[SouthCoast Community Foundation](https://southcoastcf.org)

March 31, 2026

Up to $5,000 per program or capital grant; one-year grant period; funds distributed upon award.

Supports Greater New Bedford nonprofits serving low-income and vulnerable residents through program and capital grants in basic needs, education, arts, youth, and community engagement.

Only program and capital requests are eligible; general operating/capacity-building not funded through this opportunity.

--- ## Description The James Arnold Fund, administered by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, provides targeted support to nonprofit organizations working to benefit low-income and vulnerable residents of Greater New Bedford. This fund invests in initiatives addressing basic human needs, education, arts and culture, youth development, and community engagement. Priority is given to organizations serving historically marginalized or excluded populations, with a particular focus on recent immigrants, families experiencing food insecurity, and educational programs for youth. The fund offers program support and capital grants for projects that demonstrate a clear and direct impact within the Greater New Bedford area. --- ## Due Dates - March 31, 2026: Full application submission deadline (all applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum grant size: Up to $5,000 per proposal for program support or capital projects. - Grant period: Typically one year from award (funding decisions announced by May 31, 2026). - Funds are distributed upfront upon award (not reimbursement-based). - Organizations may submit up to three proposals in one application, but each request is capped at $5,000. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or have a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) status. - Must serve the Greater New Bedford area (including New Bedford, Fairhaven, Acushnet, Dartmouth, Mattapoisett, Marion, Westport, and Rochester). - Organizations headquartered outside the region may apply if their programs directly benefit Greater New Bedford residents. - Only program support and capital grant requests are eligible for this fund; general operating or capacity-building support is not available through the James Arnold Fund. - Projects must address one or more of the fund’s focus areas: basic needs, education, arts/culture, youth development, or community engagement, with a preference for serving marginalized populations. --- ## Application Process - Complete the universal Spring 2026 Grant Cycle application via the [SouthCoast Community Foundation online grants portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfsema). - Clearly select the James Arnold Fund and indicate whether you are applying for program or capital support. - Provide details on the project, population served, amount requested (up to $5,000), anticipated impact, success metrics, budget rationale, and timeline. - Organizations may submit up to three distinct proposals in one application. - Application deadline: March 31, 2026, at 11:59 pm. - Review period: April–May 2026; funding decisions by May 31, 2026. - Reporting: A brief report on use of funds and outcomes is required approximately one year after award. --- ## Additional Information - Indirect costs are permitted for program requests if reasonable and related to implementation. - The SouthCoast Community Foundation hosts information sessions for applicants; recordings and resources are available on their website. - Nonprofits can also access the Nonprofit Resilience Network (NRN) for additional learning and support opportunities. --- ## External Links - [SouthCoast Community Foundation – Apply for Grants](https://southcoastcf.org/receive/apply-for-grants/) - [James Arnold Fund Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Form/Preview/QuestionList?urlKey=cfsema&form=1709121&opportunity=373792) - [Current Individual Fund Opportunities](https://southcoastcf.org/receive/apply-for-grants/#current-individual-fund-opportunities) - [Grant FAQ](https://southcoastcf.org/receive/apply-for-grants/#grant-faq) - [Nonprofit Resilience Network](https://southcoastcf.org/learn/nrn/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | inquiry@southcoastcf.org | | Phone | 508-996-8253 | | Contact Page | [Contact Us](https://southcoastcf.org/learn/contact-us/) |

James Arnold Fund

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