Cambridge to Award Up to $1 Million in Nonprofit Grant Funding

The City of Cambridge, through its Community Benefits Advisory Committee, is pleased to announce the opening of a competitive round of grant funding. The Committee recognizes that the deep and significant needs facing residents across the City are also placing increased demand on nonprofit providers. This funding is intended to address critical needs of Cambridge residents by supporting community-based nonprofit organizations that are well-suited to respond.

Since 2017, CBAC has worked with the goal of addressing the complex needs of Cambridge residents that are low-income, specifically families with a single parent or guardian. The Committee has overseen grant funding to support collaborations among nonprofit organizations that serve those families. CBAC's 2025 Executive Summary documents important learnings, meaningful outcomes, and recommendations from previous rounds of grant funding.

"The City understands the meaningful impact we can have on the lives of our most vulnerable residents when we supplement our own services by supporting the local nonprofit organizations that serve our community," said Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. "Earlier this year, the City Council voted to amend the Community Benefits Ordinance to allow nonprofits to use grant funding for capital or operating expenses, giving them the flexibility to meet the evolving needs of Cambridge residents. We are proud to open a new round of grant funding because when our nonprofits thrive, so does our community."

The current round of funding will award individual grants of $10,000 - $25,000 up to a total of $1 million. "We understand the immense pressure that nonprofits are currently facing and the City is deeply committed to supporting their important work," said Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang. "Our community organizations are our partners and these grants are one way that we can make a difference. By bolstering local nonprofits, we also uplift residents in need of their valuable services."

Local nonprofit organizations are invited to apply online beginning July 21, 2026. The deadline for applications is August 21, 2026 at 12 p.m. Grants can be used for projects, programs, or services that address the needs of underserved Cambridge residents and eligible nonprofit organizations must do work that addresses at least one need identified in the Citywide Needs Assessment. The City aims to fund a range of organizations serving diverse needs, neighborhoods, and resident populations, and will announce award recipients in mid-October.

For more information including details on eligibility, timeline, the application, review process, and a list of frequently asked questions, please visit cambridgema.gov/nonprofitgrants. Specific questions about the grant application can be sent to [email protected].