[The Boston Foundation](https://www.tbf.org)

February 2027 | March 2027 | March 2027

Awards typically range from $1,000–$25,000 for one year; most recent cycle awarded $552,875 across 50 organizations.

Supports Greater Boston nonprofits advancing equity and critical services for LGBTQ+ communities through research, partnerships, and targeted grantmaking.

This is a forecasted opportunity; all dates are projected and subject to change.

--- ## Description The Equality Fund at the Boston Foundation is the largest philanthropic initiative exclusively dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ communities in Massachusetts. Since 2012, the Fund has invested in research, public forums, strategic partnerships, and grantmaking to nonprofit organizations serving Greater Boston's LGBTQ+ population. Guided by an Advisory Committee of community members and allies, the Fund emphasizes innovative, intersectional programming that addresses urgent and emerging issues facing LGBTQ+ people, including legal rights, community building, safe spaces, healthcare access, and economic stability. Grants are awarded annually to organizations and programs that provide direct services, advocacy, and field-building support for LGBTQ+ individuals and families, with a focus on the most marginalized groups within the community. --- ## Due Dates - February 2027 (anticipated/projected) - March 2027 (anticipated/projected) - March 2027 (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant awards range from **$1,000 to $25,000** for a one-year period. - In recent cycles, the Fund has awarded over $550,000 annually, supporting approximately 50 organizations per year. - Grant levels may include: $1,000–$5,000, $10,000, $15,000, and $25,000, depending on organizational size and project scope. --- ## Eligibility - Grants are made for **general operating support** to organizations and/or projects serving the LGBTQ+ community in Greater Boston and the Boston Foundation’s catchment area. - Eligible entities include: - Organizations serving primarily LGBTQ+ populations. - LGBTQ+ programs/projects fiscally sponsored by another organization, with at least 60% LGBTQ+ participants. - LGBTQ+ programs/projects within larger organizations, with at least 60% LGBTQ+ participants. - Organizations/programs whose boards, staff, and volunteers reflect the demographics and lived experiences of their constituencies. - Priority is given to organizations centering the most marginalized: people of color (especially youth), transgender and gender expansive communities, refugees and asylum seekers, LGBTQ+ aging adults, and those experiencing homelessness. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via the [Boston Foundation Grants Portal](https://bostonfoundation.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp). - Applicants must create or verify a user account in the portal. Use the "Password Reset" option first; if not found, register as a new user. - Detailed [registration instructions](https://www.tbf.org/-/media/tbf/files/nonprofits/safety-net-grants/registration-process-for-new-users-in-smartsimple.pdf) are available. - Once logged in, select the relevant Equality Fund opportunity for the current cycle. - Complete the application and attach your Organizational Operating Budget. - Applications should be completed on a computer (not a mobile device). - For technical issues or questions, contact Scott Knox (see Contact Information below). --- ## Additional Information - Funding supports a wide range of activities: research, advocacy, legal services, community building, capacity building, outreach, education, mentoring, health and human services, and efforts to decrease social isolation. - Priority consideration for larger grants is given to organizations addressing: - Healthcare access, mental/behavioral health, and gender-affirming care. - Safe and affordable housing, economic stability, food security, and anti-discrimination in housing/employment. - Legal rights protections and advocacy. - Safe schools and inclusive educational environments. - Organizational structural support and partnerships to increase community impact. - Grant decisions are typically announced in June, with brief reporting required in the following year. --- ## External Links - [Equality Fund Program Page](https://www.tbf.org/nonprofits/grant-making-initiatives/equality-fund) - [Current and Past Grantees](https://www.tbf.org/news-and-insights/press-releases/2025/june/equality-fund-grants-20250605) - [Boston Foundation Grants Portal](https://bostonfoundation.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp) - [Catchment Area Map](https://www.tbf.org/nonprofits/geographic-area-served) - [Impact Report 2012–2025 (PDF)](https://www.tbf.org/-/media/tbf/files/nonprofits/equality-fund-impact-report-2025.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |--------------|----------------------------|-----------------------------------|-------------------| | Scott Knox | Executive Director, Equality Fund | [scott.knox@tbf.org](mailto:scott.knox@tbf.org) | 617-338-2340 | | Main Office | The Boston Foundation | [Contact Form](https://www.tbf.org/who-we-are/contact) | 617-338-1700 |

The Equality Fund

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