Organizations Can Submit Grant Applications Through April 30
The Cape Ann Community Foundation (CACF) will begin accepting applications for its 2026 grants beginning April 1 and will allow organizations to submit proposals through April 30.
Applications for Foundation grants will be made available on the CACF www.lovecapeann.com website on April 1, and completed applications must be submitted by Wednesday, April 30.
CACF annual grants are funded by the proceeds from the sale of our Cape Ann License Plate and direct donations from the community. Since 2017, the Foundation has awarded more than $130,000 in grants to over 60 Cape Ann organizations.
These grants – which range from $1,000 to $3,000 – are focused on supporting organizations that are underserved and projects that are underfunded.
Eligible applicants must be organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and in good standing at the time of application. Organizations that do not have 501(c)(3) status may apply if they have a qualified fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Local governments and their subdivisions in the communities of Essex, Gloucester, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport are also eligible to apply for CACF grants. Organizations must be based in or provide services to the Greater Cape Ann community.
Cape Ann License Plate Funding
A key enabler is the sale of Cape Ann License plates, available through the Registry of Motor Vehicles for a $40 fee that goes directly to the CACF fund.
In addition, the Foundation will also hold its annual Cape Ann License Plate Online Auction on April 10-20, during which the four remaining low-number Cape Ann license plates – CA 66, CA 78, CA 79 & CA 88 – will be up for bid. In addition, 3- and 4-digit custom plates will be offered at a reduced auction price of $250/plate, and special number plates based on local area codes, zip codes, and historic dates will be offered at a reduced auction price of $300/plate.
Proceeds from the auction go directly to Greater Cape Ann non-profits and civic organizations in the form of grants awarded by the Foundation annually.
“The Cape Ann Community Foundation believes it is critical to support our non-profits, and we encourage eligible organizations across the region to apply for our grants so that they can continue to deliver services important to Greater Cape Ann,” said Britta Cahoon, Co-Chair.
“The Foundation addresses an important need in our community, supporting non-profits that are underserved and programs that are underfunded, and we look forward to extending the impact of grant awards to more organizations in 2026,” added Tony Sapienza, Co-Chair.
The Cape Ann Community Foundation was created by the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce to serve as the Chamber’s non-profit support organization. To learn more about the Foundation, the Cape Ann license plate, the organizations supported by CACF grants, or the 2025 grant program, contact the Chamber at 978-283-1601 or visit the Foundation website at www.lovecapeann.com.
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