Reading Cooperative Charitable Foundation – Community Grants & Support (2026)
Grants, In-Kind Support & Community Resources for Greater Boston North Shore & Merrimack Valley
Organization: Reading Cooperative Bank
Support Type: Foundation grants (up to $10,000), in-kind support, free advertising, financial literacy presentations
Geographic Focus: RCB’s greater market area, including Andover, Burlington, Lawrence, Lynn, Lynnfield, Melrose, Nahant, North Reading, Reading, Wakefield, Wilmington, and Woburn (MA)
Application Status: Open (customer-voted funding; rolling consideration)
About the Funder
Founded in 1999, the Reading Cooperative Charitable Foundation formalized Reading Cooperative Bank’s long-standing commitment to the people and communities it serves. Each year, the Foundation supports dozens of local organizations—with awards voted on by bank customers—to improve quality of life across the bank’s market area. Past support has included scholarships, local hospitals, environmental causes, and more.
Grant Program Overview
- Award Size: Up to $10,000
- Use of Funds: Program support, seed money, and capital improvements
- Emphasis: Projects benefiting disadvantaged or underserved residents
Primary Focus Areas
- Workforce development
- Health & human services
- Housing
- Education
- Community development
- Environment
- Arts & culture
Eligibility
Applicants must be:
- A 501(c)(3) nonprofit or public school
- Located in or serving one or more eligible towns within RCB’s market area
- Seeking support for non-political, non-sectarian activities
Funding Criteria
Trustees give special consideration to:
- Demonstrated need of the target population
- Number of local residents served
- Anticipated impact on quality of life
- Significance of the grant to project success
- Sustainability beyond the grant period
How to Apply (Grants)
Submit:
- Cover letter signed by the Executive Director or Board President
- One paper copy and one PDF of a 2–3 page proposal
- Completed Proposal Summary Sheet
Proposals should include organizational background, project description and goals (qualitative and quantitative), timeline, sustainability plan, and a detailed project budget identifying how Foundation funds will be used and other funding sources.
Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://readingcoop.com/in-the-community
Other Ways Reading Cooperative Bank Can Help
In addition to grants, RCB offers no-cost, in-kind community support, including:
- Free in-branch TV advertising for events (request form available)
- Free social media promotion (send materials to rvecchione@readingcoop.com)
- Free cases of RCB-branded water for fundraising events (request via water@readingcoop.com)
- Free financial literacy presentations by RCB employees for K–12 classrooms and civic groups
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This opportunity is ideal for local nonprofits and schools that:
- Serve communities in RCB’s market area
- Are seeking programmatic or capital support (up to $10,000)
- Prioritize impact for underserved populations
- Can benefit from both funding and in-kind visibility/resources
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
- Review Type: Customer-voted; rolling consideration
- Typical Award: Up to $10,000
- Best Suited For: Local nonprofits and public schools in Greater Boston’s North Shore & Merrimack Valley
