The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) is pleased to announce the Growth & Investment in Volunteers (GIV) Initiative, a funding and capacity-building opportunity designed to help Massachusetts organizations strengthen volunteer engagement.
Selected organizations will receive a matching grant of up to $20,000, along with cohort-based training and technical assistance focused on practical skill-building, peer learning, and program development.
GIV is expected to be a highly competitive process. A careful review of the Grant Overview section of the RFP will help organizations assess whether GIV can meaningfully advance their volunteer engagement work. We also encourage applicants to read the RFP closely to ensure they can fully participate and meet all requirements.
Organizations should request the amount needed to successfully implement their proposed work, up to $20,000. Applying for the full amount or for a smaller amount does not provide an advantage or disadvantage in the review process.
GIV is not a planning grant. It is designed to support nonprofits and Volunteer Connector Organizations in leveraging evidence-based volunteer engagement practices to more effectively recruit, manage, and retain volunteers, or to strengthen or expand existing programs.
Different organizations and communities rely on different volunteer models. GIV is open to all types of volunteer engagement, including long-term, episodic, skill-based, and other models. Applicants should clearly describe the volunteer model in their application.
MSA will work with each selected organization to design a site visit plan that aligns with the structure and needs of remote or hybrid programs.
Yes. Organizations using fiscal agents are eligible. The fiscal agent must appear on all official documentation and contracts, including the application and award agreement.
Programs may only use other federal funds to match this grant with prior written permission from the other awarding agency.
Yes. Donated professional services may be counted with proper in-kind documentation.
Yes. This is an allowable expense.
MSA will order, pay for, and adjudicate National Service Criminal History Checks (NSCHC) for all staff members listed on the grant budget (MSA funds or match). MSA will not run NSCHC for volunteers or other organizational staff.
