Grants
The Community Foundation strives to ensure that the foundation's grant making effectively meets donors' charitable interests and addresses the community's changing needs. We view our grants as investments in the community that should be made wisely and fairly. The Community Foundation awards grants through 66 funds including the Discretionary Fund, the Y.E.S. (Youth Entitled to Success) Fund and the Women's Fund.
CFSEMA Discretionary Fund
The mission of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts is to enhance and support the
quality of life throughout the region through stewardship of gifts, bequests, and funds and the distribution of
grants to charitable projects and organizations. Although we serve 41 cities and towns in the region, our primary
funding focus is on the SouthCoast communities of Greater New Bedford, Greater Fall River, and Southern Plymouth
County. The Community Foundation recognizes five general areas of grantmaking. They are:
- Seed grants (e.g., start-up money for new projects or programs)
- Maintenance grants (e.g., ongoing core services, operating support)
- Capacity building (e.g., technical assistance grants to help organizations become stronger, not program funding)
- Emergency needs (e.g., community emergencies, unforeseen issues)
- Change agent (e.g., working for systemic changes, prevention not just intervention.
The Polaroid Fund
The Community Foundation has begun managing the New Bedford area grant program of the Polaroid Fund
through a contract with The Boston Foundation. Beginning in January 2007, up to $100,000 will be available
each year for programs addressing workforce development through English literacy and adult education.
Click here for more information about grants from the Polaroid Fund
The Y.E.S. Fund
The Community Foundation makes annual grants available for drug abuse awareness, education and prevention
programs focusing specifically on youth in the Greater New Bedford area.
Click here for more information about grants from the YES Fund
The Women's Fund
The Women's Fund Action Award is a small flexible grant to help an individual or group fulfill their potential. These awards fully reflect The Women’s Fund mission, which is to support and empower girls and women in Southeastern Massachusetts.
Nominations for recipients of Action Awards come from local agencies and schools. Awards reflect the Fund's area of focus, education, health, violence prevention, civil and reproductive freedom, advocacy, leadership development, and economic independence.
For more information, please visit the The Women's Fund Website.