Nantucket Fund Grants

The Nantucket Fund Grants program is administered by the Community Foundation for Nantucket, a philanthropic organization dedicated to addressing the most pressing needs of Nantucket Island residents. The fund serves as the Foundation’s unrestricted funding source, allowing it to flexibly allocate resources toward a wide range of community priorities. By supporting nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and religious institutions, the program aims to strengthen the social fabric of the island and improve overall quality of life through targeted investments in essential services and initiatives. The primary purpose of the Nantucket Fund Grants is to provide financial support for programs and projects that address critical community issues. The fund prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate meaningful and measurable impact in areas such as mental health, substance use, housing, affordable childcare, year-round transportation, senior well-being, and diversity initiatives. Applicants are encouraged to propose practical, solution-oriented approaches that directly respond to identified community challenges while fostering engagement and participation among local residents. Funding through this program is intended to support activities that are sustainable, collaborative, and efficient. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their proposed projects will leverage additional resources, including financial contributions and volunteer support, and how they will avoid duplication of existing services. The Foundation emphasizes the importance of partnerships and coordination among organizations to maximize impact and ensure that funded efforts contribute to long-term community resilience. While specific funding amounts are not disclosed, awards are contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of submitted proposals. Eligibility for the Nantucket Fund Grants is limited to organizations that hold 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, as well as municipalities and religious organizations that provide programs and services benefiting Nantucket residents. Applicants must be in good standing with the Community Foundation, meaning they have fulfilled all reporting and accountability requirements for any previously awarded grants. Organizations must also demonstrate organizational capacity, sound financial management, and alignment with the Foundation’s mission and funding priorities. The application process is conducted through an online grant portal. Applicants must create or log into their account, select the Nantucket Fund Grants opportunity, and complete the required application form. The submission must include a signed acknowledgment form, a list of board members with addresses, proof of IRS tax-exempt status, and recent financial documentation such as Form 990 filings and complete financial statements. The portal includes a collaboration feature, allowing multiple team members to contribute to a single application. All materials must be submitted through the portal, or, if emailed, must receive confirmation from the grants administrator to be considered complete. The 2026 application cycle opens on January 2, 2026, and closes on March 31, 2026. Following the review and evaluation process, selected recipients are recognized at an award ceremony scheduled for July 7, 2026. Applications are evaluated based on their alignment with community priorities, feasibility, sustainability, and the extent to which they engage and benefit Nantucket residents. The Foundation does not specify a recurring cycle explicitly, but the structured annual timeline suggests a regular grant cycle. Questions regarding the application process may be directed to Tandi Harimon, the Grants and Scholarships Administrator, via email. Overall, the Nantucket Fund Grants program represents a strategic investment in the well-being of the Nantucket community. By supporting a diverse range of initiatives and organizations, the program seeks to address both immediate needs and long-term challenges, ensuring that resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact. The program’s emphasis on collaboration, accountability, and sustainability underscores its commitment to fostering a thriving and inclusive community for all residents.

Propose practical and sustainable solutions, demonstrate collaboration and resource leveraging, and avoid duplication of services while maximizing community impact