The Family Strengthening Small Grants Fund
PURPOSE:
The purpose of the Family Strengthening Small Grants Fund is to support activities and projects in the greater Dudley area that build, strengthen, and support families.
FUNDING PRIORITIES:
The Family Strengthening Small Grants Fund will give high priority to projects and activities which focus on:
- mending the social fabric of the neighborhood;
- building, strengthening, and supporting personal and family development;
- broadening the horizons of individuals and families;
- removing barriers to employment;
- increasing parental involvement;
- beautifying outdoor spaces; and
- community engagement.
EXAMPLES OF FAMILY STRENGTHENING ACTIVITIES:
Strategies might include:
- out-of-school activities for youth or intergenerational activities;
- parenting seminars;
- life skills workshops (cooking, sewing, etc.);
- support groups and services for single parents;
- community support for reintegrating residents from situations such as recovery, incarceration, etc.; or
- neighborhood cleanups.
ELIGIBILITY:
The Small Grants Fund will provide funding to proposals that are developed and carried out by resident volunteers who live in the Greater Dudley area of Roxbury and Dorchester, Massachusetts. In addition to resident volunteers, volunteer-run neighborhood groups and associations in the Greater Dudley area are also eligible. Nonprofit 501(c)(3) status is not required, but has to be organized for charitable activities for the benefit of families and neighborhoods. Large social service agencies, community-based organizations, and for-profit entities ARE NOT ELIGIBLE.
Anticipated funding will be in the range of $500 – $5,000 per grant. Grant funds may not be used to pay salaries. All grants are expected to be completed within a 12-month period from the date of receipt. If there is a problem with regard to the completion of the grant in a timely manner, please contact this office.
PRIOR GRANTEE:
Prior grantees cannot reapply until they have completed the prior activity/program/project. Once the prior grant is completed, a final report on the use of the grant funds must be submitted. Without this report on file, any subsequent grant requests will be denied.
If an applicant is submitting a grant request to continue a previously supported activity/program/project by the Small Grants Fund, a RE-Application Form must be filled out and must clearly state how the activity/program/project succeeded or failed and how additional funding will advance or improve the activity/program/project.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE IN GRANT PREPARATION:
A simple application form will be required. Groups can request technical assistance in the planning and preparation of the grant application. The technical support person will not write the grant application but will advise the group in answering questions on the application and in developing the budget.
FISCAL AGENT:
If an organization does not have 501(c)(3) status for their activity/program/project, the applicant must use a fiscal agency (a nonprofit organization that will take responsibility for the disbursement of grant funds). The fiscal agent must be incorporated and doing business in the state of Massachusetts. The form needed is the IRS Determination Letter not the Massachusetts Tax Certification Form.
APPLICATION DEADLINES:
Friday, January 31, 2025 – for programs that start in the summer of 2025
Friday, May 1, 2025 – for programs that start in last August or the fall of 2025
Friday, October 10, 2025 – for programs that start in the winter of 2026
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Completed applications, re-applications and grant reports should be emailed to:
Nancy A. Saunders: nsaunders@gmafoundations.com
Phone: (617) 399-1850
If assistance with form completion or if technical assistance is required, please contact:
Che Madyun, Small Grants Fund Manager
Phone: (617) 823-0066
Email: ccmadyun@yahoo.com