Essex County Community Response Fund
This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Essex County, Massachusetts, addressing urgent community needs such as food insecurity and homelessness, as well as helping them pursue organizational improvements for long-term sustainability.
The Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF) has launched the Essex County Community Response Fund to address critical needs among local nonprofit organizations. The fund represents a collective philanthropic effort to support Essex County, Massachusetts-based nonprofits responding to crises such as food insecurity, homelessness, and urgent economic or social challenges. ECCF aims to work alongside donors and communities to build a long-term support mechanism that strengthens local resilience and nonprofit sustainability. ECCFβs Community Response Grants fall into two key funding categories. The first, Essential Needs, supports nonprofits delivering services related to food, shelter, and clothing within Essex County. Grants under this category can be used for either general operating expenses or project-based work. Funding amounts for Essential Needs grants can reach up to $30,000, with a term of one to two years depending on the grantee's preference. The second category, Structural Support, provides up to $20,000 for one-year projects that enable nonprofits to pursue organizational transformation. These may include exploring mergers, significant shifts in business models, or developing new revenue strategies to ensure sustainability in uncertain environments. To be eligible, applicants must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and operate within Essex County. Programs operating under a fiscal agent may also apply, provided the fiscal agent solely provides tax-exempt status, and the program manages its own budget and fundraising. A letter of agreement between the program and fiscal agent must be included. ECCF does not fund individuals, sectarian or religious activities, political causes, debt reduction, or capital campaigns for real estate or endowment. Grant selection is based on several criteria. Reviewers seek applications with a clearly defined urgent or near-term need, potential for meaningful community impact, a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion, and a history of sound financial management. The review committee includes ECCF staff, board members, and local community representatives. No formal site visits are conducted as part of the selection process. Awards will be announced in August 2025. Applications open on June 25, 2025, and close on July 31, 2025. The application process is accessible through ECCF's online portal. There are no reporting requirements for grantees receiving general operating support. However, those awarded Structural Support grants must submit a final report summarizing their outcomes and organizational learnings. For further inquiries, applicants may contact Amy Lowe, Director of Grants and Programs, at a.lowe@eccf.org or by phone at (978) 777-8876 x138. The ECCF office is located at 500 Cummings Center, Suite 5450, Beverly, Massachusetts 01915.
Award Range
$20,000 - $30,000
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
No
Additional Details
Essential Needs: Up to $30,000 for food, clothing, shelter, general operating or projects over 1β2 years. Structural Support: Up to $20,000 over 1 year for strategic transformation including mergers or business model changes. Ineligible uses: individuals, religious/political purposes, capital/endowment.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and serve Essex County. Fiscal agent-based programs must operate independently and provide a formal agreement. Ineligible uses include support for individuals, political purposes, or sectarian activities requiring participation in worship.
Geographic Eligibility
Essex County (MA)
Application Opens
June 25, 2025
Application Closes
July 31, 2025
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