Guidelines:  
The Cape Ann Community Foundation (CACF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization established in 2015 by the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce to manage and award grants from the proceeds from the Cape Ann License Plate.  Given the unique circumstances and challenges presented by the current global pandemic, CACF’s 9 member board of directors has modified the Foundation’s grant process in two ways;
1) The Board created a simplified application (following).
2) The Board narrowed the focus of the Foundation’s grant funding to support non-profits’ efforts to ensure the well-being of our Cape Ann Community as we all move through this pandemic.
The CACF focuses its grant-making on the Cape Ann region and the communities of Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea.  

Requests are sought in the $2,000 to $5,000 range.  Grant funds are available to support activities that occur after the date of the grant award.  Please note that the Board of Directors favors:
● Projects that will serve a wide segment of the community and assist those who are not served adequately by existing resources;
● Demonstration projects that provide practical approaches for dealing with specific problems; and
● Projects where the Foundation’s contribution is likely to leverage additional support.

Evaluation Criteria:  Grant applications will be evaluated using the following criteria:
● Consistency with CACF mission and purpose
● Applicant eligibility
● Benefits for the Cape Ann community
● Completeness
● Overall quality of application
● Capacity of applicant to complete the project
● Demonstration of need for the project
● Benefits to an underserved group or community
● Demonstration of support for project

Eligibility:  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 according to the IRS 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.  

Proposal review will be conducted by the CACF Board.  The review process may include a site visit, phone conversation or presentation.  Generally, the Board of Directors will meet to consider and make final decisions on grant applications.  Notification of action on your request will occur after the Board’s decision.  

We hope you will carefully review the terms of this Invitation for Proposals and submit a proposal only if your project meets the application guidelines and eligibility requirements.  
 
Questions or requests for additional information should be directed to Peter Webber at peter@capeannchamber.com or (978) 283-1601.