The Boston Foundation (TBF) has announced a $2 million special round of Safety Net Grants aimed at supporting social service organizations that address the essential needs of marginalized communities and vulnerable residents in Greater Boston. These grants provide general operating support to organizations focused on critical areas such as combating hate and discrimination, legal aid, poverty alleviation, and providing food, fuel, and shelter. Additionally, organizations serving specific populations—including immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and seniors—will receive particular consideration. This initiative is designed to enhance community resilience and ensure equitable access to fundamental resources.

The funding round includes general operating support grants, primarily around $25,000. However, organizations that align with TBF’s field of interest funds supporting seniors and people with physical disabilities may receive grants of up to $75,000. There is no guarantee that an applicant will receive a grant at the funding level requested. The grants are intended to support organizations engaged in year-round programming that provide essential services restoring health, wellness, safety, and belonging for individuals or families in crisis.

Eligible organizations must be nonprofit entities with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or operate under a fiscal sponsor that meets these criteria. Applicants must also have been operating for at least three years and should serve historically excluded communities in Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Suffolk counties. Further, organizations must align with TBF’s strategic vision and must not engage in discriminatory hiring or service provision practices. Certain entities are ineligible, including capital construction projects, endowments, medical or academic research, scholarships, sectarian religious organizations, political campaigns, and specific types of nonprofit foundations.

Applications for this special round of Safety Net Grants must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11. Current grantees or applicants from the October 21, 2024, round that strongly align with TBF’s priorities are eligible to apply. Those who are unsure about their eligibility are encouraged to contact TBF at safetynetgrants@tbf.org before applying. Additional application materials, including eligibility criteria and funding considerations, can be accessed through the grant portal.

Funding decisions are made through a participatory grantmaking process, where a panel of community reviewers, consisting of nonprofit leaders from Greater Boston, assesses applications and recommends recipients. This approach ensures that funding decisions reflect the priorities and needs of the communities served. The final slate of grantees is approved by TBF’s board, with the goal of deepening community participation in grant decision-making in future rounds.

For further inquiries, applicants and donors can reach out via email at safetynetgrants@tbf.org or contact TBF by phone at 617-338-1700. Those interested in supporting this grant initiative can make donations via check, credit card, or donor-advised funds, specifying "Safety Net Grants Special Round" as the designation.