The Community Benefits Advisory Committee is recommending four collaborative applications for Community Benefits planning grants of $30,000 each. Combined, the proposals represent the work of over 15 nonprofits. The lead applicants on these proposals are Cambridge Community Center, Community Art Center, De Novo and Just-A-Start, and the applicants propose a variety of approaches to addressing the three top tier needs previously identified in the Community Needs Assessment: 1) affordable housing and homelessness, 2)  financial security and 3) mental health: behavioral health and substance abuse. The full proposals are now posted on the Cambridge Community Development Department website, under the Request for Proposals (RFP) tab. Congratulations to the grantees! Learn more here.  

The Community Benefits Advisory Committee received five applications for planning grants. Interviews for the applications will take place during the first week of April, and planning grant awards will be announced in April. Up to five (5) planning grants of up to $30,000 will be awarded. Learn more here. 

Cambridge Public Schools (CPS) is continuing to move forward towards extending the day for elementary and upper schools. The CNC Out of School Time (OST) subcommittee has been deeply engaged in these discussions in an effort to raise the voice of the OST provider community and the children and families who benefit from their programs. The CNC Steering Committee submitted testimony at the school committee meeting on March 5, and urged the CPS to standardize start and end times with no school release time after 3pm, and to create an Elementary School Network in the model of the Middle School Network. Read the CNC Steering Committee letter, and learn more about the CPS decision making process.  

​Community Benefits Resources and Information Session Two
Last week the Community Benefits Advisory Committee (CBAC) held a second information session about the guidelines and application process for applying for Community Benefits Funding. During the session, members of the CBAC walked through application requirements and answered applicant questions. The deadline for proposals is February 15. Read the FAQs and access application materials here.

Last week CPS Superintendent Salim hosted a meeting for Out of School Time (OST) leaders to share two options that the district is proposing to add additional time to the school day. Meeting participants, which included staff from nonprofit and City of Cambridge OST programs, provided feedback on the proposals and raised questions on the specific steps CPS will take to support further coordination between the OST system and Cambridge schools. Read the proposals here.

The Community Benefits Advisory Committee has posted several resources for the current RFP process on their webpage, including an FAQ document, and a list of nonprofit leaders who attended the November information session. There will also be another information session and opportunity to network with potential application partners on Wednesday, January 16 - 9-11am – City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 2nd Floor Conference Room. Learn more here.