Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak with someone prior to applying for funding?

A pre-conversation is not necessary to apply for a Pillar or Off-Cycle investment opportunity.

Can an organization apply for both the Pillar and Off-Cycle investment opportunities?

Applying for both opportunities does not make an organization ineligible for receiving funding for either type of investment. Organizations are eligible to receive one Off-Cycle and one Pillar grant per fiscal year (July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023).

Do we provide event sponsorships?

We do not provide sponsorships. Any investment from NCF should be considered unrestricted to operations. NCF can be acknowledged as a partner but not a sponsor.

Is it okay if an organization’s work falls into multiple pillars?

Yes, most of the organizations we fund fall into multiple pillars but we will ask you to identify a primary pillar of work.

Are there restrictions on who can apply based on whether you are currently in the NCF portfolio?

If you have previously received funding from NCF, that does not exclude you from applying for a future round.

Does NCF fund national/regional organizations that do work in Massachusetts?

With our current strategy, we are focusing on funding organizations who are based in MA.

Do we fund for-profit organizations or small businesses?

No, as we are currently situated as a Donor Advised Fund at The Boston Foundation, we only fund 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit organizations or organizations that operate under the fiscal sponsorship of a tax-exempt nonprofit.

Do we fund organizations based on specific sizes (operational budget and staff size)?

We fund organizations of all sizes and funding amounts may vary based on organizational capacity. We encourage you to have a conversation with our team if you have concerns.

If an organization is physically located in a city that is not on NCF’s geography list but serves a city NCF is focused on, is it still eligible for funding?

Please directly specify the communities you serve when applying so we have a full understanding of your organization’s reach.

Are the Pillar and Off-Cycle grants the only funding opportunities available?

Pillar and Off-Cycle grants will be the only open, application-based funding opportunities NCF has available.

Is there a specific timeframe for when the funds should be used?

We expect applicants to identify the timeframe of when they would use grant in the written application. If that timeline were to change, please reach out to NCF staff for approval. An organization won’t be eligible to receive funding from the next round if you haven’t spent down original funds.

What reporting is required if we receive a grant?

Reporting requirements will be explored during our strategic planning process. If you recently received a grant from us, we will give you ample time in advance of any reporting requirements and deadlines.

What are the average grant sizes?

Off-Cycle grants (one time, project specific) average $2,500. Pillar grants range from $25,000 to $100,000 with the average grant being $50,000.

Are grants single year or multi-year?

The Off-Cycle grants are one-time. We hope to have multi-year grants for the pillars following our strategic planning process.

Does NCF fund 501(c)(3) advocacy efforts connected to the pillars or is there a preference for direct programming?

Yes, NCF funds 501(c)(3) advocacy efforts. There is no preference for direct programming.

Does NCF fund co-ops?

If it has a 501(c)(3) charitable organization designation, a co-op is eligible for funding.

Do you entertain site visits as part of the grant application process?

Site visits are not a part of the grant application process.

Who will serve on the Pillar Grant Review Panel?

A combination of industry leaders and community members.

Where can I learn about past NCF grantees?

A list of current and previous NCF nonprofit partners can be found here.

If a nonprofit organization’s Founder is in a leadership role at another nonprofit organization, does that exclude either organization from applying for funding?

No, both organizations are eligible for funding.