New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Funding priorities include but are not limited to emergency food, shelter and other assistance to needy individuals and families in Greater New Bedford. Grants generally range from $1,000-$5000. Please submit a short narrative with a project budget. New applicants to the fund should also submit a copy of their most recent audit or independently prepared financial statements.
All requests should be received by 5:00 pm on April 3, 2014. Please send both an electronic copy (to lmaher@cfsema.org) and a hard copy to the Community Foundation, Attn: James Arnold Fund, 63 Union St., New Bedford, MA, 02740.
The James Arnold Fund was established under the will of James Arnold as allowed by the Bristol County Probate Court on January 4, 1869. His will provided for the income from a modest cash bequest to be distributed to benefit the “poor and needy of New Bedford who may be deserving”. The intent of James Arnold has been carried out from that time when Oliver Prescott, William J. Rotch and Henry Tabor, 2nd were co-trustees to the present benefiting individuals and charities.
In 2012, the James Arnold Fund was merged into the Community Foundation, which assumed responsibility for the administration of the fund and its grantmaking. The trustees of the James Arnold Fund continue to be responsible for reviewing and recommending grants for approval.
About the Community Foundation
Since 1995, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. CFSEMA is a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern – improving the quality of life in Southeastern Massachusetts.
While the Foundation’s primary grantmaking focus is on the SouthCoast communities of Greater New Bedford, Greater Fall River, and Southern Plymouth County, CFSEMA is a regional foundation serving 41 cities and towns. Since 2005, the Community Foundation has distributed more than $15 million in grants and program support from 167 funds to humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in the region. To learn more about the Foundation, visit www.cfsema.org.
