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

March 31, 2026 (Spring 2026 Grant Cycle)

Up to $15,000 per program or capacity-building grant; one-year grant period; funds distributed upfront.

Supports programs and capacity-building efforts that help vulnerable New Bedford residents gain skills for educational and employment success.

--- ## Description The Polaroid Fund, administered by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, provides targeted support to nonprofit organizations working to help New Bedford’s most vulnerable residents build skills necessary for educational and employment advancement. Funding is focused on program support and capacity-building initiatives that advance ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), Adult Basic Education (ABE), GED preparation, family literacy, and early literacy programs. Eligible activities include program implementation, expansion, curriculum development, outreach, supportive services, staff training, technology improvements, evaluation, and planning. The fund aims to create measurable outcomes and clear community impact, with all supported work primarily benefiting residents of New Bedford. --- ## Due Dates - March 31, 2026: Full application deadline for the Spring 2026 Grant Cycle (all applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm). --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum grant size: Up to $15,000 per program support or capacity-building grant. - Organizations may submit up to three distinct initiatives within a single application (each up to $15,000). - Grant period: Typically one year from award (funds distributed upfront, not reimbursement-based). - A brief report is required approximately one year after the award to describe fund use and outcomes. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must have 501(c)(3) status or be fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization. - Programs must primarily serve vulnerable residents in the New Bedford community. - Organizations headquartered outside the South Coast region may apply if their programs directly benefit New Bedford residents. - Grants are for program support and capacity-building only (not general operating or capital requests). - Individuals and for-profit businesses are not eligible to apply. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via the [SouthCoast Community Foundation’s online grants portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfsema). - Use the shared Spring 2026 application, indicating the Polaroid Fund as your target. - Applicants can apply for up to three initiatives in a single application. - Required information includes: - Organization mission and focus area - Geographic and population(s) served - Details of the funding request (type of support, amount, timeline, impact, measures of success, and budget rationale) - Proposals are reviewed April–May 2026; funding decisions announced by May 31, 2026. - Information sessions are available throughout March 2026 to assist applicants. [Register for info sessions](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983686521786?aff=oddtdtcreator). --- ## Additional Information - Indirect costs are allowable for program requests if reasonable and directly support implementation. - Organizations may reapply in the fall cycle if not funded or only partially funded in the spring. - Site visits are not required but may occur as part of the review process. - The Nonprofit Resilience Network (NRN) offers additional support, including learning opportunities and strategic partnerships. [Learn more about NRN](https://southcoastcf.org/learn/nrn/). --- ## External Links - [Polaroid Fund Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Form/Preview/QuestionList?urlKey=cfsema&form=1709121&opportunity=373792) - [SouthCoast Community Foundation Grant Information](https://southcoastcf.org/receive/apply-for-grants/) - [Spring Grant Cycle Information Sessions](https://southcoastcf.org/spring-grant-round-information-session-hybrid/) - [Nonprofit Resilience Network (NRN)](https://southcoastcf.org/learn/nrn/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-----------------|----------------------------------------------------------------| | Email | inquiry@southcoastcf.org | | Phone | 508-996-8253 | | Address | 350 Union Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 | | Contact Page | [Contact SouthCoast Community Foundation](https://southcoastcf.org/learn/contact-us/) | ---

Polaroid Fund

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