Imagined in Cambridge-Social Innovation Award

The Imagined in Cambridge! Social Innovation Award is an annual recognition program administered by the Cambridge Community Foundation. This award is designed to uplift local changemakers who are responding to significant social challenges in Cambridge, Massachusetts. With a focus on creativity, courage, and ambition, the award honors those whose innovative projects not only address pressing community needs but also hold the potential to inspire transformation beyond the city's borders. The program provides each selected winner with a $5,000 award to support the continuation and growth of their project. Projects must be piloted or tested—those in early brainstorming phases are encouraged to apply for the Foundation’s Microgrant program instead. The initiative emphasizes inclusivity, welcoming applications from individuals, students, groups, entrepreneurs, and emerging nonprofits. Notably, having 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is not required, and prior recipients of the Cambridge Community Foundation’s Community Fund grants are ineligible. Applicants can either self-nominate or be nominated by community members once the nomination form opens in Spring 2026. Selected nominees who meet the eligibility requirements will be invited to apply. The application involves sharing basic project information, applicant type, and connection to Cambridge, followed by a description of the project’s goals, the community need it addresses, actions already taken, the project’s innovative elements, and how the award would further its impact. Submissions can be in written form (up to 3,000 characters) or as a short video (up to 2 minutes). An optional letter of support may also be included. There are currently no restrictions on how the award funds may be spent, but applicants must describe clearly how the funds will support and expand their work. Evaluation criteria include the project’s clarity and purpose, its relevance to Cambridge, the innovativeness of the approach, the progress already made, and the potential for expansion and broader impact. Judges prioritize projects that boldly and creatively tackle unmet community needs. Applicants are generally notified about outcomes within one month of the deadline. Whether or not they are selected, all applicants will receive communication once final decisions are made. The program’s structure affirms its commitment to recognizing tested projects that are ready to scale or be celebrated. Questions about the application process can be directed to the Foundation’s grantmaking team at applications@cambridgecf.org.

Judges favor well-defined ideas with impact, innovation, and connection to Cambridge.