Woods Hole Foundation Grant Program

Since 1979, the Woods Hole Foundation has distributed grants to support local nonprofits and community organizations. Grants are intended to maintain and improve the quality of life and character of the Woods Hole/Falmouth community.

Recent Distribution: In 2025, the Foundation distributed $170,101 to local nonprofits; in 2024, $151,183; in 2022, $122,765.

Eligibility

Who May Apply:

• Local nonprofit organizations with preference given to organizations primarily serving the Woods Hole/Falmouth area
• Applicants must be public entities or local nonprofits that are tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3)
• If first-time applicants, must include copy of tax-exempt IRS 501(c)(3) letter with application
• Smaller or newly established organizations may partner with an established 501(c)(3) organization to receive funding (include letter of support from sponsoring organization)

Previous Grant Recipients: Eligible to reapply. Application should include description of how previous award was utilized.

Funding Priorities & Preferences

Strong Preference:

• Proposals with a specific project in mind (equipment, special event support, speaker)
• Capital improvements to buildings used by area nonprofits
• Buildings of historical significance that add to community character
• Projects involving cooperation between community organizations
• Requests with clearly defined, reasonable funding amounts

Also Considered:

• General program support and development
• Projects benefiting large numbers of people

Typical Award Range: $250 to $5,000

Geographic Scope

• Primary focus: Woods Hole/Falmouth, MA area
• Cape Cod region organizations also supported

Application Timeline

• Applications accepted: February 1 - March 31 annually
• Funding decisions made: Early May
• Checks distributed: 2nd or 3rd week of May

Application Instructions

Submission Format:

1. Prepare application as a single PDF document with all required information
2. PDF file name must begin with your organization's name (e.g., "EnvironmentHousingGroup_2026.pdf")
3. Submit using the Google Form link on the application instructions page
4. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on March 31 (no late applications accepted)

Required Application Components:

Cover Page (Limit: 1 page)

• Contact name, organization name, phone number, email address, mailing address
• Website (optional)
• Name and Tax ID number of sponsoring 501(c)(3) charitable organization (if applicable)
• Outcome of previous Woods Hole Foundation grant, if applicable (limit 50 words)
• Brief summary of 2026 proposal (limit 100 words) - focus on proposed activities and their impact, not organization history
• Amount of funds requested

Full Proposal Narrative (Limit: 3 pages)

• Explain specifically what funds will be used for
• Describe how the proposed project or activity benefits the community
• Include proposed project schedule

Supporting Documents (No page limit, be concise)

• Detailed project budget corresponding to requested funds
• Organization's most recent annual financial report (executive summary acceptable if voluminous)
  • Must include: Income report with donations, fundraising income, gifts, grants, rental property, ticket sales, investments, etc.
  • Must include: Expense report with office supplies, printing, advertising, salaries, maintenance, etc.
  • Not acceptable: Tax returns or monthly bank statements
• Letter of support from partner organization (if applicable)
• Letter of support from sponsoring 501(c)(3) organization (if applicable)
• IRS letter recognizing exempt status under 501(c)(3) of Internal Revenue Code (required for first-time applicants)

Project Budget Requirements:

• Can be as simple as a paragraph with pertinent information
• Or can be standard income/expense report format
• Must detail proposed project costs and any income (e.g., ticket sales)

Submission Process:

1. Combine all materials (cover page, narrative, budget, financial statements, supporting documents) into a single PDF
2. Fill in all requested information in the Google Form
3. Upload your PDF file
4. Click the bold green "Submit" button
5. You will receive an immediate acknowledgement message and confirmation email

Incomplete Applications:

• Will not be considered for funding
• Review instructions carefully to ensure all required components are included

Fund Usage Requirements:

• Funds must be spent as proposed in application
• If needs change, you must consult the Foundation for approval before redirecting or postponing use of funds
• Failure to comply may result in requirement to return funds