Applications for 2024 Grants

The Cape Ann Community Foundation (CACF) invites 2024 proposals for grants. Applications will be available on Monday, April 1, 2024 and must be submitted by Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Grants are awarded from the proceeds made from the Cape Ann License Plate and direct donations from the community. Our grants range from $1,000 to $5,000 for projects that support the Foundation’s mission 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.

“The work the Foundation is able to accomplish with the help of the proceeds from plates on the road and generous bidders during our Low-Number Cape Ann License Plate Online Auction each year is a testament to the heart and soul of the Cape Ann Community and the pride we all hold for our beautiful area.” said Britta Cahoon, Co-Chair “Please don’t forget, if you already have a plate, you can continue to make a difference through a direct donation to the Foundation on our website and by spreading the word to family and friends.” added Tony Sapienza, Co-Chair.

For further information on the grant application process, call Steve Buckley at (978) 283-1601 or email steve@capeannchamber.com.

Since 2015, over $100,000 has been awarded to various Cape Ann non-profits & organizations—check out the full report here.