Forward Fund

A feasibility study informs the process, design, and resources needed to complete a capital infrastructure project. Studies may also support nonprofits to assess or secure a new tenant space or building for operations or programming, which could encompass site evaluation and/or relocation analysis. 

Additionally, organizations may request feasibility study funds to conduct community engagement to inform capital infrastructure project design. Community engagement processes can help organizations tap into their represented community and understand thoughts, impacts, concerns, and other insights that an organization might be unaware of for a given capital project.

Community engagement funds within a feasibility study could be allocated toward:

• Hiring a consultant to facilitate, strategize, and/or implement a community engagement process,

• Hosting community events: space rentals, incentives for community participation, translation services, food, etc.,

• Outreach Materials: flyers, posters, surveys, and other engagement materials,

• Non-profit staff time, up to a limit of 20% of the requested Feasibility Study grant, to manage engagement work related to a capital project.

Feasibility Study Grant Overview:

• Grant Cap: Up to $10,000

• Matching Fund Requirement: none

• Project Completion Requirement: One year upon execution of the grant agreement.

• Payment Structure: 50% funding up-front, 50% after completion.

• Eligible Applicants: See below for more details.

• Application Deadline: Proposals will be evaluated throughout the year on a rolling basis from February 20- May 20, 2026, or until funds are allocated.

• Evaluation Process: CRA staff reviews all feasibility studies. See below for evaluation criteria.

Projects will be scored based on the following criteria:

1. The application includes a clear narrative on how the project aligns with the action items identified in the CRA’s 2023 Strategic Plan, or the Envision Cambridge citywide plan.

2. The applicant demonstrates staff capacity for the organization to successfully implement the project.

3. The project is feasible and can be implemented within a one/two-year time frame. Additionally, if the project/study costs more than what is requested from the Forward Fund, the applicant has a plan to pay for the remaining cost of the project/study.

4. The project has a high level of public accessibility or visibility.

5. The applicant has a clear narrative on how the organization’s space that will be improved by the capital project meets ADA accessibility standards, and/or how the proposed capital project incorporates efforts to improve accessibility. Accessibility encompasses, but is not limited to, different physical, emotional, and mental needs of the public.

6. The project aspires to sustainable best practices (as applicable). Environmental sustainability in capital infrastructure projects can relate to many aspects, ranging from energy efficient mechanical equipment, use of sustainable and recycled materials, to responsible disposal of construction waste. For more details, refer to the City’s Envision Cambridge Climate and Environment Plan, and Sustainable Development page.

7. The project has an ability to inspire or facilitate other community investments.

Any non-profit organization in Cambridge that owns or operates community facilities. The organization’s mission should provide support, social services, and/or resources to those in Cambridge, with the goal of helping to achieve the CRA’s 2023 Strategic Plan, or the City’s Envision Cambridge citywide plan.

Eligibility Criteria: The criteria below must be met for a project or organization to be eligible:

• The project is in Cambridge.

• The applicant is a nonprofit organization (501c3), or a community group or organization with a fiscal (501c3) sponsor.

• The applicant has control over the proposed project site through ownership, or has a letter of support from the property owner detailing a long-term (5-year + duration) lease or other agreement. Projects that can demonstrate a significant community benefit but have a lesser degree of permanence will be considered on a discretionary basis by the Forward Fund Selection Committee and/or CRA staff.

• The project will fund a capital improvement project/study that has not yet been completed, and is not intended for programming or other non-capital infrastructure work including but not limited to items such as laptops, monitors, recording equipment, furniture, etc.

• The applicant can explain how the project being studied/implemented will help achieve the priorities identified in the CRA’s 2023 Strategic Plan, or the City’s Envision Cambridge citywide plan.

• The project is publicly accessible, or is part of an institution with a civic/social/neighborhood mission that serves the community.

• Funds are not intended for programming or other non-capital infrastructure work including but not limited to items such as laptops, monitors, recording equipment, furniture, etc.

• The Forward Fund will not fund a capital improvement project that has already been completed.