General Grant Cycle

The General Grant Cycle by the Main Street Community Foundation supports community organizations in Bristol and surrounding areas. Since 1995, the Foundation has positively impacted local residents through competitive grants aimed at addressing basic needs, access to opportunities, and vibrant community projects. Eligibility requires tax-exempt status under 501(c)(3) and compliance with prior reporting. Preference is given to initiatives that respond to community needs, leverage funding, and promote collaboration among nonprofits.

NOTE: Applicants must contact the Director of Grants & Programs, or another member of the grantmaking team, for a preliminary discussion  [pre proposal deadline above] at least one week prior to the deadline.
Grants distributed from Main Street Community Foundation have made a positive difference for thousands of people throughout our area since the Foundation's establishment in 1995. While the majority of grants distributed each year benefit designated organizations for which the funds are established or are directed by individual donors, the Foundation administers a number of funds whereby grant awards are made through a competitive grant cycle.
Grant requests for the General Grant Cycle should fall within the following program areas:

• Basic Needs, Access to Opportunity and Vibrant Communities.
• Competitive grants are made to eligible community organizations for future planned expenditures.

Eligibility

Grant requests must benefit the residents of Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and/or Wolcott.An organization must be recognized as a tax-exempt public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.Applicants must be in compliance with all prior grant reporting requirements in order to be eligible to apply in this cycle.

Ineligibility

Grants do not cover operating deficits or previously incurred obligations.If you have received funding from the General Grant Cycle for two or more years in a row, you must take this year off. There are some exceptions for basic needs. Please call the Foundation office to discuss prior to starting an online application.