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:

• Capacity for impact: Demonstrate ability and potential for achieving and sustaining long-term impact.
• Plan of action: Include a plan of action with evidence that the plan is likely to achieve its intended outcomes.
• Collaboration: We encourage collaboration to leverage new and/or existing resources, organizations, relationships, initiatives, and investments to improve the likelihood of significant impact, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Tracking impact: Include measurable objectives and outcomes with a plan and tools to monitor progress.

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:

• Individuals
• For-profit organizations
• Loans or debt reduction
• Activities outside our region
  
• Political activity

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 and Organizational Development
These grant programs cover a broad range of activities that enhance the quality of life in our communities. They include community development, arts and cultural initiatives, and civic engagement. We also support the efforts of small and early-stage nonprofits to strengthen their organizational performance and strategic capabilities.

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 Program
This grant program focuses on advancing racial equity in North Central Massachusetts.

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.