Investing in quality of life issues in Sudbury, MA

The next Sudbury Program Grant application deadline is Monday, October 2, 2023. The application is now available here.

The Foundation makes grants to Sudbury-based nonprofit organizations, the Town of Sudbury (and, through the Town, its boards, commissions and departments), the Sudbury Public Schools and Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School. The Foundation will also consider applications from public and nonprofit organizations located outside of Sudbury for projects that substantially benefit Sudbury residents.

If your nonprofit is based outside of Sudbury, you must speak to staff before applying for a Sudbury Program Grant.

Please contact Executive Director Sonia Shah, shah@sudburyfoundation.org.

Funding Categories

Youth Development and Opportunity

Objective: To help young people realize their full potential and become caring, concerned citizens

• Build leadership skills and provide leadership opportunities
• Encourage youth to get involved and to give back to the community (local, regional, national, world)
• Enhance academic enrichment, cultural and recreational programs and opportunities
• Support and strengthen activities that promote healthy behaviors

Preserving Community Character and Assets

Objective: To preserve the Town’s natural, historic and other community assets

• Historic Preservation:
  Preserve the Town’s historic resources and landmarks, celebrate its storied history and enhance its natural character and charm
• Environmental Preservation:
  Protect, restore and care for the Town’s air, land, water and habitats

Community Building/Town Betterment

Objective: To strengthen community resources and engender a greater sense of community

• Encourage participation in community events and civic affairs
• Create a climate of acceptance and tolerance in which diversity is embraced and respect is demonstrated to all people
• Nurture local philanthropy and volunteerism
• Support Town betterment projects, as appropriate

Underserved Populations

Objective: To support underserved citizens

• Strengthen assistance to underserved populations including seniors, low-income residents, and those facing physical, emotional health and other challenges.

Other Criteria

The Trustees view collaboration among agencies with similar missions favorably and consider an applicant’s ability to secure alternate project financing. We welcome the opportunity to join with other funders in underwriting grant endeavors. Multi-year grant requests are accepted. Nonprofit organizations are limited to one grant per calendar year, with the exception of the Racial Equity grants.

Funding Restrictions

The Foundation does not make loans or grants to individuals. While we do not rule out requests for any particular type of assistance, we generally do not provide ongoing operating support, offset deficits, contribute to general appeals, purchase benefit tickets, fund efforts understood to be the responsibility of government or support religious activities.

Applying for a Sudbury Program Grant

Applicants are encouraged to discuss their needs with Foundation staff prior to submitting a full proposal. Telephone inquiries and concept papers are welcome. 

Proposal Review Schedule

The Foundation Trustees meet four times a year to review proposals for the Sudbury Program.