Each year, the Boston Foundation distributes more than $15 million in grants and other support from the Permanent Fund for Boston, an endowed pool of funds built over the last 100 years by contributors who want to see the Greater Boston community thrive. Discretionary grants are largely awarded through a competitive process open to all nonprofits serving the Foundation’s catchment area, stewarded by the Foundation’s Program Department staff and approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
The Safety Net Grants program is designed to support social service organizations that respond to essential needs, defined as resources that restore health, wellness, safety and belonging for individuals or families in crisis, for marginalized communities and vulnerable residents in Greater Boston.
Grantmaking is just one of the tools through which we seek to advance equity in Greater Boston. The Boston Foundation invests the majority of its discretionary grantmaking resources in these pathways, informed by research we have commissioned and by our Civic Leadership work in general. Nonprofits fitting within the defined goals of these areas and strategies are invited to apply for support after conversation with a program officer from their respective field.
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.
The Foundation makes grants and strategic investments through a number of special issue-focused programs and initiatives. These activities have varying purposes, some of which are open to application.
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.