Malden awards funds to 25 local groups for Community Connections

Twenty-five local nonprofits, community organizations and grassroots groups will receive funds through a new City of Malden grant program designed to foster community, strengthen bonds between residents and celebrate Malden’s unique character and diverse culture, Mayor Gary Christenson announced. The new Community Connections Grant program will support a wide range of initiatives, including events that bring people together, public art projects that celebrate Malden’s unique character, upgrades to shared spaces and activities that respond to community needs not being met through other funding sources.

“In times of fear and division, it is more important than ever that we come together as a community, deepen our connections with our neighbors, and find joy in shared events, stories, and spaces,” said Mayor Christenson. “Our new Community Connections Grant empowers local groups to do what we do best in Malden: celebrate together, support one another, and build connection through our differences. I’m grateful for the leadership shown by all of our applicants and look forward to seeing their efforts resonate throughout our community.”

The application process was highly competitive: 56 applicants applied for more than $600,000 in funding, with only $200,000 available to distribute. The City expects to award up to $200,000 annually over the next several years, so future opportunities to apply will be available.

The Malden Community Connections Grant program is funded through the Surrounding Community Agreement with Everett’s Encore Boston Harbor and administered by Malden’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development. Funds will be spent over the next year, and the next application round is expected to begin in spring 2026. More information is available at www.cityofmalden.org/MCCG or by emailing Deputy Director of Housing and Community Development Jane Ventrone at jv*******@**********en.org.

Below is the full list of 2025 Community Connections Grant recipients:

• Action for Haitian Community Development, Inc.: $10,000 for a series of workshops and cultural activities.
• Chinese Culture Connection: $10,000 for a series of cross-cultural workshops.
• Club 24, Inc: $2,500 for the creation of a resource room and library.
• Community City Church: $2,000 for enhancements to their Friendsgiving event.
• Contro-Verse Open Mic: $2,500 for event space improvements.
• Creative Malden: $9,000 for switchbox art maintenance and their Artists Take the Street Festival.
• First Baptist Church: $13,500 for upgrades to their community event space.
• First Parish Malden: $10,000 for floor replacement in their community event space.
• Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation: $7,800 for their out-of-school-time program.
• Malden Arts, Inc.: $20,000 for an open-air mini amphitheater along the ARTLine.
• Malden Chamber of Commerce: $3,500 for enhancements to their Pints on Pleasant event.
• Malden Community Health Fest: $3,000 to expand offerings at their festival.
• Malden Farmers Market: $7,000 for additional activities and programming.
• Malden Gaming District: $5,500 for a New Year Celebration and a Tabletop Game Market.
• Malden Grows: $3,500 for gardening education events and activities.
• Malden Historical Society: $8,000 for programs celebrating Malden Declaration Day and the city’s role in the American Revolution.
• Malden Juneteenth: $11,000 for expansion of programming at their annual Juneteenth celebration.
• Malden Pride Coalition: $7,000 for their annual Pride in the Park Festival and a new workshop series.
• Malden Reads: One City, One Book: $7,200 for a series of activities celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
• North Shore Hispanic Association, Inc.: $3,000 for their Hispanic Heritage Celebration.
• The Great Malden Outdoors: $10,000 for expansion of their outdoor recreational events.
• The Greater Malden Asian American Community Coalition: $18,000 for a series of cultural and artistic events.
• The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc.: $5,000 for the creation of a student lounge.
• Traveling Controller: $6,000 for a community celebration of competitive video games.
• VisionNOW: $15,000 for a series of multicultural events.