Community organizations that improve the health, lifestyle and wellbeing of Cambridge residents can begin applying to the city's community grants program.
The program annually provides funding to volunteer and not-for-profit organizations that meet its criteria, and the scrutiny of the grants program committee, which is tasked with determining how much and who to give money to each spring.
Applications must be from a volunteer group or not-for profit organization located in Cambridge that benefits the community through recreation and sports, arts and culture, festivals and events or social services.
Groups applying must also be in good standing with the City of Cambridge and be in compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations and bylaws for all levels of government.
Last fall the city received a record 57 applications from non-profit agencies, groups and organizations. Combined the groups sought over $1.2 million in funding when the city only budgeted $414,800.
The program welcomes two streams of applicants, those seeking under $25,000 in funding, and those seeking more than $25,000.
Since funding requests always exceed what is available, financial services staff score the applications on a matrix that looks at financial need and a demonstration of each group's positive contribution to community wellbeing. A committee that includes council members sorts through the applications to make their final recommendations in the spring.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit the city's website.
The application deadline is Nov. 29.
