Mini Grant Funding Opportunity

UMass Memorial Medical Center is pleased to announce a funding opportunity for local non-profit organizations to fund small projects and events for Fiscal Year 2027 (October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027). This mini grant funding opportunity is intended to assist local partners that serve community members within the UMass Memorial Medical Center Community Health Assessment (CHA) service area: Grafton, Shrewsbury, West Boylston, Worcester.

Background

The UMass Memorial Medical Center Community Benefits Department is committed to the continued efforts of our partners and caregivers to improve the health outcomes of our community members, especially those most adversely affected due to historical and systemic oppression. These funds aim to assist partner organizations in small capital projects, events, training offerings for internal capacity building, and other activities to support their mission.

Total amount to be distributed: $30,000 

Type of Distribution: Application upon request (rolling application until funds are exhausted). Funding decisions will be communicated following review.

Priority Areas

Geographical Focus Area(s): Worcester, Grafton, Shrewsbury and West Boylston

Project/Activity Considerations

Small Capital Improvement Projects

  • Max amount: $5,000
  • Small projects that may be challenging to procure funding from traditional funders/grants

Inaugural/One-Time Events

  • Max amount: $5,000
  • One-time seed funding for inaugural events that may continue yearly/periodic basis
  • Events that may be stand-alone and are not considered sponsorships (sponsorships may be requested through the UMass Memorial Health Sponsorship Committee and typically entail sponsorship levels, marketing opportunities, and solicitation of other donations/sponsorships).

Eligibility Requirements

  • Only organizations with a 501(c)(3) status or a fiscal agent/conduit are eligible.
  • Organizations may only submit one mini grant request per fiscal year (2027).
  • Budget and justifications are required with submission.
  • The project must serve individuals in at least one of the Geographical Focus Areas listed above.
  • Projects must be completed and funds spent by September 30, 2027.

Rolling Requests Open: October 1, 2026
Application Deadline: January 31, 2027

Application

Applicants will complete an application via Foundant. New applicants must create an account before logging in, while applicants with an existing Foundant account may log in using their existing account information. Please see below:

You may access the application through the Foundant Grant Lifecycle Manager. Below you will find a brief video tutorial that will familiarize you with the platform and application process, followed by the application link.

GLM Applicant Tutorial – Foundant Technologies

After watching the video, please use the following link to create an account and or login:

Logon - Grant Lifecycle Manager

Please Note: Only submissions via Foundant will be accepted for review.

Budget and Budget Narrative: All applicants will be asked to submit a brief but detailed budget and budget narrative in alignment with that budget.  A budget template will be available via Foundant.

Reporting: All awardees will be required to submit a brief Project Report due by October 31, 2027.  Assistance available upon request.

For questions regarding this opportunity, please contact:

UMass Memorial Health Community Benefits
Cbummh@umassmemorial.org

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