— Tufts University Photo

Thirty-four local organizations in Tufts’ four host communities have been awarded $28,000 in grants from the Tufts Community Grants (TCG) program. The grants, which are fully funded by donations from Tufts University faculty and staff, are awarded each year to community-based charitable organizations in Boston, Grafton, Medford and Somerville.

“The Tufts Community Grants program is a great way for our employees to support nonprofit organizations in our host communities.  All of these organizations are also supported by Tufts volunteers — students, faculty and/or staff,” said Rocco DiRico, director of Tufts University’s Government and Community Relations office. “Now, more than ever, local nonprofit organizations need our support.  These grants will provide vital resources for our community partners.”

Local non-profits have experienced a surge in need for their services as the COVID-19 crisis has impacted host communities. Hearty Meals for All, a hunger relief program based in Somerville, received a $1,600 TCG grant to support their services. “During the COVID-19 crisis, our food and material costs have increased as we have transitioned to to-go meals, and this grant will help cover the extra expenses,” said Sally Brzozowski, board president of Hearty Meals for All. “We’re grateful that more people have found our work during this hard time.”

Once a year, a volunteer committee comprised of Tufts faculty and staff members meets to review proposals and select TCG recipients. This year, the committee received 60 proposals and ultimately awarded grants to 34 organizations. Members of the TCG board look for applicants that provide important services and programming for residents of our host communities.

TCG is a giving option within the annual Tufts Community Appeal (TCA), an internal fundraising campaign for faculty and staff at Tufts University that occurs each fall. The TCA is an opportunity for employees to come together to support students, our neighbors and non-profits in our host communities.

Questions regarding Tufts Community Grants can be directed to the office of Government and Community Relations at Tufts University by email at communityrelations@tufts.edu or by phone at 617-627-3780.

The Somerville grant recipients are:

The Beautiful Stuff Project – $300 for art and supplies to fill “treasure boxes” for early childhood classrooms

Center for Arabic Culture – $400 towards the purchase of a traditional Middle Eastern instrument for their Youth Orchestra

East Somerville Main Streets – $400 for marketing and supply costs for neighborhood clean-ups

Second Chances – $450 towards marketing and technology investments for 15th anniversary fundraising efforts

Mystic Learning Center – $600 for costs associated with tuning the piano housed in the Mystic Activity Center’s Community Room

RESPOND, Inc. – $1,000 to fund summer programs for children living in their shelter for domestic violence victims

Somerville Homeless Coalition – $1,500 to support their housing stability “Coordinated Entry Program” for homeless individuals

Hearty Meals For All – $1,600 towards the cost of funding a free monthly meal

CASPAR, Inc. – $1,750 to purchase bed linens and towels for their Emergency Services Shelter