RSJ Fund

The RSJ Fund supports projects that align with Somerville’s commitment to racial, social, and other forms of justice. To help determine if your project is a good fit, we have identified three focus areas that supported projects might fall under. Applicants should plan to address at least one of these goals, although work may align with more than one focus area. More on this below.

Applications for the inaugural round will open on Friday, May 1, 2026 and close at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 29.

Proposed projects should address at least one of the tree focus areas below.

#1: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)

What this is:
Projects that work to make Somerville a place where everyone, regardless of race or background, is valued, treated with dignity, and has fair and equitable access to resources and opportunities.

Examples include but are not limited to: mentorship programs, cultural showcases, and accessibility audits for community organizations.

#2: Community Engagement

What this is:
Projects that build trust and connection across neighborhoods and ensure residents have a voice in the decisions that affect their daily lives.

Examples include neighborhood resource guides, youth-led campaigns, and shared community spaces.

#3: Education and Trainings

What this is:
Projects that share skills, knowledge, and tools so that people can advocate for themselves and their neighbors.

Examples include tenant rights workshops, civic participation trainings, and restorative justice programming.

The project types shared above are simply examples of how applicants might think about their work. Proposed projects do not have to directly align with the examples in order to receive a grant. Your insights, creativity, and innovation are welcomed and encouraged.

Applications will be reviewed by a committee of City of Somerville staff and community members appointed by the Mayor's office. Projects will be evaluated on their vision, project design, community impact, and the lived and professional experience of the applicant, as well as budget details. The Review Committee will seek to support both first-time project coordinators as well as applicants who bring demonstrated track records of success.

The Review Committee will be prompted to seek out and support potential projects that:

• Make clear their connection to the RSJ Fund’s focus area(s)
• Respond to identifiable needs in Somerville
• Include a defined and appropriate budget, identifiable metrics for success, and a clear impact in the community
• Are proposed by applicants with a clear vision and lived-experience that informs their work

Applicants will be asked to share a brief project concept, their connection to Somerville, a proposed timeline, and an overview of how awarded funds would be used. Please plan to review the below eligibility requirements and financing information before applying:

Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and live in or work in Somerville. The RSJ Fund seeks to support residents, advocates, and service providers pushing forward justice work in our community.

• Applicants who are not residents will be asked for substantiating information about their affiliation with Somerville during the application process, such as employment history, proof of local advocacy, etc.

Award range: $250 – $9,999 per award. All awards are subject to approval from the review committee.

Reimbursement model: The RSJ Fund operates on a reimbursement basis. Partial reimbursements may be requested as the work on a project grant is being conducted. Applicants may request payments to third party vendors, who have conducted work on the project grant, thereby ensuring funds go directly to appropriate expenses. Final reimbursement, typically no less than 30% of the award, will not be made until the project is completed as proposed and a final report is submitted.

Interested in helping share about the RSJ Fund with your network or on social media? We got you!

Click the link below to navigate to our RSJ Fund Digital Toolkit. There, we have instructions for sharing, approved images, draft social media captions, alt-text, and more ready to go.