The Cape and Islands United Way improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of our communities to advance the common good on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.
Cape and Islands United Way Inc. channels most of its grantmaking into local organizations serving Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket, with a strong pattern of support for housing stability, food access, emergency shelter, and services for children and families. Its recent awards include $40,000 to Housing Assistance Corporation Inc for emergency financial assistance and $37,500 to Homeless Prevention Council for counseling, showing a direct-service approach to urgent community needs. The foundation also backs child- and youth-serving work, including school-based mentoring, early education, and infant support, alongside mental health and caregiver-oriented services. The grant list shows repeated support for the same local partners across multiple years, which points to ongoing relationships rather than isolated awards. Independent houses of support for people facing homelessness appear more than once, and family-serving groups such as A Baby Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod & Islands, and Cape Cod Children’s Place also recur in the recent record. The foundation’s focus areas span housing, health, education, economic stability, basic needs, women and children, and volunteerism/civic engagement, but the actual awards are consistently tied to nearby nonprofit programs working on practical community needs.
Housing and homelessness services are a clear priority. Cape and Islands United Way Inc. gave $25,000 to Independence House for emergency shelter with resources and another $25,000 to Harbor Homes of Mv for an SRO home with case management for adults who are homeless. Food security and household basics also appear throughout the recent grants. The foundation awarded $31,000 to Lower Cape Outreach for feeding families and $30,000 to Family Pantry to operate its main pantry in Harwich and provide food support. In youth and early childhood work, it supported school-based mentoring and developmental services. One grant provided $27,500 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod & Islands for school-based mentoring, while another gave $20,000 to Cape Cod Children’s Place for integrated early education for children with developmental delays, disabilities, and learning disorders. Mental health and caregiver support are part of the mix as well. Behavioral Health Innovators received $25,000 for teen counseling, and Alzheimer’s Family Support Center of Cape Cod received $25,000 for support groups for Alzheimer’s/dementia.
$614K
$1M
$1.4M
$1.5M
Most grants fall between $10K and $25K, with a median of $15K.
25th Percentile
$10K
Median
$15K
75th Percentile
$25K
J RICHARD FAIRBANKS
Sign up for a free Kindora account to access AI-generated insights into this funder's giving patterns, decision-makers, and fit signals.
Get Started FreeFree Kindora accounts unlock side-by-side comparisons with foundations that share this funder's focus areas and giving profile.
Get Started FreeSign up free to see how well your nonprofit fits this funder, get an AI-generated pitch, and unlock similar foundations.
Typical grant size sits at $10,000 at the 25th percentile, $15,000 at the median, and $24,600 at the 75th percentile, which indicates a center of gravity in the mid-teens to mid-twenties. The recent record also shows repeat support across years for several local partners, suggesting ongoing relationships rather than one-off awards. The foundation operates as a regular funder, and its active programs include both unsolicited opportunities and a two-step LOI process for Community Impact grants. Program support, direct service delivery, and emergency assistance all appear in the grant descriptions.
Grantmaking is entirely local and entirely in Massachusetts: 100% of grants went to recipients in MA. Awards are concentrated in Cape Cod and the Islands, with frequent recipients in Hyannis, Orleans, Harwich, North Eastham, South Chatham, Vineyard Haven, and Nantucket. The recent grants list also includes Mashpee, Brewster, and Harwich Port, showing coverage across multiple towns in the region rather than a single municipality.
Recent grants consistently support housing stability, food security, emergency shelter, early childhood education, school-based mentoring, and mental health services. Examples include emergency financial assistance, pantry operations, teen counseling, and integrated early education for children with developmental delays and disabilities.
The recent record shows recurring support. Several organizations appear in multiple years, including Independence House, Housing Assistance Corporation Inc, Cape Cod Children’s Place, Behavioral Health Innovators, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod & Islands.
Typical grant size is $10,000 at the 25th percentile, $15,000 at the median, and $24,600 at the 75th percentile. The active Community Impact grant program is generally designed for awards in the $5,000 to $25,000 range.
