The Boston Foundation announces expedited $2 million special round of Safety Net Grants to meet the moment for Greater Boston nonprofits
February 12, 2025
Boston – The Boston Foundation today announced it will launch a $2 million special round of Safety Net Grants, to be awarded this spring to Greater Boston social service organizations that respond to the essential needs of marginalized communities and vulnerable residents. Applications for the grants will open on February 18.
“At a time when the basic rights and well-being of hundreds of thousands of our neighbors are under assault, and each day brings renewed questions about the ability of our institutions to meet their commitments, we cannot afford to sit idly by,” said Lee Pelton, President and CEO of the Boston Foundation. “This special round is just one step in our efforts to stand in strong partnership with our nonprofit partners and communities, and looking to our donor community to help us meet critical needs in an unprecedented time.”
Special Round Highlights:
Application period opens: February 18
Deadline: March 11, 5 p.m.
Applicants will be eligible for 1-year general operating support grants of $25,000 to $75,000.
Application and eligibility details will be posted at tbf.org/safetynetgrants.
The new grants are open to all organizations meeting essential needs, with several priority areas including:
- Combating hate and discrimination;
- Food, fuel, and shelter;
- Legal aid; and
- Poverty alleviation
Our focus will also include supporting specific populations, including immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and seniors. Grants in this special round will be one-year general operating support grants of $25,000 to $75,000, with a streamlined “request for support” replacing the traditional application. Nonprofits that have received past Safety Net Grants will be eligible to apply for this special round. Full eligibility requirements and selection criteria can be found at tbf.org/safetynetgrants.
The application period closes on Tuesday, March 11, at 5 p.m.
“Just as during the pandemic, our nonprofit partners are being asked to go above and beyond to understand and meet community needs,” said Orlando Watkins, Vice President and Chief Programs Officer at the Boston Foundation. “These changes will accelerate the process of getting needed support out the door at a time when the kind of general operating support Safety Net Grants provide is needed more than ever.”
The Foundation announced the upcoming special round as it also recognized the 20 nonprofit partners selected by a community-led panel for two-year, $50,000 grants in the most recent Safety Net Grants round.
Traditionally, Safety Net Grants are awarded twice each year, with $1 million in general operating support grants per round. The special round is being changed in size and scope to ensure that needed funds are made accessible as soon as possible with as few obligations for grantseekers.
TBF is also looking to donors to expand the funds available for this and further rounds of the program. Organizations and individuals interested in adding to the funds pool can visit tbf.org/safetynetgrants for more information.