Racial and Social Justice Fund Public Grants

The Racial and Social Justice Fund Public Grants are administered by the City of Somerville through its Department of Racial and Social Justice. This initiative represents a local government effort to invest directly in community-led projects that advance equity, inclusion, and justice at the neighborhood level. The fund is designed to empower residents, advocates, and service providers by providing micro-grants that support grassroots programming aligned with the city’s broader commitment to racial and social justice outcomes. The primary purpose of the RSJ Fund Public Grants is to support initiatives that foster inclusive, equitable, and engaged communities within Somerville. The program identifies three core focus areas to guide applicants: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB); Community Engagement; and Education and Trainings. Projects under DEIB aim to ensure equitable access to resources and promote dignity for all residents regardless of background. Community Engagement projects are intended to strengthen relationships and civic participation across neighborhoods. Education and Trainings focus on equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate effectively for themselves and others. Funding is structured as micro-grants ranging from 250 to 9,999 dollars per award. The program operates on a reimbursement model, meaning funds are disbursed after expenses are incurred, though partial reimbursements may be requested during project implementation. The fund allows for payments directly to third-party vendors to ensure proper allocation of resources. A portion of the total award, typically no less than 30 percent, is withheld until the project is completed and a final report is submitted, ensuring accountability and adherence to the proposed scope. Eligibility for the RSJ Fund Public Grants is limited to individuals who are at least 18 years old and either live in or work in Somerville. The program is inclusive of residents, community advocates, and service providers actively engaged in advancing justice-related work. Applicants who are not residents must provide documentation demonstrating their connection to the city, such as employment or prior advocacy efforts. The application requires submission of a project concept, a description of the applicant’s connection to Somerville, a proposed timeline, and a budget overview detailing how funds will be used. The application process for the inaugural funding round opens on May 1, 2026, and closes at 11:59 p.m. on May 29, 2026. Applications are reviewed by a committee composed of city staff and community members appointed by the Mayor’s office. Evaluation criteria include the clarity of the project vision, the strength of the project design, the anticipated community impact, and the applicant’s lived or professional experience. Budget clarity and feasibility are also key considerations. The review process is designed to support both new applicants and those with demonstrated experience in community programming. Selected projects are expected to demonstrate a clear connection to one or more of the fund’s focus areas, respond to identifiable community needs, and include measurable outcomes. While specific award notification timelines and project performance periods are not explicitly stated, the reimbursement structure implies that projects must be completed as proposed before final payments are issued. The program encourages creativity and innovation, allowing applicants flexibility in designing projects that best address community needs while aligning with the overarching goals of racial and social justice.

Clearly align your project with at least one focus area, demonstrate measurable community impact, and provide a detailed and realistic budget that supports your proposed activities.