[Cape Cod Foundation](https://www.capecodfoundation.org)

May 14, 2026

Up to 20% of operating budget, maximum $10,000, one-year grant

Supports Barnstable County nonprofits new to the Cape Cod Foundation or not funded in the past five years for program or general operating support.

Applicant must have an operating budget of at least $25,000 and not have received a discretionary grant from the Foundation in the past five years.

--- ## Description Open Door Grants are designed to broaden the reach of the Cape Cod Foundation by supporting nonprofit organizations serving Barnstable County, Massachusetts, that are either new to the Foundation or have not received a discretionary grant (Program Grant, Open Door Grant, Capacity Building Grant, Anniversary Grant, or Flexible Funding Grant) in the past five years. The program aims to foster new partnerships, strengthen organizational capacity, and encourage innovative projects or general operating support for organizations not previously funded by the Foundation. --- ## Due Dates - Applications open: April 15, 2026 - Applications close: **May 14, 2026** - Award notifications: By early June 2026 - Grant funds distributed: By mid-June 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - Grant awards are equal to 20% of the applicant’s annual operating budget, up to a maximum of $10,000. - Funds are to be expended within one year. - Only one Open Door Grant may be awarded per organization in 2026. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet the following criteria: - Serve Barnstable County, Massachusetts. - Have an annual operating budget of at least $25,000. - Be either new to the Cape Cod Foundation or not have received a discretionary grant from the Foundation in the past five years (2021–2025). - Be one of the following: - 501(c)(3) public charity - Organization with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor - Faith-based organization (services must benefit all, be non-religious in nature, and not involve proselytizing) - Civic organization (project-based, charitable, with fiscal sponsor) - Regional or national organizations must clearly demonstrate impact in Barnstable County. - Organization must have been in operation for at least one full year. - Public/private schools and governmental organizations are **not eligible** for Open Door Grants. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s [online grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=capecodfoundationgrants). - Review the [2026 Open Door Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.capecodfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-OPEN-DOOR-GRANT-GUIDELINES-WEB-FINAL.pdf) before applying. - Applicants can apply for program/project support or general operating support. - A fiscal sponsor is required for organizations without 501(c)(3) status. - Only one application per organization is allowed for this grant cycle. - Notification of decisions will occur within approximately four weeks after the deadline. - A brief report on grant use is required by July 2027. --- ## Additional Information - Open Door Grants are highly competitive and are not intended as a recurring funding source for any organization. - Funding cannot be used for debt reduction, past costs, capital campaigns, fundraising events, endowment building, or monuments/memorials. - Receiving an Open Door Grant does not preclude organizations from applying to other Cape Cod Foundation discretionary grant programs, provided eligibility is met. - Optional information sessions are available (see guidelines for dates). --- ## External Links - [Open Door Grants Program Page](https://www.capecodfoundation.org/competitive-grant-programs-open-door-grants-2) - [Online Grant Portal (Apply)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=capecodfoundationgrants) - [2026 Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.capecodfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-OPEN-DOOR-GRANT-GUIDELINES-WEB-FINAL.pdf) - [FAQs for Applicants](https://www.capecodfoundation.org/competitive-grant-programs-grant-faqs/) - [Resources for Applicants](https://www.capecodfoundation.org/competitive-grant-programs-resources-for-applicants/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |-----------------|------------------|------------------------------------------|-------------------| | Lauren Dreyer | Program Officer | [ldreyer@capecodfoundation.org](mailto:ldreyer@capecodfoundation.org) | 508.790.3040 x113 | | General Inquiries | - | [info@capecodfoundation.org](mailto:info@capecodfoundation.org) | 508.790.3040 | | Address | - | - | 261 Whites Path, Unit 2, South Yarmouth, MA 02664 | ---

Competitive Grant Programs: Open Door Grants

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