Provision Ministry Inc

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $40,243,828 (2023)
Grants Awarded: 37 grants (2023)
Total Value Distributed: Over $200 million in goods since 2017
Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
Grant Type: Gift-in-Kind (GIK) - goods and food distribution
Geographic Focus: New England and beyond (includes Midwest and New York)

Contact Details

Address: 7 Thomas Newton Drive, Westborough, MA 01581
Phone: (508) 439-2238
Website: www.provisionministry.org
Email: Contact through website

Overview

Founded in 2017, Provision Ministry Inc is a public foundation operating as a central distribution hub connecting corporate donors with nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable populations. With an annual giving of $40,243,828 (2023) and over $200 million in goods distributed since inception, Provision Ministry specializes in Gift-in-Kind (GIK) donations. The organization has earned a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator and operates with 3 employees and 116 volunteers. Founder and President Thomas Slicklen leads the organization's mission to equip nonprofit organizations with essential resources. Setting Provision apart from many food banks and distribution agencies, it does not charge any fees to partner organizations, making it an accessible resource for frontline nonprofits.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Provision Ministry operates through a Gift-in-Kind (GIK) Distribution Model rather than traditional cash grants:

Food Distribution: 1.5 million meals distributed
Clothing and Footwear: 5.2 million units distributed
Care Packs Program: 41,462 care packs assembled and distributed
Hygiene Products: Distributed to partner organizations
School Supplies: Provided to nonprofits serving children and families
Home Goods: Essential household items distributed

The organization made 37 awards in 2023, 28 awards in 2022, and 33 awards in 2021.

Priority Areas

Provision Ministry supports nonprofit organizations serving:

Underserved children and families
Refugees and immigrants
Veterans
Individuals struggling with addiction
Those experiencing mental illness
Food insecurity populations
Homeless individuals and families
Low-income families throughout New England and beyond

Known Partner Organizations (examples from public records):

Veterans, Inc. of Worcester
Hope for Worcester
Springfield Rescue Mission
Clearway Clinic of Worcester
Life Connection Center soup kitchen in Lowell
Compassion Coalition (serving senior and refugee centers, veteran's and recovery groups, domestic violence and homeless shelters)

What They Don't Fund

No specific exclusions are publicly documented. The focus is exclusively on Gift-in-Kind donations (goods and food) rather than cash grants.

Governance and Leadership

Thomas (Tom) Slicklen - President & Founder
Mr. Slicklen leads Provision Ministry's mission to uplift those in need by providing basic essentials that instill a sense of hope and dignity. His vision focuses on connecting corporations, foundations, churches, and individuals with community needs.

The organization operates with a small team of 3 employees supported by 116 volunteers, with staff dedicated to:

Donor relations
GIK logistics and tracking
Social media and event planning
Operational systems

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Provision Ministry does not have a publicly documented application process. Partnership opportunities are handled on an individual basis through direct contact with the organization.

Interested nonprofit organizations should:

Contact Provision Ministry directly via their website (www.provisionministry.org) or phone (508-439-2238)
Be prepared to discuss your organization's mission and the populations you serve
Identify specific needs for goods, food, or essential items

Getting on Their Radar

Provision Ministry builds partnerships through:

Network and relationship-building: The organization leverages "an extensive network and decades of relationship-building" to connect donors with nonprofits
Geographic presence: Focus on New England region with expansion to New York and Midwest
Mission alignment: Nonprofits serving vulnerable populations (veterans, refugees, homeless, those experiencing food insecurity, addiction, or mental illness) appear to be prioritized
Corporate connections: Participate in or host corporate team-building events like their "Care Pack Build Events"

The organization describes itself as a bridge connecting quality nonprofits with donor organizations, suggesting that having an established reputation for serving vulnerable populations is important.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. Partnership decisions appear to be made on a rolling basis through direct engagement.

Success Rates

No public information available on application success rates or competitiveness.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly documented.

Application Success Factors

Based on research into Provision Ministry's operations and partnerships:

Serve priority populations: Organizations working with veterans, refugees, homeless individuals, those experiencing food insecurity, addiction, or mental illness appear to be prioritized
Geographic focus: Being located in or serving communities in New England, New York, or the Midwest increases relevance
Distribution capacity: Demonstrate ability to effectively distribute goods to end beneficiaries (the organization has distributed 5.2 million units of clothing/footwear and 1.5 million meals)
Mission alignment: Show clear alignment with Provision Ministry's goal to "equip nonprofit organizations with the resources they need to maximize their impact"
No-cost model: Understand that Provision Ministry does not charge fees to partner organizations, unlike some distribution centers
Existing network: The organization emphasizes relationship-building and connecting within established networks
Corporate engagement: Willingness to participate in corporate giving programs and team-building events may strengthen partnerships

Key Quote: "Setting Provision apart from many food banks and other distribution agencies, it does not charge any fees to partner organizations."

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

In-Kind Focus: Provision Ministry provides goods and food, not cash grants - ensure your organization can effectively utilize and distribute physical donations
No Application Portal: This is a relationship-driven funder with no formal public application process; direct outreach is necessary
No Fees: Unlike many distribution organizations, there are no fees to partner organizations, making it an accessible resource
High-Volume Distribution: With over $200 million distributed since 2017, this is a significant resource for organizations serving vulnerable populations
Geographic Expansion: While rooted in New England, the organization has expanded to New York and Midwest regions
Population-Specific: Strongest fit for organizations serving veterans, refugees, homeless populations, and those experiencing food insecurity or addiction
Network-Driven: Building relationships within the nonprofit community and corporate donor networks appears important for partnership development

References

Research conducted December 25, 2025