• Provide a clear project budget (statement of revenue sources and uses of funds)
• Provide evidence of suitable measurement tools to adequately track outcomes, evaluations of change and/or return on investment.

Grant amounts

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

Grant application exclusions

What we do not fund:

• Projects that do not directly benefit the geographic service area of the Fund
• Multi-year grants
• Loans, capital campaigns, attempts to influence legislation, and support where the Community Foundation may become the predominant long-term source of revenue
• Individuals or for-profit organizations

Grant Programs

Career Readiness and Educational Access
This Educational Access Fund focuses on increasing the competitive position of local residents for family-supporting jobs through post-secondary education and training and other educational initiatives.

Community Enrichment
The grant program fosters community development, arts and cultural initiatives, and civic engagement.

Community Health (Nashoba Valley)
This program area focuses on community health initiatives in Nashoba Valley communities.

Environmental Preservation and Animal Welfare
This endowed fund focuses on preserving, enhancing, and providing access to the natural beauty of North Central Massachusetts, as well as enhancing the welfare of domestic animals.

North Central Massachusetts Racial Equity Fund
This grant fund focuses on advancing racial equity in North Central Massachusetts.

Organizational Development
Through the Organizational Development grant program, we support the efforts of local nonprofits to strengthen their organizational performance and strategic capabilities.

Our Grant Process

Our grant process starts with an open request for proposals. The announcement is made on our website and social media as well as via email. The proposals are then assigned for review by the grant review committee. Each grantmaking program has a committee comprised of trustees, other community volunteers, and CFNCM staff. Each committee member reads and scores the submitted proposals. The scores are averaged and are used as the starting point for the committee’s confidential discussion to weigh the merits of each proposal. The committee then presents its funding recommendation to the Board of Trustees for final approval. After the Board of Trustees approves the slate, the organizations are notified of the funding decision via email.