Yes. Several active programs accept unsolicited requests, including the Community Impact Grant Program, Micro Grants, the National Grid & Cape & Islands United Way Fuel Assistance Grant, and the COVID-19 Cape & Islands Community Relief Fund. The Community Impact program uses a Letter of Intent followed by invited full applications.
All recent grants in the dataset went to Massachusetts recipients, and the foundation gives locally across Cape Cod and the Islands. Recent recipient towns include Hyannis, Orleans, Harwich, North Eastham, South Chatham, Vineyard Haven, and Nantucket.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Current and upcoming funding from Cape and Islands United Way that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Local organizations and volunteer-focused projects serving Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, or Nantucket. Grants support projects that engage residents of all ages and address local concerns.
Deadline: Applications are distributed on a rolling basis.
Who can apply: Projects must engage volunteers in some way. Applicants must be based on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, or Nantucket. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, schools, councils on aging, parent/youth organizations, and other community groups.
Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling schedule.
Track these deadlines, get reminders, and see how well your nonprofit fits — free with a Kindora account.
Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOMELESS PREVENTION COUNCIL | ORLEANS, MA | $37,500 | 2026 | COUNSELING |
| HOUSING ASSISTANCE CORPORATION INC | HYANNIS, MA | $35,000 | 2026 | EMERGENCY FINANCIAL |
| LOWER CAPE OUTREACH | ORLEANS, MA | $31,500 | 2026 | FEEDING OUR FAMILIES |
| HEALTH IMPERATIVES | HYANNIS, MA | $29,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CAPE COD CHILDREN'S PLACE | NORTH EASTHAM, MA | $27,500 | 2026 | EARLY EDUCATION |
| NANTUCKET INTERFAITH COUNCIL | NANTUCKET, MA | $26,475 | 2026 | NANTUCKET FOOD PANTR |
| CAPE KID MEALS | FORESTDALE, MA | $25,000 | 2026 | DAY BACKPACK PROGRAM |
| ISLAND GROWN INITIATIVE | VINEYARD HAVEN, MA | $24,000 | 2026 | HEALTHY FOOD OPTIONS |
| COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER OF CAPE COD | MASHPEE, MA | $22,500 | 2026 | MANAGE CHRONIC DISEA |
| INDEPENDENCE HOUSE | HYANNIS, MA | $22,500 | 2026 | EMERGENCY SHELTER |
| BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CAPE | HYANNIS, MA | $22,500 | 2026 | SCHOOL-BASED MENTORI |
| FALMOUTH SERVICE CENTER | FALMOUTH, MA | $22,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INNOVATORS | SOUTH CHATHAM, MA | $20,000 | 2026 | TEEN COUNSELING |
| BELONGING TO EACH OTHER | FALMOUTH, MA | $17,500 | 2026 | TRANSITIONAL HOUSING |
| THE FAMILY PANTRY | HARWICH, MA | $16,275 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF CAPE COD | MASHPEE, MA | $16,250 | 2026 | SCHOOL-BASED MENTORI |
| DUFFY HEALTH CENTER | HYANNIS, MA | $15,000 | 2026 | MOTEL STAYS |
| FOOD4KIDS | ORLEANS, MA | $15,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR ALL | HYANNIS, MA | $15,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| A BABY CENTER | HYANNIS, MA | $15,000 | 2026 | BABY CENTER |
| MARTHA'S VINEYARD BOYS & GIRLS CLUB | EDGARTOWN, MA | $15,000 | 2026 | MENTAL HEALTH PROGRA |
| WE CAN | HARWICHPORT, MA | $12,500 | 2026 | COLLABORATION |
| SUSTAINABLE CAPE COD | TRURO, MA | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CAPE COD TOY LIBRARY | WEST BARNSTABLE, MA | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| FAMILY TABLE COLLABORATIVE | SOUTH YARMOUTH, MA | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| BRAZILIAN RESOURCE CENTER | HYANNIS, MA | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CHAMP HOMES | HYANNIS, MA | $10,000 | 2026 | TRANSITIONAL HOUSING |
