Grant Application

Applications for 2023 Grants

The Cape Ann Community Foundation (CACF) invites 2023 proposals for grants. Applications will be available on Friday, March 31st 2023 and must be submitted by Monday May 1st 2023. Grants are awarded from the proceeds made from the Cape Ann License Plate and direct donations from the community. Our grants range from $2,000 to $5,000 for projects that support the Foundation’s mission to improve our regions economy and overall quality of life for the residents of Cape Ann in the following areas:

  • Regional promotion: projects that support and enhance the quality of life for the Cape Ann region and the communities of Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Rockport; and promote Cape Ann as a desirable place to live, work, recreate and vacation.
  • Economic Development: projects that expand employment opportunities and enhance the economic vitality of Cape Ann, including but not limited to projects that facilitate the start-up of new enterprises or the expansion of existing enterprises on Cape Ann.
  • Training and Education: projects that support the training and education of the current and future Cape Ann workforce, including entrepreneurial training, to help Cape Ann residents succeed and thrive in the 21st-century economy.

Eligible applicants include religious, educational, scientific and cultural institutions; poverty relief agencies; and in general any organization that qualifies as a 501(c) (3) charity and is based in or providing services to the Cape Ann community. Local governments and their subdivisions in the communities of Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Rockport are also eligible to apply for CACF grants.

“My fellow Board members and I encourage all Cape Ann area non-profits and municipalities with eligible projects to submit proposals for this funding cycle,” said CACF Board President Ruth Pino. “And remember, any Massachusetts resident can buy the Cape Ann License Plate. We need more Cape Ann plates on the road to ensure funding for worthy initiatives in the future,” Pino added.

For further information call Bernie Romanowski at (978) 283-1601 or email bernie@capeannchamber.com.

Apply for a Grant Here

Since 2015, over $90,000 has been awarded to various Cape Ann non-profits & organizations—check out the full report here.

CACF Board President Ruth Pino Presenting NAMI Cape Ann with their 2021 Grant