Boston 250 Summer Programming and Marketing Grant Program

About the Program

The Boston Foundation, as part of the Boston 250 Initiative, is committed to supporting programming around the Semiquincentennial of the American Revolution in Boston in 2026. The 2026 Boston 250 Summer Programming and Marketing Grant Program is a competitive grant program that will award funds to support programming and marketing that tell the stories of Boston’s revolutionary past and present and will increase attendance (from residents and tourists) to relevant events and neighborhood-centered activations.

Eligible projects will connect to historic themes of revolution and independence, celebrate the significant firsts in Boston history that make the city exceptional in our history and innovation, and/or take a creative or innovative approach to commemorating or celebrating the nation’s semiquincentennial. Grant funds can be used for programming and marketing. This may include but is not limited to:

• Support for events and programming to amplify inclusive and/or innovative storytelling for tourists and residents
• Educational opportunities especially but not exclusively tailored to young people, connected to the 250th
• Support for local tourism organizations and companies to amplify inclusive storytelling for tourists and residents, including but not exclusively connected to new commemorative markers (Tour 250), historic sites, and trails in Boston.

Applicants must demonstrate how the project will increase the visibility of Boston’s revolutionary past and present and increase attendance (from residents and tourists) to relevant events and neighborhood-based activations

Eligibility Criteria:

• Any nonprofit organization 501(c)3 or for-profit institution with a nonprofit fiscal agent operating in Boston;
• Have active and valid City and state licenses/registrations, if applicable;
• While collaboration and creativity is encouraged, the application must be submitted by one eligible, lead organization;
• Applications must be complete, include all required documentation, and be submitted by the deadline in order to be considered.

• Ineligible Organizations include:
• Any organization whose sole or primary purpose is to fundraise;
• Organizations not located in Boston.

Applying for the grant:

Applications for the grant must be completed in the grant portal, but to help you prepare, a sample application is posted here. Reminder: The application deadline is Friday, May 29, at 3:00 p.m.