Make a difference for homeless

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do we decide where the money is going?

We first determine the criteria for selection of grantees. The criteria are developed with the help of experts who provide services to Cambridge. The criteria are reviewed yearly. The applicants are matched with the criteria and ranked and given funds. This year's criteria are that the program must prove that it does the following things:

Homeless helped.
Successful program with a proven track record that works.
Funding will go to areas that are difficult to get funding such as operating costs and administrative costs.
Money used to leverage results.
Program is apolitical, with a non-profit status.
Program provides services in the Cambridge area or is Cambridge based.

2. How do programs apply for grants?

We used the forms developed by the Cambridge Community Foundation.

3. How do we make sure the programs do what they say?

Each year we ask each program to present their program at an annual forum in December. Applicants are also invited to explain their program at this symposium. The applicants are asked to define what success means to them and prove that they are successful. We asked applicants to made a three ring notebook so that they can show their program to others and we asked them to make a poster board to display and explain their program.

4. Can you give some examples of successful programs you have funded? In 1996, we ha donated moneys to the Harvard Square Churches Meals Program, and the University Lutheran Church Shelter. In 1997 we donated money to: Phillips Brooks House Assoc. for University Lutheran Shelter, Food For Free Committee, Inc., and CASPAR, Inc. In 1998 we donated to: CASPAR, Inc., Food For Free Committee, Inc., Harvard Square Homeless Shelter, and Harvard Square Churches Meals Program. In 1999 we donated to CASPAR, Inc., Solutions at Work, Community Learning Center, Food for Free, and Harvard Square Churches Meals Program. In 2000 we donated to Food for Free, CASPAR, Harvard Square Churches Meals Program and Solutions at Work. In 2001 we donated to Food for Free, CASPAR, Harvard Square Churches Meals Program, and Harvard Square Homeless Center. In 2002 we donated to CASPAR, Adbar Ethiopian Women’s Alliance, Food for Free, Harvard Square Churches Meals Program, and Solutions at Work. In 2003 we donated to CASPAR, Food for Free, and Harvard Square Churches Meal Program.

5. How can I get involved?

You can donate moneys to Cambridge Action Fund. You can donate time to help with events, publicity, outreach, etc. We need help with writing articles, planning and giving poetry readings and folk singing. We need help with our symposium/workshops. And we mostly need help inviting others to join us to reinvest in Cambridge. We believe in spending most of our time doing what we do best, and donating our money to programs that work. You may also volunteer at some of the homeless programs.

6. How much must I contribute?

You decide! You must publicly be willing to tell how much. Maven Realty donates 2% of gross income. A Bed & Breakfast in Cambridge donates 5% of net income using the previous years total income. Individuals and businesses can decide how much and how they determine the amount.

7. What percentage of the money actually goes to fund organizations?

We are volunteers. There are no paid staff members. We do not use professional fund-raisers nor do we have an expensive office. Currently our only expenses that are not paid by volunteers are our bank service charges and our federal and state incorporation and filing fees.

8. How long have you been in existence?

We received IRS approval in February, 1996 and had an official announcement at Cambridge City Hall in June, 1996. We have had planning meetings and been organizing for several years before that.

9. Who else is involved?

Maven Realty, Bookkeeping Plus More, Cambridge Trust Company, First Estate Realty, Minuteman Press, A Bed & Breakfast in Cambridge, Sue Butler, Beth Cohen, Beatrice and Cleary, Prof. Kay Coleman, Lemelman & Lemelman, Cambridge Trust Company, Stone Pony Movers, and many individuals. Join US!

This page was last updated on 11/26/2006