Grafton Orgs Eligible For Tufts University Emergency Grants

GRAFTON, MA — Organizations in the town of Grafton are eligible for one of Tufts University's Emergency Response grants. The $1,000 grants are going o nonprofit organizations in Tufts University host communities to help them implement services associated with the coronavirus pandemic.

The $1,000 grants are available for organizations in university host communities of Medford, Somerville, Boston, and Grafton

Applications will be accepted from May 23 to June 26, 2020, and will be awarded on a rolling basis. Organizations are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Application forms are available online for both Medford/Somerville and Boston/Grafton.
These grants will help local organizations address pressing community needs that may include food insecurity, emergency equipment purchases, or educational supply needs. An applicant must be a registered nonprofit (501c3) that serves a Tufts host community (Medford, Somerville, Boston, or Grafton).

Rocco DiRico, director of the office of Government and Community Relations, said the Medford/Somerville program is made possible thanks to a generous donation from Michael Lainoff, A84, A21P, and Kathryn Kincaid, A21P, in gratitude for organizations who are meeting unprecedented and urgent community needs.

“Now more than ever, serious public health and economic challenges associated with COVID-19 are straining the budgets of local organizations that provide critical social services for individuals and families,” DiRico said. “We are very grateful to Michael and Kathyrn, Tufts parents, who recognize the valuable work and essential services of nonprofit organizations.”

Liza Perry, associate director of Tufts' Government and Community Relations team, has been in close contact with community partners in the neighborhoods surrounding the university’s Boston campuses—the Health Science Campus in Chinatown and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts Campus in Fenway and Mission Hill—about what they most need right now.

“Nonprofit organizations supporting our host communities have had to cancel spring fundraising efforts, which often support significant portions of their annual revenue,” she said. At the same time, “their services are in great demand and their costs are rising. Our hope is these emergency grants can help, as we know our neighbors are relying on our nonprofit community partners during this difficult time.”