Cornerstone Initiative

The Cornerstone Initiative was established in 1995 to provide targeted funding for programs that serve youth and seniors, with a particular emphasis on pilot and innovative initiatives. Today, the Cornerstone Initiative has expanded to include both grant-based funding and scholarship opportunities, continuing its commitment to supporting impactful community programs.

Grant-Based Funding

The Cornerstone Initiative for Innovation grants represent a commitment to address important needs in our community in new and creative ways.

Criteria for these grants include:

Supports innovative startup, new, or pilot projects that address unmet human service needs in Concord and Carlisle, with priority given to programs serving vulnerable populations and filling gaps not addressed by existing services.
Funds discrete, well-defined initiatives with a clear beginning and end. Applicants must demonstrate a plan for long-term sustainability beyond Cornerstone’s initial funding.
Eligibility: Organizations or programs must be 501(c)3 nonprofits, town agencies, or programs within the schools and serving individuals in Concord and Carlisle

Over the past three years (2022–2025), the Cornerstone Initiative has awarded more than $116,500 in grants, supporting a diverse range of impactful local initiatives. Grant amounts have ranged between $1,500 – $20,000. Recent Cornerstone funding has been awarded in support of:

Concord Fire Department – Supporting the procurement of advanced drone technology to enhance emergency response and public safety efforts.
Domestic Violence Services Network (DVSN) – Expanding survivor-centered support services through the Network for Justice initiative.
Minute Man Arc for Human Services – Reimagining residential care through innovative, person-centered programming for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Thoreau Elementary PTG – Creating “Thoreau’s Backyard,” a visionary, inclusive playspace that fosters physical activity, imaginative play, and social interaction—particularly for students in specialized education programs.

Questions regarding Cornerstone grants? Contact the Foundation’s Executive Director, Ali Sullivan.

If you would like to submit an application outside of our grant cycle, please contact us to discuss.

Click here for more information.

The Cornerstone Initiative Scholarship of The Concord Carlisle Foundation: Advancing Racial Justice and Equity

Launched in January 2021, the Cornerstone Initiative Scholarship is given to candidates who have demonstrated interest in, experience in or commitment to racial justice, equity, or working with historically underserved or underprivileged populations. This experience or commitment can be demonstrated through their school experiences, community service experiences, or their future college and career plans and aspirations. If an applicant is not available that meets this criteria, The Scholarship Fund will make the award to otherwise eligible “best fit” candidates.

To learn more about the Scholarship, please contact Ali Sullivan.

Cornerstone Initiative

Grant-Based Funding

The Cornerstone Initiative Scholarship of The Concord Carlisle Foundation: Advancing Racial Justice and Equity

Concord Carlisle Foundation

37 Main Street, Suite 3Concord, MA 01742

37 Main Street, Suite 3
Concord, MA 01742