The Brookline Community Foundation (BCF) Safety Net Grant Program provides financial support to organizations and community groups delivering essential services and emergency assistance to individuals and families, especially those affected disproportionately by crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Services supported through this grant include rental and utility assistance, food programs, childcare, healthcare access, and social support initiatives. For the fiscal year, the program has allocated $400,000 in funding, sourced from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and awarded by the Town of Brookline. Grant applications are limited to $25,000, with the average award in the previous year being approximately $20,000.

The program aims to enhance equity and address systemic barriers, focusing on projects that meet immediate needs while tackling the root causes of inequities. Priority is given to organizations led by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals or those serving marginalized communities. Applicants are evaluated on leadership diversity, where at least 50% of staff, directors, or board members identify as BIPOC, or their leadership includes a BIPOC Executive Director or Board Chair.

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, community groups, and Brookline Town departments or agencies. The grant cannot be used for individual scholarships, travel costs, or lobbying. Programs involving direct cash assistance must outline a distribution plan, with measures in place for tracking and auditing, such as retaining gift card recipient information.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, with decisions typically communicated within three weeks of submission. To apply, organizations may use the online grant management system or email their applications directly to BCF. Applicants are encouraged to seek guidance from the foundation before submission to ensure compliance with the guidelines and alignment with program priorities.

The foundation emphasizes its values of equity, sustainability, and community-first engagement, aiming to build a resilient and inclusive Brookline. Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with these principles to foster collaborations and achieve shared goals.

For additional support, BCF offers technical assistance and can help identify fiscal sponsors for applicants who need one. Interested parties are advised to consult the Grant FAQs or contact BCF directly for further information. The foundation encourages open communication before, during, and after the application process to maximize the impact of grant funding.