Katharine C. Pierce Trust Grant

The Katharine C. Pierce Trust Grant aims to enhance the lives of women in Massachusetts facing challenging circumstances. Focusing on health and human services, it supports nonprofit organizations providing essential services, including homecare and emergency assistance. The grant prioritizes program or capital requests, with a typical award of $10,000 for one year. Applications for direct service grants are due by May 1. Special consideration is given to initiatives benefiting elderly women.

Guidelines
The Katharine C. Pierce Trust funds in two primary areas: Direct Service and Little Necessities. The proposal process and deadlines differ accordingly.

1. Direct Service

The Pierce Trust supports nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts, focused in the area of health and human services, to provide support to women "in reduced circumstances, that their lives may be made more comfortable."
Examples of support for organizations serving women include:
Homecare supports for elderly women (congregate or non-congregate setting). Examples: organizations working to provide nourishing food, home safety evaluations, transportation assistance, and those working to reduce isolation, and address the physical and mental health of this population.Adult day health services for older women, and women with disabilities.Emergency assistance to women of any age. Examples: organizations working with women who have been victims of domestic violence, are being treated for substance abuse disorders, or may be unhoused/experiencing homelessness.
The above list is not exhaustive, but is meant to be demonstrative of the types of activities that might be considered.
The average grant size for a one-year commitment is $10,000.
The deadline to apply for direct service grants is May 1.

1. Little Necessities

The Pierce Trust’s process for Little Necessities is administered by Mass Home Care, and is limited to members of Mass Home Care. This program gives authorized home care managers access to "last dollar" grants to help older women live safely and comfortably. A Little Necessity might be a microwave for someone unable to use a stove; a railing in the hallway to prevent falls; an air conditioner in the summer to prevent asthmatic attacks; payments towards chore service to clean up an apartment that has deteriorated; a security deposit needed to secure a new apartment; a mattress for someone who has been sleeping on the floor. This list is not exhaustive, but is meant to be demonstrative of the types of items that might be considered "little necessities."

Eligibility

Area served: MAThe Pierce Trust supports nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts, focused in the area of health and human services, to provide support to women "in reduced circumstances, that their lives may be made more comfortable."Program or capital requests are preferred.

Ineligibility

The Trust does not support endowment campaigns, or provide general operating support.The Trust cannot entertain applications for multi-year commitments.We typically do not provide support for start-ups.