The Tranquility of an Inland Pond

Winter on Martha's Vineyard

Path to the Sea

Vineyard Farmland

Autumn on the Island

Sunrise Over the Ocean

Grant - Frequently Asked Questions

Who can submit a grant request?

Any not-for-profit organization with Internal Revenue Service 501 (c) (3) status may apply for a grant from the Permanent Endowment.  Local government agencies also may apply.  The programs we support primarily serve Martha’s Vineyard and benefit the people of our community.

When should grant applications be submitted?

The Endowment has two grant review cycles each year, one in the spring and one in the fall.  The deadline for applications is listed in the calendar section of our website and announced in the local press.

Are specific forms required for grant applications?

Yes.  All grant requests must use the Endowment’s application form.  Letters or other written requests will not be considered.  All documentation requested, including evidence of your organization’s tax exempt status, must be submitted along with the application.  Incomplete applications will be deferred until the Endowment has received all of the required information.  Organizations that have received grants from the Permanent Endowment in the past must file final narrative and financial reports for those grants in order to be considered for a new grant.

How often may I apply?

Organizations may apply as frequently as they wish.  Grant applications, however, are limited to one per 12 month period for organizations that have received an award during that period.  For example, an organization awarded a grant in the fall of this year is eligible to submit another application in the fall of next year.  Organizations that have not received funding may submit an application in both the spring and fall grant cycles during a 12 month period.

For organizations with multiple subsidiaries, each subsidiary is viewed independently for grant purposes allowing the parent organization to submit more than one grant application each cycle.  Subsidiaries, however, are required to adhere to the same limitations on applications as other nonprofit organizations.  For the subsidiaries of an organization to qualify for this allowance, they must serve different populations.  Parent organizations also are encouraged to coordinate and prioritize the grant requests submitted by their subsidiaries.

What period of time does a grant cover?

Grants are awarded for periods of up to one year.  In some cases, such as for a summer program, grants for programs of shorter duration may be considered.

What will the Endowment not fund?

The Endowment will not consider grants for political purposes, religious causes or projects benefitting members of a specific church or religious denomination, agency endowments or for individuals, other than for scholarships or educational programs as determined by a fund’s special provisions.

How much can I request?

Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 for a one year period.  Some grants are made for larger amounts but these are rare and, in most cases, reflect a specific fund’s aims or provisions.

Does the Endowment consider emergency requests for funding?

Yes.  Requests for funding outside of the Endowment's two grant cycles may be considered in an emergency.  A letter outlining the need is required.

Can an off Island organization submit a grant request?

Yes, if the services provided take place on the Island, are for the benefit of the people of Martha’s Vineyard and have a clear linkage to improving this community’s quality of life.

How do I get more information about your grant program?

For further information, please contact us at 508.338.4665 or info@endowmv.org.