How the Ezra M. Cutting Trust Gives Locally in Massachusetts

Although Boston is the major hub for philanthropy in Massachusetts, donors are also paying specific attention to other communities in the state. For instance, the Ezra M. Cutting Trust is all about giving to causes in Marlborough, Massachusetts, over a wide variety of topics and focus areas. This is a well-established grantmaking foundation that has been on the local scene since 1965.

Here are a few things to know about the Ezra M. Cutting Trust and how it approaches grantmaking in Massachusetts.

Youth and Economic Growth Are Top Priorities

The Ezra M. Cutting Trust has very broad interests. As long as activities benefit Marlborough, this funder awards grants for everything from arts and culture to humanities, education, employment, environment, health, housing, and shelter and human services.

Despite its extensive interests, the Cutting Trust pays the most attention to groups that serve local youth and programs that foster economic growth in the city. This is a very city-specific funder, so organizations are advised to keep their focus on programs that serve the residents of Marlborough. The founder was born in Marlborough and specified in her will that grants should stay close to home.

This may not be the best foundation to approach for general operating support because most grants go toward programs and special projects. A limited number of grants are for capital funding.

Managed by Bank of America

Like many smaller family foundations in the Northeast, the Ezra M. Cutting Trust is managed by Bank of America’s Massachusetts office. Although the foundation does not have a website of its own, this affiliation with Bank of America makes the grantseeking process quite straightforward and streamlined for local nonprofits.

Any questions about the Cutting Trust application process should be directed to Bank of America staff by email with the foundation’s name in the subject line. Nonprofits can also review the general Massachusetts office grantmaking procedures document for answers to frequently asked questions.

Annual Grant Opportunities

Massachusetts grantseekers will be pleased to learn that the Ezra M. Cutting Trust has an open and accessible grant application process that welcomes both first-time and returning grantees. The annual deadline to submit an application is January 15, and this process is conducted online through Bank of America’s system.

A majority of the Ezra M. Cutting Trust’s grants are in the $2,500 to $10,000 range. Applicants who submit their documentation by mid-January should expect to receive a funding decision by the end of May.

To learn more about the Ezra M. Cutting Trust and other funders that give locally in Massachusetts, check out IP’s Boston and New England funding guide.

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