A close up photo of a classical music performance from Castle of Our Skins showing a group of four musicians performing string instruments onstage.

The Free for All Endowment Fund

Honoring the legacy of conductor Charles Ansbacher

The mission of the Free for All Endowment Fund is to ensure that everyone from the Boston region—children, adults, families—will have regular and permanent access to the rich world of classical, orchestral music and related cultural events.

Since 2016, the Free for All Endowment Fund has awarded over $1,600,000 in grants to more than 20 organizations who strive to respond to the moment by expanding programming and engaging different audiences across Greater Boston.

Eric Goode shows a child a horn instrument at Housing Families
Photo from Free for All Fund grantee Shelter Music Boston program: Eric Goode and child at Housing Families, photo by Carrie Eldridge-Dickson

2026 Grant Announcement

The Free for All Endowment Fund is pleased to announce its slate of grantees for the 2026 grant cycle. In all, 21 organizations are sharing a total of $330,000 in grants in the largest cycle in fund history. 

Nearly 60 organizations applied this year, making the selection process exceptionally challenging. The fund staff would like to thank our reviewers for their diligent work in the process.

"Organizations are responding to the loss of federal arts funding and other challenges with renewed determination to broaden both who is represented in classical music and where and how audiences can experience it. We are excited to amplify and support these organizations and ensembles, celebrate their remarkable programming, and recognize their commitment to their communities they serve."

—Catherine T. Morris, Director for Arts and Creativity, the Boston Foundation

Our 2026 grantees include: