Community Capital Fund – Eligibility, Funding Criteria, and Application Information 

Eligible organizations may apply for one-time capital grants through an open application process. Grant size typically will range from $250,000 to $1,000,000 (and may occasionally be outside that range) and will be paid over single or multiple years based on the nature of the project and availability of funds. As a new funding initiative, we expect that these criteria may evolve over time.

The following will be used as a first screening for eligibility to apply for funding:

  • Funding will be prioritized for projects located in or significantly engaging residents in the following Boston neighborhoods: Dorchester, East Boston, Mattapan, Roxbury or the following cities: Brockton, Lynn or Springfield. At this time, preference is given to organizations located in the priority neighborhoods and cities.
  • The organization is seeking funding for a capital project that includes one or more of the following: facilities or land acquisition; construction; renovation; repair; preservation; or major equipment.
  • The organization has site control or is in the process of securing site control (e.g., ownership of the property, option to purchase, long-term lease of at least 7 years, etc.)
  • The organization has been in existence for a minimum of 5 years.
  • The organization is a non-profit public charity with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or a fiscally sponsored project.

Ineligible applicants include: Endowments or private foundations; religious organizations where the grant is to be used primarily for sectarian purposes.

In addition, based on learnings in our first round of funding, we have determined that certain types of projects and organizations may not be well aligned with the intent and resources of the Community Capital Fund. It is unlikely we will prioritize projects for early education facilities, new housing developments or renovation/repair to existing housing developments, charter schools, camps, temporary shelter programs and supportive services.

The Community Capital Fund is one way for The Klarman Family Foundation to broaden its reach to new organizations, therefore current grantees of the Foundation are unlikely to receive funding for capital projects through the Community Capital Fund.

For a list of previous Community Capital Fund grantees, please click here.

Funding Criteria

  • The organization has strong leadership with vision and management skills, is financially viable, and has evidence of impact and resilience.
  • The proposed project is realistic and feasible. The costs are supported by up-to-date estimates, the project is likely to be completed within the projected timeline, and the fundraising, financing, design, and project plans (including site control, permitting, construction, occupancy) are thoughtful and comprehensive.
  • The organization is an integral part of the community. This is evidenced by how it listens to, engages with, and is representative of the community (e.g., staff and board are demographically representative of the community.)
  • The proposed project is designed to bring community benefit and is aligned with the organization’s mission and priorities. There is evidence of community support for the organization and planned project.

How to Apply

We expect this open opportunity will result in a high volume of applications, making it a competitive process. We aim to make the application process accessible and transparent and encourage all potential applicants to carefully review the funding criteria and request process below before applying. Funding decisions will be made based on alignment with the aim and criteria of the Community Capital Fund.

The request process includes the following steps:

Step 1: Click the link below to complete a brief Eligibility Quiz (estimated time to complete: 10 minutes). If eligible, you will immediately be directed to the brief First Stage Application, which includes an overview of your capital project, who you are, and relevant financial documents (estimated time to complete: at least 2-6 hours). 

Step 2: If invited by Foundation staff, complete the Second Stage Application (estimated time to complete: approximately 10-15 hours)

Step 3: Foundation staff may visit applicants based on timing and alignment with CCF goals.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and grant decisions are made two times a year (June and December). Please consult the timelines below for each grant decision round. As we move into our next full year of funding, deadlines and decision timeframes are subject to change.

Spring Funding Round: Decision by June of 2025:
First Stage Applications are due by December 13, 2024.
All applicants will be notified if they are invited to submit a Second Stage application or not by Late January, 2025.
Second Stage Applications are due February 21, 2025.

Winter Funding Round: Decision by December 2025:
First Stage Applications are due by June 13, 2025.
All applicants will be notified if they are invited to submit a Second Stage application or not by Late July, 2025.
Second Stage Applications are due August 22, 2025.

Please click here to begin the application process. 

Additional Resources

Our partners at Nonprofit Finance Fund created a training for prospective Community Capital Fund applicants called “Considerations for Nonprofits Entering Facilities and Open Space Projects.”