Technical Assistance &
Equity Pilot
Do you have an idea for an Activation Fund project, but worry that you lack the time or grant writing experience to submit a competitive application? 
 
The Health Foundation has partnered with Sharon S. McDonald, President of Effective Grants, LLC, to launch a pilot aimed to provide technical assistance for small and/or newer nonprofit organizations with limited staff capacity and/or expertise in grant development. Applications are now being accepted for this pilot. Priority will be given to those organizations with operating budgets less than $500,000. Up to five organizations will be invited to participate in an Activation-Fund-focused grant writing workshop and to receive one hour of individualized consulting provided by Ms. McDonald. This technical assistance will be provided free of charge.
 
With more than 30 years of experience in the field of fundraising and development, Ms. McDonald has provided customized grant development services for countless nonprofit organizations in the region, raising more than $31M for a wide range of worthy causes.  

"I am very excited to work with the Foundation to increase access to grant development training for organizations in need. There are many smaller nonprofits doing exciting work who lack the capacity and expertise to pursue competitive grants like those offered by the Activation Fund. This pilot is a wonderful opportunity for those organizations to learn how to assess their grant readiness as they prepare a submission," said Ms. McDonald.
Sharon S. McDonald, President of Effective Grants, LLC

This pilot is one of several equity-focused initiatives being introduced in 2023. Foundation President and CEO Dr. Amie Shei explained, “The Foundation has held a long-standing commitment to health equity and is always seeking to improve its own practices in furthering that commitment. We hope these initiatives will lower barriers to access to our grant opportunities aimed at improving the health of those who live or work in Central Massachusetts.” The Foundation will evaluate these new initiatives to assess their effectiveness and to inform future efforts.

Interested organizations should complete this short Application Form by Friday, February 17 at 5:00 p.m. for consideration. Applicants will be notified of decisions by March 1. The deadline for submission of Phase I materials for the Activation Fund is April 12. For more information about the Activation Fund or this pilot, please visit hfcm.org or contact Jennie Blake, Senior Program Officer, at [email protected].