Dee & King Webster Fund Grant

The Dee & King Webster Memorial Fund for Greater Lawrence is a philanthropic initiative managed by the Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF). It honors R. Kingman “King” Webster, a businessman and philanthropist dedicated to empowering youth through access to education and opportunity. This fund is specifically designed to address educational disparities and achievement gaps among youth in the Greater Lawrence area, with a focus on those affected by poverty. The fund prioritizes equitable access and seeks to provide young people with the tools and experiences necessary to realize their full potential. In the 2025 grant cycle, the Fund will exclusively consider proposals that support youth in grades 9 through 12. Eligible programs must serve youth residing in Lawrence, Methuen, and Andover, Massachusetts. The Fund supports both educational and out-of-school-time programs, emphasizing personal development, social-emotional learning, and skill-building activities. Organizations that develop innovative, effective, and measurable programming are encouraged to apply, particularly those offering collaborative educational efforts with local school systems, though such partnerships are not a requirement. Applicants may request up to $40,000 in funding, which may be disbursed in two installments over a two-year grant period. Only organizations with IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit status are eligible. Agencies outside the immediate geographic area may apply if they can demonstrate a measurable impact on Greater Lawrence youth and ensure that awarded funds are dedicated exclusively to youth in the target communities. Fiscal sponsorships are permissible under specific conditions, including minimal administrative support from the fiscal agent and a formal letter of agreement. Applications will be reviewed by ECCF staff in conjunction with the Dee & King Webster Memorial Fund Committee. Proposals are evaluated on criteria such as demonstrated community need, potential for impact, program quality, fiscal responsibility, and commitment to equity and inclusion. Grant recipients will be notified in August 2025. Interim and final reports are required at the end of each grant year and are necessary for eligibility in future funding cycles. Applications must be submitted between April 30 and May 30, 2025. During the review period, ECCF or committee members may request additional information or arrange a site visit. The Fund will not provide grants for individuals, religious instruction, political activities, deficit reduction, capital campaigns, or academic research. Programs sponsored by religious organizations are eligible only if participation is open to all youth and devoid of sectarian activities. For more information, interested applicants can contact Carol Lavoie Schuster, Vice President of Community Engagement at ECCF, by phone at (978) 777-8876 x133 or email at c.lavoieschuster@eccf.org. General inquiries may also be directed to info@eccf.org.