Eligibility
The Boston Foundation welcomes Pre-Application Form submissions from organizations in the Greater Boston area that are tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. If an organization is not yet tax-exempt, it may submit an application with the assistance of a tax-exempt organization that has agreed to serve as a fiscal agent. The Pre-Application is a required first stage of the application process.
Overview of the Application Process
Applying to the Foundation is a two-stage process. Applicants first submit a Pre-Application. After staff review, full proposals are invited from those organizations whose programs most closely address the Foundation’s interests and priorities.
| Pre-Applications Due |
Awards Made |
| January 5 |
June |
| July 1 |
December |
There are two Pre-Application deadlines each year: January 5 and July 1. The Foundation accepts only one Pre-Application from an organization during a 12-month period. For more details about the process, see the grant guidelines.
Sector Priorities
The Foundation pursues a sector approach to its regular, Twice-Yearly grantmaking based on the theory that clusters of grants focused on major objectives can have the most impact and achieve tangible results. Specific objectives have been established for each sector based on past grantmaking experience, consultation with the Foundation’s Board of Directors and advisory committees, as well as data gathered by the Boston Indicators Project and staff assessment of emerging community issues. Before you begin the application process, please read the Foundation’s funding priorities.
Average Grant Size
The Boston Foundation supports the full spectrum of nonprofit organizations in the Greater Boston area. Grants reflect the diversity of the organizations we support and range from about $15,000 to $250,000, with the majority of grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000.
Multi-Year Commitments
The Boston Foundation awards grants for one year at a time. However, requests for renewed funding are accepted when there is documentation of progress in achieving identified objectives.
Term Limits
The Boston Foundation has a term limits policy: organizations generally receive no more than three consecutive years of funding. After the third consecutive year, a one-year waiting period is required before another application can be submitted. Exceptions to this requirement are permitted rarely.
Other Grant Opportunities
The Boston Foundation sponsors initiatives and other grant programs that periodically issue requests for proposals (RFPs) or invite proposals outside of the Twice-Yearly Grants process. If you meet the program requirements, you may apply to a special project or other initiative whether or not you have received one of our regular grants.