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SD 475

An Act establishing the Community Non-Profit Investment and Grant Program

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Patrick O'Connor

Creates a grant-based program, run by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, to support community-based nonprofits, contingent on annual funding and a 180-day rollout.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 475

Summary: Senate Bill 475 (SD 475) – An Act establishing the Community Non-Profit Investment and Grant Program

Purpose and scope

  • Establishes a new Community Non-Profit Investment and Grant Program within Massachusetts. The program aims to award grants to community-based nonprofit organizations to strengthen their capacity and improve community well-being.
  • Creates a dedicated Community Non-Profit Board to determine the program’s scope, criteria, awards process, and solicitation for applications.

Key provisions

  • Senate Bill 475 adds a new paragraph to Section 53 of Chapter 10. The Community Non-Profit Board will:
    • Determine the program’s scope, criteria, awards process, and solicitation for applications.
    • Develop and oversee the Community Non-Profit Investment and Grant Program, which is subject to annual appropriation.
    • Annually award grants to community-based organizations to support their work in the community.
    • Allow eligibility for organizations organized under section 8E of chapter 12 that perform community-based charitable work in the Commonwealth.
    • Fund “nonproprietary and nonprofit-making” organizations, including corporations, community chests, funds, and foundations.
  • The Board will be responsible for developing guidelines for applications, award-round regulations, selection criteria, and public outreach to solicit applications and raise awareness.

Governance and administration

  • The Board shall be organized under the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC).
  • The MCC will solicit local organizations to participate as volunteer-based members of the Board.
  • The Board is charged with implementing the program within 180 days after the act’s passage.

Funding and implementation

  • The program and its grants are contingent on annual appropriations (i.e., funding must be provided in the state budget).
  • Administration is centralized under the MCC, with the Board handling program specifics, including outreach and application processes.
  • Implementation window: 180 days from the act’s passage to prepare and begin operating the program.

Eligibility and recipients

  • Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations organized in Massachusetts under section 8E of chapter 12 that perform community-based charitable work.
  • The program prioritizes strengthening and aiding such nonprofits, chests, funds, and foundations with nonprofit, nonproprietary missions.

Effective date and status

  • Effective immediately upon passage.
  • Status notes indicate the House concurred as of March 10, 2025, with prior referral to the Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses.

Legislative history (highlights)

  • Introduced: March 10, 2025 (Senate Docket No. 475; Senate No. 183).
  • Pending actions: Referred to committee; subsequently reported and concurred by the House on the same date.

This bill would create a new, grant-based program administered by the Massachusetts Cultural Council to support and grow community-based nonprofit organizations, contingent on annual state funding and a 180-day implementation timeline following enactment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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