Competitive Grant Programs: FAQs

The Cape Cod Foundation’s grantmaking program is broad; we support all areas of need in the community. The Foundation’s primary service area is Barnstable County. We are particularly interested in supporting nonprofit initiatives that build capacity and that respond to our  Programmatic Priorities.

A discretionary grant is a grant that The Cape Cod Foundation has created to respond to a community need. Most discretionary grants are competitive grants, meaning you fill out an application and are considered with other applicants. You will find them under the Nonprofit section of our website.

One way we accomplish our mission is by developing permanent and flexible endowment funds. We use these funds to create grant opportunities to respond to the existing and emerging needs of the community. Each year’s grant offerings are based on these needs, and the availability of funds, which can vary in any given year.

Our overall goal is to build capacity and strengthen nonprofits on Cape Cod. The process of choosing which grants to offer can vary, but each year, we consider input such as:

• Strategic imperatives and desired impact as established by the Board of Directors
• Community data, both qualitative and quantitative
• Feedback from our community partners regarding needs in Barnstable County
• Volunteer, committee, and donor input
• Staff impressions and reported outcomes/impact of previous grant programs
• Other opportunities or community context when applicable

We then assess donor interest, intent, and available funds by reviewing available Field of Interest or other funds.

Finally, we determine how to design grants that respond to these needs. The name of the grant (e.g., Catalyst, Open Door, Women & Girls) often speaks directly to the impact we are trying to make.

Grants and Funds are two separate things. In most cases, discretionary grants do not have a named fund that supports them. For example, there is no “open door fund” that supports Open Door Grants. Instead, they are funded by one or more of our Field of Interest funds, which are funds developed by donors with an interest in a specific subject area, such as Arts, Health and Human Services, or the Environment. For example, you might receive a Catalyst Grant that is funded by two or three separate funds. If they are not anonymous, these funds will be named in your grant award letter.

It’s important to note that, while donor-advised funds may supplement a discretionary grant awarded by the Foundation, donor-advised funds are not used as a source of discretionary grantmaking.

Donor-advised funds are distinctly different from the funds we use for discretionary grants. Some donor-advised funds have agreed to review requests. Other donors have not because their grantmaking has specific charitable objectives or has been established for a specific purpose. If a donor-advised fundholder requests information regarding your organization, we will contact you. It’s a good idea to share with your own donors that gifts from donor-advised funds are welcome.

No. The Cape Cod Foundation and The Kelley Foundation are separate and handle their grantmaking separately. However, we do share the same grant portal, so when you are applying for a grant, make sure you know if you’re applying to either Kelley or The Cape Cod Foundation. It is common to have more than one proposal submitted at the same time, and you should be able to see them both in your grant portal.

It is not possible to submit just one proposal for both Kelley and The Cape Cod Foundation. Each requires a separate submission, and decisions are made by separate groups of reviewers within each organization

For more information on The Kelley Foundation, visit their website. For more information on The Cape Cod Foundation grants, visit here.

Each year, we receive many more applications than can be funded, and we do not always have a grant opportunity that aligns with every organization’s needs. If you are not sure where your proposal fits into the Foundation’s grantmaking, read through the guidelines of current grantmaking opportunities, watch our webinar, attend a Grant Information Session, and/or subscribe to our newsletter to be aware of opportunities that may come up in the future. Contact the Foundation with further questions.

The Cape Cod Foundation’s staff initially screens applications for eligibility and completeness, following our board-approved due-diligence policy. Most grants are then evaluated by an appropriate committee, comprised of Foundation staff, and sometimes supplemented by community or Board members. The Foundation seeks guidance from content experts, as necessary. All grant recommendations are reviewed by The Cape Cod Foundation’s Board of Directors for final approval.

• Clear objectives that relate to the applicant’s organizational mission
• Evidence of the organization’s ability or experience to implement the proposed work
• A thoughtful, practical work plan for achieving objectives and sustaining the impact.
• Community need or opportunity for the proposed work
• Involvement or evidence of collaboration and cross-sector partnerships
• Past history of using grant dollars successfully
• Organizational health: capacity of the organization, staff, and volunteer leadership to complete the work.
• Financial health: a diverse and balanced funding strategy and the ability to leverage other resources and revenue.
• A plan to sustain the work.
• A clear and well-scaled plan to measure the impact of the proposed work.

Compliance with all requirements, evidence of collaboration, creativity, a clear and well-stated plan, and significant community impact. Be sure to review the specific criteria for each program carefully.

Remember that you do not need to use all the space provided. Answer the questions and tell your organization’s story as simply and clearly as possible.

For grant writing tips provided by the Foundation, CLICK HERE

Unlike program or project-specific grants, general operating grants do not require organizations to identify one specific use for funds. This often provides nonprofits with the support they need to keep their doors open and operate efficiently. It is useful to share you mission and impact, as well as a few key projects or goals for the coming year. This blog post may help:  https://www.instrumentl.com/blog/how-to-write-general-operating-grant-proposals

Yes, you can use AI to assist with grant applications, but it should be used to supplement or support —not replace—human effort, ensuring accuracy and authenticity. AI is best for brainstorming, drafting, and editing, while humans must verify all content for accuracy. Never input sensitive or confidential information into public AI tools. Always read over your application carefully to make sure it tells “your” story and is clear and concise.

In most cases if you receive an award, you must wait at least one year to reapply to that specific grant again. Also, for us to consider a new grant application, all your prior required reporting must be submitted and up to date in our system. Review the guidelines for the specific grant you are interested in because each grant may have slightly different limitations.

In the event you are not able to use the grant funds as stated, you must contact the Foundation as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances, you may be asked to submit a reallocation request and/or extension request.

Once logged in, you will be able to view grant opportunities and can begin or Submit your application. Remember that you can save and come back to your application as a draft, before hitting submit.

You can find specific instructions for establishing an account HERE.

You can find general application tips HERE.

If you have not previously used this system, please watch this tutorial video in advance. If you have previously used our grant management system, you do not need to create a new profile or organization. Simply log in and get started.

Detailed information on the application process and grant portal is available in the Resources for Applicants section of the website.

If you need help logging in, contact info@capecodfoundation.org.

Please do not create a duplicate profile! If you cannot access your organizational profile, first try resetting your password or log in using the instructions in Q2 above. If you’re still having trouble, contact us at info@capecodfoundation.org. Each organization should have just one profile, under which you will be able to view all of your grant activity.

Yes. You can log into the portal and open the application at any time after the application period begins. You can view the questions, save progress, go back, make edits, etc. Your application is not considered until you hit the “submit” button. Once you do hit submit, you cannot make further changes.