Overview and Deadlines
Update for the 2025 Grant Cycle: The Foundation is implementing a two-step application process for new applicants and organizations that did not receive a grant the previous year. These applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent (LOI) by June 15. This change is designed to streamline the review process and reduce the burden on applicants whose programs may not align with our current funding priorities. The foundation will notify applicants by July 15 if they are invited to submit a full proposal.
Organizations that received a grant the previous year may proceed directly to the full application for the Annual Grant Request.
The Annual Grant Request follows Philanthropy Massachusetts’ Common Proposal Format, available for review at https://philanthropyma.org/applications/
The Three-Year Grant Request asks applicants to upload an LOI using the foundation’s Letter of Inquiry form ONLY. The foundation will notify applicants by October regarding invitations to continue to the proposal stage in this process. Please be advised that the trustees anticipate launching just one new three-year grant each year.
All Proposals for annual grants and Letters of Intent for the three-year funding initiative must be submitted online and are due by 5 p.m. on August 15. Proposals may be submitted at any time during the month prior to this deadline.
Nonprofits whose requests fit the foundation’s Guidelines may submit an Annual Grant Request, a Three-Year Grant Request, or both. Once you submit a request for one grant program, if you would like to submit a request for the second grant program you will need to return to your Applicant Dashboard, click “Apply” again, and enter the access code for the other application.
Please Note: All applications must be submitted online.
The link below will take you to the GMA Foundations online system to complete new requests, submit grant reports to the foundation, or acknowledge receipt of funds.
Use the following Access Codes to apply
- LOI for an Annual Grant (new applicants): sailorsLOI
- Annual Grant (returning grantees): sailors1
- LOI for a Three-Year Grant: sailors3
Click here to apply:
