Digital Equity Initiative Partnership Grant

The Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF), a regional philanthropic organization based in Beverly, Massachusetts, has announced the Digital Equity Initiative Partnership Grant. This grant program supports collaborative, community-centered projects aimed at addressing critical digital equity needs throughout Essex County. The initiative aligns with ECCF’s commitment to systemic change, ensuring that residents have access to the digital tools and resources necessary for full participation in society, education, and the economy. The grant prioritizes projects focused on four key impact areas identified in ECCF's digital equity plan: access to devices, internet connectivity, digital literacy training, and collaborative systems integration. Eligible proposals must involve a partnership between at least two nonprofit entities and demonstrate a systems-level approach to improving digital equity outcomes. Projects that combine multiple impact areas or that seek to build sustainable, integrated models for digital inclusion are strongly encouraged. Funding amounts for the grant range from $25,000 to $50,000 for a one-year period. Returning grantees are advised to cap their requests at $25,000. Grant funds may not be used to support academic research, replace public sector funding, or for debt relief, political activity, or travel outside the region. Projects must deliver services within Essex County, and only organizations based in or with a physical presence in the region are eligible. State or local government agencies, including public schools, and individuals are not eligible. Applications must be submitted via ECCF’s Application Portal by December 2, 2025. The review process will be carried out by ECCF staff and the Digital Equity Initiative Partnership Grant Review Committee, which may request additional information or site visits during December. Funding decisions will be announced by the end of December 2025. Optional support for applicants includes 20-minute one-on-one office hour sessions offered on October 10, October 21, and November 7. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or those with a fiscal sponsor. ECCF emphasizes inclusivity and non-discrimination in both its own operations and those of grantee organizations. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate an understanding of systemic dynamics, team leadership stability, a clear grasp of their target audience, and measurable impact metrics. Projects offering significant return on investment and potential for continuation post-grant are also favored. For questions regarding the grant or application process, applicants may contact Kate Machet, Vice President of Systems Initiatives and Government Relations at k.machet@eccf.org or by phone at (978) 777-8876. ECCF's office is located at 500 Cummings Center, Suite 5450, Beverly, MA 01915. All reports must be submitted through the portal, with interim and final reports required at specified checkpoints.