Applicants must have 501(c)(3) tax status under the IRS tax code and serve Essex County residents.

ECCF is committed to non-discrimination. We support organizations that use all reasonable efforts to recruit, hire, train, promote and serve persons without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law, except where such status is a bona fide qualification for the service being provided and is related to the organization’s mission.

ECLEI grants will not be awarded:

• To individuals.
• For sectarian or religious purposes.
• For political purposes.
• For debt or deficit reduction.
• For capital campaigns for buildings or endowment.

ECLEI seeks grantmaking opportunities where the investment of up to $25,000 can make a difference.  In addition to the funding priorities listed above, we will look for the following:

• Clear organizational mission and vision
• Strong leadership that is diverse, inclusive, and representative of the community that the organization serves
• Clear articulation of the opportunity, how funding would be used, and desired impact
• Ability and expertise to accomplish the proposed work and meet a documented need of Essex County residents

Proposals must be submitted online by no later than October 15, 2021. Incomplete or late proposals will not be considered.

Proposals must be submitted through ECCF’s Application Portal.

If you do not yet have a login for our application Portal, please read our Grant Application Process page which will give you access to the Portal.