Island nonprofits and municipal organizations will soon be able to apply for grants for board development and education, thanks to a new joint effort by The Permament Endowment Fund for Martha’s Vineyard and the Martha’s Vineyard Donor’s Collaborative.

Called The Vineyard Fund for Board Development, the initiative was announced this week by the two organizations. Seed money for the fund was provided by the Tower Family Fund. The purpose of the fund is to creative an incentive for board development, evaluation and in some cases strategic planning, a press release said.

Interested nonprofit or municipal organizations can apply via The Permanent Endowment’s website for project-based funding to support board development consulting, longer-term board member training, and other education. A committee made up of members from the three organizations will evaluate grant requests. Funds will be awarded directly from The Permanent Endowment.

Organizations may also be nominated, either openly or anonymously, by emailing or writing to The Permanent Endowment staff. In the case of anonymous nominations, the organization in question will be informed that it has been nominated by a member of the Island community.

Organizations that receive funding will be expected to provide stewardship reports to The Permanent Endowment on the results of their work, and may also be invited to present at an open forum for the community.

Applications will be made available by Feb. 15 and will remain available for the entire year.

Additional contributions to the fund can be made at any time.