Safety Net Grants
The Safety Net Grants program funds Greater Boston nonprofits supporting marginalized and immigrant communities through legal services, benefits navigation, and community protection initiatives.
Funder: The Boston Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards: $25,000–$75,000 (1-year) or $50,000 (2-year); total pool varies by round (recent rounds: $1M–$2M).
Summary: Supports Greater Boston nonprofits addressing urgent needs of marginalized and immigrant communities, with a focus on legal services, benefits navigation, and community protection.
Key Information: Participatory grantmaking; priority for organizations serving immigrants and communities historically excluded from philanthropy.
Description
The Safety Net Grants program, run by The Boston Foundation, provides general operating support to nonprofit organizations that address essential needs of marginalized and vulnerable populations in Greater Boston, especially immigrant communities. The grant targets organizations responding to heightened demand due to recent arrivals, pressures on shelter systems, and policy changes. Funding priorities include expanding immigration legal services, supporting benefits navigation (such as housing and public assistance), and advancing community engagement and protection through culturally affirming and rights-oriented initiatives.
Grant decisions are made through a participatory process led by community reviewers, ensuring funding is directed by those closest to the issues. The program aims to strengthen organizational capacity and impact for groups serving populations historically excluded from institutional philanthropy.
