Activation Fund

The Activation Fund, administered by The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, is a grant program focused on advancing the capacity and effectiveness of community organizations. Designed to support discrete, one-year projects, the Activation Fund prioritizes proposals that introduce innovative strategies, build new partnerships, respond to emerging issues, or enhance infrastructure to improve impact. The Foundation maintains a flexible approach by not prescribing specific issue areas, instead allowing applicants to define community-driven needs and solutions that align with the broader mission of health equity. Health, as interpreted by the Foundation, includes the social determinants of health and related non-medical factors, ensuring a wide array of potential focus areas. The Foundation also places emphasis on addressing disparities and elevating organizations that serve marginalized populations. Funding through the Activation Fund is available to nonprofit organizations with IRS-designated 501(c)(3) status, public entities such as municipalities or school districts, and coalitions working through a fiscal sponsor. Priority is given to organizations serving the Foundation’s designated geographic region, which encompasses 81 cities and towns primarily within Worcester County in Central Massachusetts. Organizations outside this region may still apply, provided they demonstrate meaningful connections to the local area. Projects must be completed within a 12-month period, typically running from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. All expenditures must fall within that timeline; retroactive funding for prior costs is not permitted. Applicants are allowed to submit only one concept paper per cycle, and while there is no formal waiting period for reapplying, preference may be given to organizations not funded in the previous 12 months. Eligible projects include one-time capital investments (such as equipment or technology), professional development initiatives using a train-the-trainer model, and planning or early-stage implementation efforts for new programs. The Foundation does not support startup operations, event sponsorships, endowments, scholarships, general fundraising, recurring operating expenses, or political activities. Grant amounts range from $50,000 to $125,000, and applicants with larger total project budgets must indicate how the remaining funds will be secured. The Foundation’s indirect cost policy is tiered based on the organization's annual operating budget, allowing between 10% and 20% of direct costs depending on size. Organizations applying through a fiscal sponsor are required to submit additional documentation verifying their fiscal relationship. The 2026 grant cycle for the Activation Fund follows a two-phase application process. The Phase I application, consisting of a brief concept paper, cover sheet, and organizational leadership list, is due by March 1, 2026. Applicants selected to proceed will be notified in late March and must submit full Phase II application materials by May 8, 2026. These include a more detailed narrative, budget documents, financial statements, and, if applicable, letters of support or quotes for high-cost items. Final decisions will be communicated by mid-June 2026, and the grant period will begin on July 1, 2026. All applications should be submitted via email to [email protected], and applicants are encouraged to reach out to Foundation staff for consultation or eligibility questions in advance. Proposals are assessed based on clarity of goals, organizational capacity, evidence of community need, alignment with health equity principles, and the likelihood of sustainability beyond the grant term. The review process is conducted by Foundation staff and a Distribution Committee composed of board members, with final approval by the Board of Directors. Information sessions are offered each cycle to help guide prospective applicants. For 2026, sessions are scheduled for January 26 and February 5, with recordings available upon request. While the number of awards varies annually, the Foundation historically selects around 10 grantees per cycle, with approximately 25–30% of concept papers advancing to the second phase and about half of those receiving funding.

Describe clear organizational capacity impact, alignment with health equity, and sustainability.