| YMCA CAPE COD | WEST BARNSTABLE, MA | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| THE WARMING PLACE | NANTUCKET, MA | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| SALVATION ARMY | HYANNIS, MA | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| HOSPICE OF MARTHA'S VINEYARD | VINEYARD HAVEN, MA | $8,200 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CAPE COD TIMES NEIGHBORS FUND | HYANNIS, MA | $7,500 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| SHARING KINDNESS | HARWICH, MA | $7,500 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| HANDS OF HOPE OUTREACH CENTER | WEST HARWICH, MA | $7,500 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| SASSAFRAS EARTH EDUCATION | AQUINNAH, MA | $7,500 | 2026 | SUMMER CAMP |
| HARBOR HOMES OF MARTHA'S VINEYARD | VINEYARD HAVEN, MA | $6,500 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CAPE & ISLANDS VETERAN OUTREACH | HYANNIS, MA | $6,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| HOUSING ASSISTANCE CORPORATION INC | HYANNIS, MA | $40,000 | 2025 | EMERGENCY FINANCIAL |
| HOMELESS PREVENTION COUNCIL | ORLEANS, MA | $37,500 | 2025 | COUNSELING |
| LOWER CAPE OUTREACH | ORLEANS, MA | $31,000 | 2025 | FEEDING OUR FAMILIES |
| BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CAPE | HYANNIS, MA | $27,500 | 2025 | SCHOOL-BASED MENTORI |
| BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INNOVATORS | SOUTH CHATHAM, MA | $25,000 | 2025 | TEEN COUNSELING |
| INDEPENDENCE HOUSE | HYANNIS, MA | $25,000 | 2025 | EMERGENCY SHELTER |
| A BABY CENTER | HYANNIS, MA | $24,600 | 2025 | BABY CENTER |
| NANTUCKET INTERFAITH COUNCIL | NANTUCKET, MA | $22,500 | 2025 | NANTUCKET FOOD PANTR |
| CAPE COD CHILDREN'S PLACE | NORTH EASTHAM, MA | $22,500 | 2025 | EARLY EDUCATION |
| THE FAMILY PANTRY | HARWICH, MA | $22,500 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| HEALTH IMPERATIVES | HYANNIS, MA | $19,000 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF CAPE COD | MASHPEE, MA | $18,750 | 2025 | SCHOOL-BASED MENTORI |
| ISLAND GROWN INITIATIVE | VINEYARD HAVEN, MA | $17,500 | 2025 | HEALTHY FOOD OPTIONS |
LOWER CAPE OUTREACH
$31,500FEEDING OUR FAMILIES
NANTUCKET INTERFAITH COUNCIL
$26,475NANTUCKET FOOD PANTR
CAPE KID MEALS
$25,000DAY BACKPACK PROGRAM
COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER OF CAPE COD
$22,500MANAGE CHRONIC DISEA
INDEPENDENCE HOUSE
$22,500EMERGENCY SHELTER
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CAPE
$22,500SCHOOL-BASED MENTORI
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INNOVATORS
$20,000TEEN COUNSELING
FOOD4KIDS
$15,000GENERAL OPERATING
A BABY CENTER
$15,000BABY CENTER
MARTHA'S VINEYARD BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
$15,000MENTAL HEALTH PROGRA
SUSTAINABLE CAPE COD
$10,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
CAPE COD TOY LIBRARY
$10,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
FAMILY TABLE COLLABORATIVE
$10,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
BRAZILIAN RESOURCE CENTER
$10,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
CHAMP HOMES
$10,000TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
THE WARMING PLACE
$10,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
SALVATION ARMY
$10,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
HOSPICE OF MARTHA'S VINEYARD
$8,200PROGRAM SUPPORT
SHARING KINDNESS
$7,500PROGRAM SUPPORT
HANDS OF HOPE OUTREACH CENTER
$7,500PROGRAM SUPPORT
CAPE & ISLANDS VETERAN OUTREACH
$6,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
LOWER CAPE OUTREACH
$31,000FEEDING OUR FAMILIES
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CAPE
$27,500SCHOOL-BASED MENTORI
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INNOVATORS
$25,000TEEN COUNSELING
INDEPENDENCE HOUSE
$25,000EMERGENCY SHELTER
A BABY CENTER
$24,600BABY CENTER
NANTUCKET INTERFAITH COUNCIL
$22,500NANTUCKET FOOD PANTR
