Grant-Making Initiatives

In concert with our grantmaking work around Child Well-Being, Economic Opportunity, Community Wealth and Community Leadership, a portion of the Foundation’s grantmaking funds are distributed through programs or initiatives that seek to address a well-defined issue, need or area of the community. These programs are created when the Foundation, often in partnership with other funders, sets aside resources to address specific, pressing issues, frequently over a multi-year period.  The funding criteria and application processes vary by program and funds are often, but not always, distributed through competitive requests for proposals.

Currently open opportunities are featured here and on the Boston Foundation homepage.

Grant Opportunities

Dancers at ACF Gala 2025

Asian Community Fund 2026 Grant Application

Deadline: Friday, April 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM— The Asian Community Fund’s 2026 funding priorities are informed by the theme of uplifting Survival, Solidarity, and Stability and addressing the community’s most urgent needs, including but not limited to: legal services and advocacy, food insecurity, economic stability, community well-being and belonging.

Safety Net Grants

Offered twice per year (in spring and fall), the Safety Net Grants program provides $50,000 general operating support grants to social service organizations that respond to essential needs for marginalized communities and vulnerable residents in Greater Boston. These essential needs are defined as resources that restore health, wellness, safety and belonging for individuals or families in crisis.

Learn more
Chelsea Collaborative food distribution