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

March 31, 2026 (Full application deadline, 11:59 pm)

Up to $25,000 per grant for program support or capacity building; one-year grant period typical.

Supports SouthCoast organizations providing essential services such as food, housing, and utilities through program and capacity-building grants.

--- ## Description This opportunity provides funding to organizations serving the SouthCoast region of Massachusetts to address basic human needs, including food access, housing stability, utilities assistance, and other critical supports. The fund is designed to strengthen the local safety net and respond to urgent challenges facing individuals and families. Grant support is specifically for programmatic activities and capacity-building initiatives that directly improve or coordinate services for those in need. The fund is part of the SouthCoast Community Foundation’s Spring 2026 Grant Cycle, which uses a unified application process for multiple funds. --- ## Due Dates - March 31, 2026: Full application deadline (applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum grant size: $25,000 per proposal for program support or capacity building. - Organizations may submit up to three distinct initiatives within a single application (each request considered separately, up to $25,000 each). - Grant period: Typically one year from the award date (expected announcement by May 31, 2026). --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status or be fiscally sponsored by an organization with 501(c)(3) status. - Organizations headquartered outside the SouthCoast region may apply if their services directly benefit SouthCoast communities. - Eligible projects must address basic human needs—such as food security, housing, utilities, or emergency supports—for residents of the SouthCoast region (including but not limited to New Bedford, Fall River, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, Westport, and others). - Only program support and capacity-building requests are eligible for this fund; general operating and capital support requests should be directed to other funds in the grant cycle. --- ## Application Process - Apply through the [SouthCoast Community Foundation’s online grants portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Opportunity/Catalog/Index?urlkey=cfsema). - The application is a shared structure for all Spring 2026 funds; indicate you are applying to the SCCF Basic Human Needs Fund and select “Program/Project Support” and/or “Capacity Building or Technical Assistance.” - Required information includes: - Organization mission and focus area - Geographic and population(s) served - Details of the funding request, including amount, timeline, impact, and success measures - Budget rationale and adjustments if full funding is not secured - Up to three proposals can be submitted in a single application. - The review period is April–May 2026, with funding decisions announced by May 31, 2026. --- ## Additional Information - Funds are distributed upfront upon award, not on a reimbursement basis. - A brief report on outcomes and use of funds is required approximately one year after the award. - The SouthCoast Community Foundation also offers a Nonprofit Resilience Network (NRN) for additional learning and capacity-building support ([Learn more](https://southcoastcf.org/learn/nrn/)). - Applicants are encouraged to attend information sessions or review available application demos for guidance. --- ## External Links - [SCCF Basic Human Needs Fund Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Form/Preview/QuestionList?urlKey=cfsema&form=1709121&opportunity=373792) - [SouthCoast Community Foundation Grants Overview](https://southcoastcf.org/receive/apply-for-grants/) - [Nonprofit Resilience Network (NRN)](https://southcoastcf.org/learn/nrn/) - [Spring Grant Information Sessions](https://southcoastcf.org/spring-grant-round-information-session-hybrid/) - [Application Demo Video](https://vimeo.com/1171854392/ef7b0c085c?fl=pl&fe=vl) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Web Contact Form | |--------------------|-----------------------------|---------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | SCCF Grants Team | inquiry@southcoastcf.org | 508-996-8253 | [Contact SCCF](https://southcoastcf.org/learn/contact-us/) |

SCCF Basic Human Needs Fund

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