Tufts Community Grants
Tufts Community Grants (TCG), formerly known as the Tufts Neighborhood Service Fund, was started in November 1995 to support our host communities and the important work being done by Tufts volunteers with non-profit organizations in Boston, Grafton, Medford and Somerville. Tufts Community Grants are fully funded by donations from Tufts University faculty and staff through the annual Tufts Community Appeal (TCA), an internal fundraising campaign. All gifts made to the Tufts Community Grants program go directly to non-profit organizations in the form of grants ranging from $250-$2,000.
In April 2020, 34 programs and projects received grants. Over 135 non-profits have received grants since 1995.
Who is eligible to apply for a Tufts Community Grant?
TCG Proposals are welcomed from all non-profit organizations in our host communities (Boston, Grafton, Medford, and Somerville) as long as they have had at least one Tufts student, faculty, or staff member volunteer with their organization in the past year. Applications from organizations meeting the following criteria will be considered:
- Qualify as a tax exempt nonprofit
- Be based in or serve one or more of Tufts' host communities of Boston, Grafton, Medford, or Somerville
- Have had at least one Tufts students, faculty or staff volunteering during the past year. To learn more about Tufts Volunteers, see below.
When is the grant application period?
Applications for the 2020 grant cycle will be accepted from February 3rd-March 13th, 2020. Results of will be announced in early April, 2020.
What Kinds of Projects Are Funded?
A Tufts Community Grant may fund any specific project, activity, or equipment purchase. Grants are not intended to be used towards general operating budgets or staff salaries. Proposals funded in the past include environmental education programs, instruments for a youth marching band, preserving documents and photos for a historical society, furniture for a home for disabled adults, a wig bank for cancer patients, special sports equipment for school aged children, an after-school arts program, a laptop computer for a domestic violence-prevention program, transportation for seniors, food staples for a food pantry, a gardening program for children, computer software for special needs children, and winter outerwear for homeless individuals.
Who Are Tufts Volunteers?
There is a long tradition of community engagement at Tufts, especially by students. The Leonard Carmichael Society (Tufts' umbrella organization for 30+ community service groups) along with other student groups across our four campuses volunteer at over a hundred community organizations in the Greater Boston area. Additionally, our staff and faculty are actively engaged in our host communities. They run programs, serve on local boards, facilitate research, and organize service projects. By supporting organizations that work with Tufts volunteers, Tufts Community Grants strengthen connections and partnerships between the university and our host communities.
How do I apply for a Tufts Community Grant?
The Tufts Community Grant application period is currently closed. Dates for the 2021 application cycle will be announced in January, 2021.
The Tufts Community Grants Board
Tufts Community Grant applications are reviewed and selected by a volunteer board of staff and faculty from across disciplines and departments.
- Margot Biggin, Executive Director, University Advancement, Medford/Somerville Campus
- Susan Bhole, Executive Assistant to SVP & General Council, University Relations, Medford/Somerville Campus
- Ange Brome, Senior Application Administrator, Tufts Technology Services, School of Dental Medicine, Boston Campus
- Terese Daly, Associate Director of Administration, Office of Dean of Arts & Sciences, Medford/Somerville Campus
- Amy Goldstein, Assistant Director, Experimental College, Medford/Somerville Campus
- Jennifer Greer-Morrisey, Community Service Learning Coordinator, Tufts Medical School, Boston Campus
- Amy Hamilton, Catering Sales Manager, Tufts Dining, Medford/Somerville Campus
- Matthew Hast, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Friedman School of Nutrition Science & Policy, Boston Campus
- Thomas Holmes, Maintenance Mechanic, Facilities Services, Medford/Somerville Campus
- Mimi Le, Associate Director of Development, University Advancement, Medical Development & Alumni Relations, Boston Campus
- Chris Swan, Civil & Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, Medford/Somerville Campus
- Paul Tringale, Secretary of the Corporation, Office of the Trustees, Medford/Somerville Campus
Questions about Tufts Community Grants can be directed to the office of Government & Community Relations at (617) 627-3780 or communityrelations@tufts.edu.
