If we are to advance equity and close the gaps caused by this region's greatest disparities, we must tackle the individual, systems-level and root-level causes of inequity. To do this, our work with nonprofits expands beyond grantmaking to other dimensions of partnership that allow us to most effectively tackle these complex and challenging issues.
We partner with nonprofits and civic organizations to advocate, convene, raise funds, conduct research, expand thinking, share stories and resources, and co-create strategic efforts that build a more equitable Greater Boston.
To forge the path to equity, we are focused on four interconnected areas where we believe the Foundation is best able to support and partner with community-based organizations and leaders to advance their work. We encourage you to explore the pathways below, and if you or your organization see a potential partnership, reach out to that pathway team’s leader to discuss grants and other opportunities
Throughout the year, TBF and a number of our funds offer or host other grantmaking initiatives that provide valuable support for nonprofits, leaders – and in some cases, individuals. We feature these opportunities prominently on our website when they occur, or click here to explore more.
To build stronger and more equitable systems, the Boston Foundation is focused on all of the people and systems that contribute to a healthy childhood, from addressing racial disparities in health care and social supports for mothers and birthing people, to advancing high-quality education, to providing more and earlier mental and behavioral health care.
To build equitable pathways to success, we are focused on strengthening the education-to-career continuum—convening, coordinating and strengthening programs and organizations that engage and educate high school and postsecondary students, and investing in projects and partnerships that expand the model of job training, to helping adults re-enter the workforce.
Through affordable housing preservation, establishing and strengthening pathways to home ownership, helping to build and grow thriving cultural spaces, and fostering opportunities for Asian, Black, Indigenous, and Latino-owned small businesses to thrive, the Boston Foundation is focused on building stable, enriching and equitable communities across the region.
The Boston Foundation is working to reknit the social fabric and make our communities whole, by providing movement leaders with beyond-the-grant support to amplify too-often unheard community voices, investing in community-led grantmaking, strengthening the safety net, and empowering nonprofit leaders to center equity and strengthen their organizations.
In addition to our pathways work, the Boston Foundation provides other resources to the broad spectrum of nonprofits in Greater Boston.
The Safety Net Grants program is designed to support social service organizations that respond to essential needs for marginalized communities and vulnerable residents in Greater Boston.
Each year, the Boston Foundation devotes a portion of its discretionary grant-making resources to help support the fundraising events of nonprofits in the Greater Boston community.
The Nonprofit Infrastructure team (part of the Amplifying Community Leadership team) puts together the Nonprofit Update to connect nonprofit leaders with RFP and grant opportunities, important upcoming events and other news and insights for the nonprofit sector. Read the latest issue (May 2025) here, or subscribe below.
As part of our partnership with nonprofits and civic leaders, the Boston Foundation provides free conference space for area nonprofits’ use. we welcome community organizations to reserve our conference space during our regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, subject to availability. Click the link below for more information.
The Institute for Nonprofit Practice (INP) released this report during a community event hosted by TBF. Underscoring the financial, organizational, and human impacts of burnout, explore the data along with recommendations to enhance workplace well-being and sustainability.
Presented publicly at a Boston Foundation event in October, Third Sector New England's report and database provide unprecedented insights into the salaries and benefits of nonprofit sector workers across New England. Explore the report on TSNE's website. TBF is a proud supporter of this work.
