Thank you for considering applying for a grant from the Community Foundation! Below you will find our general eligibility guidelines for nonprofit grant seekers. Please keep in mind that each grant program has specific, annual requirements and guidelines. You can find more information about each program here.
For any questions on these general eligibility requirements, please email us at grants@communityfoundation.org.
- Applying organizations must be recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Organizations that do not have public charity status may apply for grants, if they are a fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) public charity. (http://communityfoundation.org/nonprofits/fiscally-sponsored-organizations-fiscal-sponsors/
- Private education and religious organizations with projects that serve broad community needs.
- Must be serving residents of Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties in the Pioneer Valley.
- Must be current with all CFWM grant report requirements. Recipients of previous grants from CFWM must have final reports for this funding submitted and approved 30 days prior to the deadline for new grants being applied for.
- Generally speaking, organizations may only apply for (as opposed to receive) one grant opportunity in a calendar year. Exceptions include receipt of non-competitive funding opportunities associated with other programming, and critical grants.
School or Education-Oriented Organization Eligibility
For Public Schools (Preschool through 12th grade):
- Applications must come from 501(c)(3) entities for the benefit of public school systems, including charter schools.
- Requests for support for capital improvements, core staff salaries, or technology (hardware and software) will not be considered.
- Projects benefiting public schools (preschool through 12th grade) including charter schools may include value-added special programming which could involve after-school and summer programs, community service projects, and extra-curricular programs.
For Private Schools (Preschool through 12th grade) where 50% or more of income is generated from state, federal or municipal funding sources:
- Applications must come from 501(c)(3) entities.
- Requests for educational scholarships will not be considered.
- Requests must follow general grant guidelines.
For Private schools (preschool through 12th grade) where less than 50% of income is generated from state, federal or municipal funding sources:
- Projects must benefit the community beyond the school’s population.
For Colleges or Universities (Public or Private):
- Requests will not be considered for operating expenses, projects and activities, or equipment which are within the primary instructional and service responsibility of a college or university and are limited for the college, university or school faculty, staff and students.
- Requests for funding of projects and activities provided by colleges or universities must:
- Demonstrate benefit to the community,
- Provide documentation of community involvement in the planning and the implementation of the project, and
- Include with their application letters of support from community organizations.
For nonprofits seeking funding to work directly with schools:
- Organizations must provide letters of collaboration or copies of signed agreement forms from the principal or superintendent of school(s) that the organization will be working with during the project.
For all applicants:
Requests for educational scholarships, including higher education scholarships, will not be considered.