FAQS
What was the inspiration for the Community Fund?
Our efforts were inspired by conversations with community leaders, nurses and administrators, where we learned:
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There are hundreds of seniors in our area who can’t pay their heating bills in the winter
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There are 320 students in our district who depend on free or reduced lunch
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That 5 local food pantries that have fed an estimated 8000 of our neighbors so far this year
In the context of our community, known both for its abundance and for its genuine care for one another, the Bolton Community Fund just made sense.
What is the ultimate goal of the Bolton Community Fund?
The ultimate goal of the Bolton Community Fund (BCF) is to ensure that every single one of our neighbors has their basic needs met, including food and heat.
What is the story behind the Community Fund?
The Bolton Rally Group first created the Bolton 5K Rally in 2013, a community fundraising event to benefit The White Family of Bolton after they were injured in the Boston Marathon Bombings. This kicked off The Rally Group’s mission of seeking to bridge the gap between local needs and local resources.
Recent conversations with community leaders revealed that they are struggling with insufficient resources to meet the basic needs – such as food and heat – of seniors and families in our area. The original founders of the Bolton Rally Group have incorporated as The Bolton Community Fund to once again engage our community to come together to meet a pressing local need.
How will the Bolton Community Fund work?
The Bolton Community Fund recognizes that there are already many organizations well positioned to meet needs like food, heat and transportation. But these organizations are small and consistently strapped for funding. And what’s worse, these limited resources can keep these organizations from serving our neighbors who need help. At a high level, the Bolton Community Fund, will follow these five steps.
1) Raise money
2) Launch a rigorous application process in which local nonprofit organizations can apply for financial assistance to meet specific needs in our community
3) Evaluate applicants
4) Award grants
5) Track results and report back to the community
Who does the Community Fund support?
We provide financial support to nonprofits, town agencies, individuals and local projects.
Who is eligible to apply for funds?
Any nonprofit organization that focuses on the human service needs in Bolton and surrounding communities is encouraged to apply for grants.
What criteria are used to determine eligibility?
We are modeling the application process created by other local community funds including Stow and Concord Carlisle. The Grant Allocations Committee will perform due diligence by reviewing program applications, conducting site visits and interviews, and making program funding recommendations to the Board of Directors.
Who will decide how the money will be allocated?
The Grants Allocation Committee will perform due diligence by reviewing program applications, conducting site visits and interviews, and making program funding recommendations to the Board of Directors.
When will funds become available?
We plan to begin distributing funds in 2020. However, if there are short term needs for heat assistance in Winter 2019, we will consider these grant applications as needed. For now, applications can be submitted on an as needed basis.
How do I apply for funds?
Please head to the "Request Funds" page.
What is the Bolton 5K FUNdRUN?
The Bolton 5K FUNdRUN Festival is a community fundraising event whose proceeds will benefit the Bolton Community Fund and will be utilized to help us reach our ultimate goal – to ensure that every single one of our neighbors has their basic needs met.
Is the Bolton Community Fund a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit?
Yes! As of September 13, 2019, we are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.