Grants
The SHINE Initiative is committed to “shining a light’ on mental health in children, teens and young adults through awareness and education.
The SHINE Initiative will consider requests for funding from non-profit organizations that are based in Massachusetts, with a primary focus at this time on organizations located in Central Massachusetts.
Area of interest
The SHINE Initiative will focus its grant making on the following:
- Mental health services for children, teens and young adults, with a preference for programs and projects that are replicable and sustainable and can serve as prototypes for widespread use and impact.
- Proposed programs and projects should include a detailed educational component that will raise public awareness of mental illness as it impacts young people.
The majority of grants from the SHINE Initiative are one year in duration. On occasion, multi-year support will be considered.
What we DO NOT fund
Annual campaigns, capital equipment, endowment, conferences or seminars, loans, technical assistance or consulting, other unrestricted spending. No grants are made to individuals.
Grant range
$2,000-$15,000. Average grant size is $5000.
Eligibility
Applicants must be qualified as 501(c)(3) organizations and must be based in Massachusetts.
Application deadline
Requests for grants should be submitted by November 15th.
Funding decisions will be made at the January meeting of the SHINE Initiative Advisory Board and will be announced immediately thereafter.
Please note: The SHINE Initiative will accept one proposal per organization during a 12-month period. Any organization that is awarded funding may apply again after 12 months from the date of the award.
Contact information:
Paul Richard
Executive Director
The SHINE Initiative
9 Leominster Connector
Leominster MA 01453
978-870-1494
email: prichard@shineinitiative.org
Grant Proposal
A narrative of no more than 5 pages (single-spaced, minimum 11 point font) must be provided to include:
- History and Mission of your Organization
- Statement of Need
- Plan to Address that Need
- Goals & Objectives with measurable outcomes
- Population to be Served
- Project/Program Budget
- Project/Program Director and Qualifications
- Amount Requested.
A separate one-page cover letter on your organization’s letterhead, and signed by your organization’s CEO or Executive Director, is required.
The following attachments must be submitted with your proposal:
- Evidence of tax-exempt status under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
- Current fiscal year organizational budget
- A complete list of your board of directors
- Your organization’s most recent annual report and/or audited financial report.
Progress Report
Grantees will be required to issue a progress report that will be due 12 months from the date of the grant award.
An organization receiving a grant will not be considered for subsequent funding until such progress report is produced.
Mail to
To be considered for a grant, one complete proposal and all attachments should be mailed to:
The SHINE Initiative
Attn: Executive Director
9 Leominster Connector
Leominster MA 01453
All applications that are complete, eligible, and received by the deadline will be given full consideration by the advisory committee. All applicants will be sent a letter of approval or denial at the conclusion of the review process.
