Have an idea for a service project?
Are you an MIT student, staff, faculty member, or retiree with a service idea that can improve lives and build bridges between the Institute and communities across Massachusetts?
Or maybe you’re a local organization partnering with MIT volunteers to provide services or launch new initiatives?
If so, we’d love to hear from you. Learn how to apply below!
What is the funding criteria?
We fund projects and programs that:
- Serve local communities and underserved individuals or populations
- Improve the quality of life for people in need
- Are started by or engage members of the MIT community
- Do not use CSF funds for goods for volunteers (e.g. t-shirts)
Who can apply for funding?
Our funding falls into two main categories:
- Grants to MIT students, faculty, staff, and retirees for their community service initiatives.
- Grants to local community organizations where MIT volunteers are at work.
How do I get started?
The CSF accepts volunteer applications twice a year, with deadlines of October 31st and March 31st. Nonprofit applications are accepted once a year, and have a deadline of March 31st. The application is open for submissions one month in advance of the deadlines.
If you are a nonprofit representative or do not have MIT Certificates, contact our office at csf-staff@mit.edu to be granted an account for the application process.
The grant application is currently closed. It will reopen for the Spring grant application cycle in March 2025.
Other considerations
- Fill a short-term need
- Build an enhancement that is self-sustaining
- Launch an organization or initiative that will eventually be funded by other sources
You can reapply for CSF funding several times, but the board will not consider applications for funding beyond a three year period, and will typically only supply partial funding within that period of ongoing work. The CSF is here and ready to help you get started or complete specific, targeted objectives. But because we’re funded by donations, we can’t support all our grantees indefinitely.
- Those the applicant currently runs
- Those the applicant would like to start
- Those that would enhance the public service work of an existing organization or school
- Individuals and student groups at MIT are eligible to receive grants from the CSF, but MIT departments, labs, centers, and offices should seek funding from other sources.
- Likewise, student groups will only be eligible to receive support for the group’s community service endeavors for a three year period.
- It is strongly recommended that you meet with the CSF Staff (csf-staff@mit.edu) to discuss your organization and the MIT volunteers you work with.
- Funding decisions for nonprofit organizations are made once a year during the March funding cycle.
Representatives seeking funds for their organization should submit an application by March 31 to be considered.
Submit by the end of: |
For CSF board meeting in: |
For allocation of funds in: |
|---|---|---|
| October | November | December |
| March | April | May |
Questions? We're here to help.
Want to learn more or bounce ideas off us? We'd love to hear from you.
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P: 617.253.1988  |
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