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Financial Resources for Nonprofits

Last update: 3/10/2021 9:00 AM
Navigating Relief for your nonprofit?
Read a concise overview of available relief for nonprofits, and watch a video from expert Brad Bedingfield, Professional Advisor Council and Cambridge Community Foundation Chair. This resource has been curated by Hemenway & Barnes LLP on the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. 
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Cambridge Community Foundation - Community Fund 
  • Application rules: Nonprofits can apply for a CCF Community Fund grant once per year. All nonprofits that serve the Cambridge community are invited to apply.
  • Application focus: As it did the last cycle, the application will include a focus on the needs and challenges applicants are facing given COVID.
  • Deadline: February 15, 2021 at 5pm. 
  • Application

Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) COVID-19 Safety Support Grant 
  • Overview: Provides funding to local non-profit child care providers, organizations providing youth programming, and classroom-based learning facilities. The grant aims to help organizations stay open by assisting with equipment needs. Applicants may utilize the grant for sanitation and cleaning, personal protective equipment, capital improvements, or other goods and services necessary to maintain or resume the program's response to COVID-19.

The Cultural Capital Fund 
  • Overview: The Cambridge Community Foundation and the City of Cambridge have joined forces to launch a new Cultural Capital Fund with over $600,000 to address urgent needs in the local arts and culture sector as an initial step. The Foundation also commits to building an endowment for the arts and culture sector, targeting $5 million over five years, to protect the city’s cultural richness over the long term. 
  • Eligibility: Art and culture nonprofits can apply for grants up to $25,000 for COVID-necessitated capital improvements, and up to $10,000 for operations and programming support.
  • ​Rolling Applications

The Lenny Zakim COVID-19 Emergency Response and Recovery Fund 
  • Eligibility: Unrestricted emergency grants will be provided as flexible general operating support to current grantees and former grantees with a budget size of $1,000,000 or less
  • Deadline: the15th of each month by 11:59 PM
  • Rolling Application
  • Contact info: office@thelennyzakimfund.org 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Catalyst Fund
  • Overview: The Catalyst Fund provides one-time, non-renewable grant up to $5,000 for twelve-month period for capacity building support. The grant program is supported by contributions from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts employees and vendors. For nonprofits seeking to make a positive impact on health or health care access for low-income and vulnerable residents of Massachusetts
  • Eligibility: Massachusetts grassroots nonprofits that serve health care needs for low-income and vulnerable residents of the state. 
  • Rolling Application ​​ ​
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Paycheck Protection Plan loans from the US Small Business Administration (SBA)
  • PPP for Small Businesses: How to Take Advantage before Funds Run Out (Boston Fed)
    • ​An info sheet describing the program
    • Links to other resources including program information and loan applications in 19 languages
    • A list of technical assistance providers indicating they can help small businesses/nonprofits apply
    • A list of financial institutions that are able to process PPP loans for non-customers
  • Provides funding for special emergency loans of up to $10 million to cover costs of payroll, operations, and debt service, and provides that the loans be forgiven in whole or in part under certain circumstances
  • Eligibility: Nonprofits and small businesses with 500 or fewer employees
  • How to apply summary (TSNE MissionWorks)
  • Organizations must apply through local lenders for this loan program that can be converted to a grant if requirements are met
  • Interim guidance from SBA summary (Mass Nonprofit Network)

Emergency Economic Injury Grants and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the US Small Business Administration
  • Grants provide an emergency advance for up to $10K within three days of applying for an EIDL. Organizations must apply for an EIDL loan first and then request the advance
  • Eligibility: Any Massachusetts nonprofit or small business may apply 
  • How to apply
  • Read about SBA supports (loans and counseling) that nonprofits are eligible for ​
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​​Request for Volunteers and Material Supplies

​Cambridge Volunteer Clearinghouse (CVC) has a continually growing list of volunteers who will welcome your targeted appeals for skilled or general assistance. Let CVC know if you need volunteers or material support by emailing Laurie Rothstein at cvc@cambridgevolunteers.org.​