These two 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.

Community Enrichment Program Objectives

The Community Enrichment program supports activities that enhance the vitality of our communities. They include activities that promote local arts, culture, creativity, civic engagement, and community development.

Vital communities are characterized by strong, active, and inclusive relationships between residents, private sector, public sector, and civil society organizations.

Examples include:

Schedule

Two information sessions will be held. Dates: July 14 at 10 a.m. and July 21 at 2 p.m. Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9452255403

Only one application per organization, please.

This grant program is closed for 2022.

Organizational Development Program Objectives

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:

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

Schedule

Two information sessions will be held. Dates: July 14 at 10 a.m. and July 21 at 2 p.m. Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9452255403

Only one application per organization, please.

This grant program is closed for 2022.

Grantee Reporting

Interim Progress Report
To be completed after month 6 of the granted project.

Final Progress Report
To be completed within 45 days of the end of the grant period.

Grantee Highlight

Seeds of Solidarity Education Center is a non-profit organization based in Orange, MA, that innovates programs to awaken the power among people of all ages–from toddlers to teens to people who are incarcerated– to Grow Food Everywhere to transform hunger to health and create resilient lives and communities. Since 1999, Seeds of Solidarity has been a regional leader in programs that promote food justice, farm-to-school, wellness among vulnerable populations, and community revitalization.

Women Healing Women Healing Earth is a new program for women in the North Quabbin region. This wellness, food security, and educational program supports women who have faced isolation (including survivors of incarceration), poverty, chronic health issues, or racial injustice. The program is centered around a series of workshops and activities that teach gardening, nutrition, body/mind wellness, self-care, and community building.

The COVID-19 pandemic has vastly reinforced the importance of communion with nature, increased personal and local food self-sufficiency, and strategies for self-care and wellness to strengthen body, mind, and soul. It is a pivotal time for individuals and our communities to emerge from this challenging time stronger. The skills for resilience, wellness, and community building in this program help heal personal lives while supporting the development of community change-makers.