Cummings $35 Million Grant Program
Cummings $35 Million Grant Program supports greater Boston nonprofits with multi-year operating funding to strengthen their missions and work in human services, justice, education, health, and the environment.
This grant was recently updated
The exclusion for political, legislative, or lobbying organizations now also covers activities intended to influence legislation or elections, including voter registration drives. The 2027 application preview is now available, replacing the 2026 preview.
Funder: Cummings Foundation
Due Dates: September 16, 2026, 5:00 PM (LOI) | January 13, 2027, 5:00 PM (Invited applications) | November 13, 2026 (Application coaching requests)
Funding Amounts: $35 million for 150 nonprofits; $10,000–$100,000 annually over three or 10 years
Summary: Multi-year support strengthens greater Boston nonprofits working in human services, fairness and justice, education, healthcare, and the environment.
Key Information: Applicants must be headquartered and provide most services within the geographic priority area; medical research is generally excluded.
Description
Cummings Foundation’s place-based program will award $35 million to 150 local-area nonprofits in 2027. It supports human services, fairness and justice, education, healthcare, and environmental work. Priorities include housing and food security, employment training, immigrant assistance, youth services, anti-hate efforts, mentoring, mental health, environmental education, equitable outdoor access, waste reduction, and sustainable food systems.
Nearly all grants provide unrestricted general operating support to strengthen organizations’ overall missions, impact, and capacity. Funding may cover staffing, administration, technology, facilities, supplies, programs, and services. Most applicants should not frame proposals as requests for individual projects or expenses. Certain organizations receive restricted support instead. Community volunteers determine more than two-thirds of awards through successive selection committees.
