Educational Opportunities Grant Program

The Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation, established by Middlesex Savings Bank, is a philanthropic entity dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations that uplift underserved communities. Middlesex Savings Bank, a mutual bank headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts, created the Foundation to further its commitment to community well-being beyond traditional banking services. The Foundation operates independently with its own endowment and is capable of issuing grants of up to $15,000. Its giving emphasizes areas such as education, public health and welfare, the arts, community development, and scholarships for college-bound seniors. One of the Foundation’s flagship initiatives is the Educational Opportunities Program, which supports organizations that offer unique and meaningful educational programs for youth and adults. This program is particularly focused on initiatives that enhance individual potential and community engagement through education. Acceptable program types under this initiative include job training and job readiness programs, adult education services including English as a Second Language, financial literacy efforts such as credit education, and home buying seminars, as well as youth enrichment programs. These programs are expected to have a clear community impact and be accessible to underserved or at-risk populations. Organizations applying under the Educational Opportunities Program must be recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The Foundation seeks applicants that are financially stable and can demonstrate strong, experienced leadership at both the staff and board levels. The proposed program should be unique in design, clearly address an identified need in the target community, and offer measurable outcomes. Applicants are expected to detail the anticipated impact of the grant on both the project and the organization’s ability to execute it. A strong proposal will also include a comprehensive strategy for tracking and communicating program results. Eligibility is generally limited to those nonprofits that operate within the communities served by Middlesex Savings Bank. This includes numerous cities and towns across Massachusetts. The Foundation does not operate nationwide and its geographic focus is clearly local. Applications are evaluated by Foundation Directors on a biannual schedule, with two primary deadlines each year. Proposals submitted by April 1 are reviewed by June 2, while those submitted by August 1 are reviewed by October 1. The grant process is not rolling and operates on a fixed biannual schedule. The Foundation does not specify the number of awards available per cycle or the total amount of funds distributed annually, so prospective applicants should assume a competitive process. There are no matching fund requirements stated, and no information has been provided regarding pre-application procedures or prior recipients. For program-related inquiries, technical questions, or submission assistance, applicants can contact givingprograms@middlesexbank.com. The Foundation's mailing address is Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation, PO Box 5210, Westborough, MA 01581-5210, and the bank’s general customer service line is 1-877-463-6287.

Ensure you demonstrate measurable impact and strong leadership credentials.