Grants
Workforce Training Fund Program
The Express Program provides employers fast, simple access to grant-funded training, helping businesses in Massachusetts respond to emerging needs. We live in a time of constant flux and uncertainty, affecting virtually everyone and everything. New technologies, new opportunities, and, occasionally, new viruses emerge and compel businesses to adapt to keep up with changing conditions. Now, more than ever, employers need to invest in their workers to equip them with the skills they need to thrive in a transforming world.
The Express Program is designed to help businesses respond quickly to change and keep employees engaged. With bite-size grants for just-in-time training and no waiting periods between grants, Express is our fastest path to funding, enhanced with an even more flexible directory of training options and 6 quick steps to success:
Nonprofit Grant Ideas
This is a great resource for nonprofits seeking grants in Massachusetts.
The Community Foundation for Nantucket has several opportunities for grants to Nantucket based nonprofits.
Community Foundation for Nantucket
Rock Solid Grant Program - Applications Now Closed
Grant applications for Rock Solid 2025 are now closed.
The Rock Solid Grants are administered by the Chamber and provide funds to Nantucket-based small businesses to ensure their contribution toward a strong local economy. The Grants are supported by The Town of Nantucket and Remain Ventures and are intended to launch or grow businesses. For-profit businesses on Nantucket (both established and new businesses) can qualify for participation in the application process. Ideally applicants will use funds to execute an innovative project to ensure the growth and economic stability of their own business while creating a positive role model for others in the entrepreneurial community.
For more information about our grants, please email jacqueline@nantucketchamber.org
General Qualification Criteria
- The current or proposed business must be for-profit, with primary operations on Nantucket.
- If the application is for an existing business, it must have generated revenue and profit in the previous calendar year.
- If the application is for a new business, there must be a well-developed business plan for producing revenue in the current calendar year.
- Businesses that have received prior grants are eligible, although priority will be given to those who have not already benefited from this grant program.
Application Process and Timeline
- April 9: Application process opens.
- May 16: Grant applications due.
- June: Applicants will be notified if they are receiving an award
Use of Grant Proceeds
Grant proceeds must be used for a specific project that will significantly increase the likelihood a new business will launch successfully, or an existing business will grow. Some examples of projects that would be strong contenders for this program include:
- Upgrading point of purchase or inventory management technology/systems;
- Establishment of new points of sale such as e-commerce, or new services such as off-premise consumption;
- Purchase of equipment that will enable more efficient manufacturing/production;
- Purchase of equipment or technology, or other innovative ways to offset seasonal staffing challenges;
- Innovations that reduce the businesses reliance on goods/products that contribute to island waste;
- Critical startup needs such as legal entity selection and filings, patents/IP protection, accounting setup, corporate website development, or target market research;
- Market research and prototyping of a new product/service;
- Tuition assistance for professional development and training programs to enhance business operations;
- Participation expenses to attend tradeshows or national competitions that will raise visibility for the business’s products/services beyond Nantucket.
Grants may not be used for:
- Paying off existing debt or projects initiated prior to this grant cycle.
- Deposits for property lease or purchase.
- Standard operating expenses such as payroll, rent, utilities, basic goods/services/supplies.
- Standard advertising and marketing initiatives.
Important Information
Rock Solid grant funds will not be awarded to the grant recipient until an approved project plan, expense reimbursement form, and supporting purchase orders or receipts are submitted. Funds are not distributed in advance. Unused grant funds will be retained by the Rock Solid Fund and used for future rounds.