Grants & Sponsorships
The Charitable Foundation provides grants and sponsorships to support organizations, events, and educators working to strengthen Martha’s Vineyard and Falmouth. Funding helps address local needs and enrich community life across the region.
Art of Teaching Grant Application Opening Soon
Applications will be open this year from August 27th – September 23rd.
Monthly & Quarterly Grants
Grants are awarded throughout the year to organizations addressing community needs across Martha’s Vineyard and Falmouth, from housing and healthcare to education and the environment.
See the Grant Application Checklist for full requirements.
Eligibility
- Registered 501(c)(3) serving Martha's Vineyard or Falmouth
- In operation for at least one year as determined by IRS Letter of Determination date
- Detailed project budget and outreach plan with complete timeline and measurable outcomes
- IRS Letter of Determination required (state tax-exempt forms not accepted)
Art of Teaching Grants
These grants support public school educators who bring creative projects and hands-on experiences into classrooms. Awards of up to $1,500 support materials, activities, and resources that promote learning.
Applications open: 8/27/26 - 9/23/26
See the Art of Teaching Grant Checklist for full requirements.
Eligibility
- Martha’s Vineyard and Falmouth public school teachers and administrators
- Projects must extend learning beyond core curriculum
- Detailed outreach plans and project budget required
Community Choice Grants
Local nonprofits nominate themselves for the Community Choice Grant program. After nominations close, the public votes to determine which organizations will receive funding.
This happens once a year, typically in late winter. Nomination and voting links will go live during that time.
See the CCG Nomination Checklist for full requirements.
Eligibility
- Registered 501(c)(3) serving Martha's Vineyard or Falmouth
- The organization made a notable community impact during the previous year
Sponsorships
Sponsorships support nonprofit events that bring people together for important causes, from 5K runs and golf tournaments to arts festivals and local fundraisers.
See the Sponsorship Application Checklist for full requirements.
Eligibility
- Registered 501(c)(3) serving Martha's Vineyard or Falmouth
- Detailed event budget and outreach plan required
- Requests must be received at least six weeks before the event
- One application per rolling 12-month period, covering up to three events
Grants & Sponsorships FAQs
Who can apply
You must be a qualified 501(c)(3) organization based on Martha's Vineyard or in Falmouth, MA, or provide significant services in these areas. An IRS Letter of Determination is required with each application. The Charitable Foundation cannot fund individuals, faith-based organizations, or political organizations.
Organizations under one year old, as determined by the date of the IRS Letter of Determination, do not qualify for Charitable Foundation support.
What we fund
Our grants support work in the areas of education, economic development, climate and environment, health and human services, culture, art and historic heritage, affordable housing, elder services, and community services.
What we don't fund
To ensure support reaches the communities and causes where it can do the most good, the Charitable Foundation does not fund:
- Organizations established less than one year prior to application, as determined by verified IRS Letter of Determination date
- Salaries (stipends and other personnel costs may be considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Travel, meals, housing, or lodging
- Individuals (the Charitable Foundation Scholarship Program is the exception)
- Faith-based, municipal, or governmental organizations (an exception applies to the Art of Teaching Grants for public school teachers)
- "Conduit" organizations, unified funds, or entities whose primary purpose is to distribute funds on behalf of donors
- Administration or contingency costs within any funded project or program
Requests for large grants (over $50K)
If the project or program is determined to fit within the focus of the Charitable Foundation, an invitation to apply will be extended for the specific project or program described in the LOI. These grants are decided over an extended period.
What to include in your application
Full details about the project or program are required, including:
- A project/program budget (we recommend this Budget Template if you need one)
- A plan for Outreach & Communication
- Your IRS Letter of Determination (Mass. Dept. of Revenue forms will not be accepted)
- Measurable outcomes
- A complete timeline
All application attachments must be in PDF format.
You may start an application and save your work to continue later.
Monthly & quarterly grant application deadlines
For new grant requests under $5,000 and repeat requests under $10,000, decisions are made on a monthly basis as outlined below.
| Review Month | Deadline |
| March 2026 | February 26th |
| April 2026 | March 25th |
| May 2026 | April 30th |
| June 2026 | May 28th |
| July 2026 | June 25th |
| August 2026 | July 30th |
| September 2026 | August 27th |
| October 2026 | September 24th |
| November 2026 | October 29th |
| December 2026 | November 24th |
| January 2027 | December 28th |
| February 2027 | January 28th, 2027 |
| March 2027 | February 25th, 2027 |
| April 2027 | April 1st, 2027 |
For new grant requests over $5,000 and repeat requests over $10,000, decisions are made on a quarterly basis as outlined below.
| Review Quarter | Deadline |
| Q1 2026 | December 11th, 2025 |
| Q2 2026 | March 11th, 2026 |
| Q3 2026 | June 10th, 2026 |
| Q4 2026 | September 9th, 2026 |
| Q1 2027 | January 13th, 2027 |
Art of Teaching grant info
Art of Teaching Project Grants fund initiatives that enrich public school students’ education by providing resources beyond the standard curriculum.
Funding may cover equipment and teaching materials, author visits, creative writing workshops, and more. Grants of up to $1,500 are available per individual application.
Educators and administrators from Martha’s Vineyard and Falmouth public school districts may apply.
The application window typically aligns with the start of the school year.
Community Choice grant info
Sponsorship application deadlines
For new sponsorship requests under $5,000 and repeat requests under $10,000, decisions are made on a monthly basis outlined below. Requests must be submitted at least six weeks before an event to be considered for funding.
| Review Month | Deadline |
| March 2026 | February 26th |
| April 2026 | March 25th |
| May 2026 | April 30th |
| June 2026 | May 28th |
| July 2026 | June 25th |
| August 2026 | July 30th |
| September 2026 | August 27th |
| October 2026 | September 24th |
| November 2026 | October 29th |
| December 2026 | November 24th |
| January 2027 | December 28th |
| February 2027 | January 28th, 2027 |
| March 2027 | February 25th, 2027 |
| April 2027 | April 1st, 2027 |
Giving in Action
This grant will support the capital campaign to build a space that fosters learning, connection, and community growth. Through this initiative, the YMCA strengthens its capacity to support children, families, and residents across the region while deepening its role as a cornerstone for community well-being.
Amy is pursuing a M.Ed in Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement at Merrimack College. She has supported Island families since 2017 with her work with MV Community Services. Her scholarship supports her continued focus on youth mentorship and community programs.
An Art of Teaching Grant helped Ben Hughes build a recording studio at the Martha's Vineyard Public Charter School.
"A lot of kids are consumers of technology, scrolling all the time. This lets them be producers and artists."
View Our 2025 Art of Giving Program
Previous Charitable Foundation Giving Programs
Contact Us
Have questions about the Charitable Foundation? Reach out to our team and we will be happy to help.
