Tufts University is now accepting applications from local non-profit organizations in its four host communities of Boston, Grafton, Medford and Somerville for awards from the Tufts Community Grants (TCG) program. This year, TCG will be awarding $1,000 grants. The application window will be open until March 01, 2021.
Applications are available at go.tufts.edu/tcg.
"The Tufts Community Grants program is a terrific way for our faculty and staff to support local nonprofits. Now, more than ever, these organizations in our host communities need funding to address ever-growing need," said Rocco DiRico, director of Government and Community Relations. "Another benefit of the TCG program is that it supports the volunteer efforts of our students, faculty, and staff."
TCG helps eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that serve one or more of Tufts University's host communities in some way and have had a Tufts faculty, staff, or student volunteer in the last three years. In this way, TCG supports not only local organizations but also the work of the many Tufts volunteers.
The TCG program is funded by donations from Tufts University faculty and staff through the annual Tufts Community Appeal (TCA), an internal fundraising campaign. More than 135 nonprofit organizations have benefited from the TCG since its founding in 1995.
Last year, the Tufts Community Grants Board awarded a total of $28,000 to organizations in Tufts' host communities. The funds supported a wide range of programs and projects addressing community needs. For example:
- in Grafton, Community Harvest Project received a grant to support a nutrient management plan;
- in Boston, the Josiah Quincy Elementary School received a grant to purchase auditorium risers;
- in Medford, The Friends the Middlesex Fells received a grant to fund a graffiti removal initiative; and
- in Somerville, East Somerville Main Streets received a grant for neighborhood cleanup efforts. In total, 34 organizations received grants.
Local non-profits continue to experience a greater demand for their services as the COVID-19 crisis persists. TCG is just one of the many ways in which the university continues to assist members of our host communities during this difficult time.
In October, Tufts and the Cities of Medford and Somerville announced an innovative COVID-19 pooled testing program to enable the school districts of both cities to administer tests to students, faculty and staff for approximately one-third of the cost of individual testing.
During the early months of the pandemic, the university donated the use of freezer and cafeteria space on the Medford/Somerville campus to local hunger relief groups.
The university also awarded emergency response grants to 30 local organizations in its four host communities to aid critical purchases, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitation equipment, technology, emergency food distribution, and educational supplies.
