Apply for a Grant

Bring innovative thinking to big issues and small ones

The Fund actively seeks new ideas, approaches and collaborations. It welcomes applications from those who bring innovative thinking to big issues and small ones.

Our grants have ranged from $1,000 to $20,000 and depend on the funds available and the number of worthwhile applications in any one year. Grants of up to $50,000 could be considered for projects of exceptional merit.

Apply for a Grant

Download Grant Application (PDF)

Submit application electronically to:
info@thefundforwellesley.org; susanhurwitz@verizon.net.
You must also mail hard copy of applications to Foundation for MetroWest, 3 Eliot Street, Natick, MA 01760.

Grant Guidelines and Application Information

The grant award(s) will focus primarily on programs that provide support for the following areas:

  • Youth
  • Seniors
  • Community building
Youth

Programs that help young people realize their full potential and become caring, concerned citizens of the community. The ideal program will reach out to and enable “uninvolved and unaffiliated” youth who are not yet participating in current community programming.

Seniors

Programs that address the current and/or future unmet needs of this growing population.

Community Building

Initiatives that reach out and engage different age groups and untapped resources to become civically engaged.

Proposals that lead to stronger and more effective nonprofits, thereby strengthening the community.

Priority will be given to programs that:

  • Incorporate two or three of the focus areas
  • Are intergenerational
  • Involve collaboration among multiple organizations

Selection Criteria

Preferences will be given to proposals which:

  • Address significant community issues.
  • Present innovative and entrepreneurial, yet practical and achievable projects.
  • Focus on strategic innovations that encourage collaboration, cooperation, create efficiencies, and reduce duplication of services. Collaborations may take place with other nonprofit organizations and/or with for-profit entities.
  • Explain clearly how the funds will be used. Present clear work plans illustrating the ability to achieve the project’s goal(s).
  • Provide a plan for sustainability beyond the funding period.
  • Demonstrate potential to attract funding from additional sources.
  • Confirm that the organization is reasonably financially stable, with no overwhelming threats to continued viability.

Eligibility

Non-profit organizations that serve the Wellesley community, as well as Town of Wellesley boards, commissions and departments are eligible.

  • Non-profit organization applicants must be recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Groups with viable ideas, but not yet of 501(c) (3) status may have an eligible fiscal sponsor.
  • Applicant’s purpose and programs must serve the Wellesley community.
  • Proposals may be submitted for new or to enhance existing projects and programs.
  • To encourage collaboration, two or more organizations may submit a joint proposal in addition to a proposal exclusively for their own purposes.

Application Process

  • Concept Paper
    Applicants are encouraged to submit a one-page concept paper with a statement of purpose, brief description, anticipated outcomes, estimate of grant amount, potential for additional or subsequent funders and any other information that would be helpful in an initial assessment. The Board will consider at its first available meeting and will respond shortly thereafter.
  • Application
    Applications may be submitted at any point during the year, for consideration at the next Community Board meeting.

Submit concept papers and applications electronically to:
info@foundationformetrowest.org; susanhurwitz@verizon.net.

FUND for WELLESLEY GRANT APPLICATION for TOWN OF WELLESLEY APPLICANTS

General Information

Town Department, Commission or Committee
Primary Applicant Name and Title
Co-applicant Name and Title
Contact information

Proposal Overview

Total Project Cost
Amount requested from the Fund
Proposed time period
Project Description in summary form

Proposal Detail

  1. Issue you hope to address with the project. Describe the need
  2. How the project fits with Town or department goals
  3. How the project fits with purpose of the Fund for Wellesley
  4. Population that will be served
  5. Timeline for the project
  6. Activities involved and evidence that your organization can complete the project
  7. Anticipated outcomes and measures for success
  8. The measurable impact the project will have on the Wellesley Community
  9. How the activity may be sustained after grant funding is ended
  10. Other departments and organizations involved in the project; evidence of collaboration with organizations serving same population
  11. Budget, to include all revenue and in-kind support for the project
  12. Other anticipated sources of support

Note: If the project is collaborative between 2 or more organizations, there will need to be a lead organization identified to administer the program and funds.

Instructions:

This application is for Town departments, boards or commissions applying for a Fund for Wellesley Grant.

  • Prepare Cover page with General Information and Proposal Overview
  • Write proposal, responding to each of the 12 listed items as applicable
  • Include any relevant attachments

Submit application electronically to:
info@thefundforwellesley.org; susanhurwitz@verizon.net.

FUND for WELLESLEY GRANT APPLICATION for NONPROFITS

General Information

Legal Name of Organization
Address
Executive Director or Primary Applicant
Co-applicant Name and Title, if applicable
Contact information
EIN # or fiscal sponsor info

Proposal Overview

Total Project Cost
Amount requested from the Fund
Proposed time period
Project Description in summary form

Background

Organization mission and history, including goals and key achievements
Organization’s structure including board, staff and volunteer involvement
Principal sources of support and income

Proposal Detail

  1. Issue you hope to address with the project. Describe the need.
  2. How the project fits with mission
  3. How the project fits with purpose of the Fund for Wellesley
  4. Population that will be served
  5. Timeline for the project
  6. Activities involved and evidence that your organization can complete the project
  7. Anticipated outcomes and measures for success
  8. The measurable impact the project will have on the Wellesley Community
  9. How the activity may be sustained after grant funding is ended
  10. Other departments and organizations involved in the project; evidence of collaboration with organizations serving same population
  11. Budget, to include all revenue and in-kind support for the project
  12. Other anticipated sources of support

Note: If the project is collaborative between 2 or more organizations, there will need to be a lead organization identified to administer the program and funds.

Instructions:

This application is for nonprofits applying for a Fund for Wellesley Grant.

  • Prepare Cover page with General Information and Proposal Overview
  • Write proposal, responding to each of the 12 listed items as applicable
  • Include any relevant attachments

Submit application electronically to:
info@thefundforwellesley.org; susanhurwitz@verizon.net.