Main Street Community Foundation’s General Grant Cycle

The Main Street Community Foundation, Inc. serves the communities of Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, and Wolcott. The Foundation continually adapts its programs and policies to remain responsive to community needs. Through its General Grant Cycle, it distributes competitive grants to support charitable programs that benefit residents within its service area.

To be eligible for funding, organizations must be classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or a 170(c)(1) public or governmental unit. The funded programs must directly serve residents of the six-town area. Out-of-area agencies may apply but must provide strong documentation demonstrating service to these communities, with requests evaluated on a case-by-case basis. All applicants must submit a signed Statement of Non-Discrimination Policy and must have completed any required follow-up reports from previous grants before reapplying. Organizations that have received funding for two consecutive years must wait one year before submitting a new request.

The Foundation considers grants for projects that align with its program areas: Basic Needs, Access to Opportunity, and Vibrant Communities. Funding is available for both new and existing programs, with a stronger emphasis on sustaining and improving service delivery rather than launching entirely new initiatives unless they address a documented unmet need. Eligible expenses include program costs, capital expenditures, and general operating support. A portion of salaries and overhead expenses may be included in the grant budget. However, grants are intended for future expenditures and cannot be used for operating deficits or previously incurred obligations.

The Foundation does not generally fund endowments, research, political or lobbying activities, property repairs or maintenance, loans, memorials, replacement of government or public funding, or fundraising events. Additionally, grants are not available to individuals. Religious organizations may apply for funding if the proposed project is secular, but grants for religious activities are not considered.

Grants may be awarded outright, as challenge grants, or with matching fund requirements at the Foundation's discretion. Applications are reviewed by the Foundation’s Distribution Committee, which is composed of volunteer community representatives. The Committee makes recommendations for final approval by the Board of Directors.

Interested applicants must apply through the Foundation’s Online Grants Center. Before submission, all applicants must contact Kate Kerchaert, Director of Grants & Programs, or another member of the grantmaking team at 860-583-6363 to confirm eligibility and alignment with the Foundation’s funding priorities. The deadline for applications is March 28, 2025, with funding decisions communicated by mid-June.