2023 forward fund Feasibility Study Grants

The Forward Fund is a grant program that makes targeted investments throughout the City of Cambridge’s non-profit community to provide capacity and runway funds to plan and design capital improvement projects.

This year, awards will be offered to applicants seeking to conduct feasibility studies to gather pre-construction information or relevant data related to a capital improvement project. Feasibility studies are important for an organization to inform the staff resources and financial investments needed to successfully complete an extensive construction project. 

Available funding and grant cycle

The 2023 Forward Fund Feasibility Study grant application opened on January 20, 2023. The CRA will distribute up to $100,000 ($10,000 max per grant) for feasibility studies related to capital infrastructure projects. The CRA reserves the right to allocate funding amounts depending on the quality of the proposals. Grants will be awarded throughout the year on a rolling basis until funds are allocated.

Who should apply

Eligibility is open to all Cambridge-based non-profit organizations that own and/or operate community facilities. The organization’s mission should provide support, social services, and/or resources to those in Cambridge with the goal of closing the gaps reported in Envision Cambridge and the Community Needs Assessment.

Eligibility Criteria

Applications must meet all of the following criteria in order to be eligible:

• The project being studied is located in Cambridge,

• The applicant is a Cambridge-based nonprofit organization,

• The study facilitates a capital improvement that does not require any additional ongoing funding from the CRA or the City to operate or maintain,

• If the study costs more than what is requested by the Forward Fund, the applicant can identify how the remaining cost of the study will be paid for,

• The applicant can explain how the feasibility study will inform a decision to move ahead with a capital project,

• The applicant can explain how the capital project being studied will help to achieve the priorities identified in the City’s Envision Cambridge and Community Needs Assessment reports,

• The applicant has control over the proposed project site, or has a letter or support from the property owner detailing a long-term lease agreement.

Application Process

• Submit the online application form and attachment.

• Applications are reviewed by CRA Staff.

• Finalists meet with CRA staff (if needed).

• Applicants and awardees are notified.

• 50% of feasibility study grants are distributed to awardees.

• Final 50% of funds are granted after completion of the study.

• Outcome reporting by awardees within one month after the completion of the study to CRA staff.

QUESTIONS

All interested parties with questions are encouraged to contact Alexandra Levering, Senior Project Manager at alevering@cambridgeredevelopment.org or 617-492-6800.