Community & Impact Grants

Strengthening Our Community

Awarding grants to nonprofits that provide services to local residents is at the very core of Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation’s mission. Over the past 40+ years, we have awarded more than $19,000,000 to support projects and programs that offer creative solutions to emerging and persistent issues such as food and housing security, health services, environmental sustainability, and access for people of any ability.

Our annual competitive grant process, through which we award Community & Impact Grant funding, is critical to helping the Island community meet pressing needs and create systemic change. In 2024, we received funding requests totaling just over $1,000,000 from 61 nonprofits. Thanks to the generosity of past and current donors, we were able to grant a record $530,000 to 46 organizations. This is in addition to our emergency grants, nonprofit capacity-building grants, and payments to our fiscally-sponsored projects.

Of the Community, For the Community

We are devoted to supporting our nonprofit partners not only with grants, but also guidance, education, and collaboration as they do their exceptional work serving our Island neighbors.

The MVCF carefully assesses community needs, existing programs, gaps in service, and nonprofit capacity to provide the most effective support for local nonprofits. We fund organizations with a well-planned approach to issues and needs, a demonstrated base of support, capable leadership, and the involvement of individuals with the skills necessary to carry out the work. 

Our grant-making priorities are guided not only by the knowledge of our Board but also by the charitable intent of our donors.