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

April 6, 2026 (Full application submission deadline)

Most grants: $50,000 over two years; some one-year grants of $25,000

General operating support for nonprofits serving immigrant and marginalized communities in Greater Boston to address urgent essential needs.

100% community-led participatory grantmaking; focus on legal services, benefits navigation, and community protection.

--- ## Description The Safety Net Grants program, administered by The Boston Foundation, provides general operating support to nonprofit organizations addressing urgent essential needs of marginalized and immigrant communities in Greater Boston. The program is designed to respond to increased demand for services due to recent arrivals, strained shelter systems, delays in work authorization, federal cutbacks, and rising fear and uncertainty among immigrant populations. Funding priorities include expanding access to legal services for work authorization, benefits navigation (such as housing and public assistance), and community engagement and protection through know-your-rights training, mutual aid, and culturally affirming support. All funding decisions are made through a 100% community-led participatory grantmaking process. --- ## Due Dates - April 6, 2026: Full application submission deadline (Safety Net Grants) --- ## Funding Amount - Most grants are $50,000 awarded over two years. - Some one-year grants of $25,000 are available. - Grants provide general operating support. --- ## Eligibility Organizations must meet the following criteria: - Be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit or operate under the fiscal sponsorship of a tax-exempt nonprofit. - Have been operating for at least three years. - Engage in year-round programming. - Primarily serve historically excluded communities in Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Suffolk counties, with a focus on Boston (East Boston, Dorchester, Mattapan, Roxbury), Chelsea, Everett, Revere, Lynn, Brockton, and Lowell. - Serve immigrant communities as at least 60% of their population. - Align with the strategic vision of The Boston Foundation. - Not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability. - Respond to essential needs (e.g., health, wellness, safety, belonging). - Current Safety Net Grantees strongly aligned with priorities are eligible to apply. **Ineligible applicants include:** - Private non-operating foundations, 501(c)(4) organizations, Section 501(a)(3) Type III Non-functionally Integrated organizations, individuals, parent-teacher associations, tuition-based schools, and small businesses. - No grants for capital construction, endowments, medical or academic research, scholarships, sectarian/religious purposes, or political candidates. --- ## Application Process 1. **Access the application portal:** [Boston Foundation Grant Portal](https://bostonfoundation.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp) 2. **Register or log in:** New users should follow the registration instructions. If your organization is not in the system, use the IRS search or open form. 3. **Prepare required documents:** - Completed application (see [application PDF](https://www.tbf.org/-/media/tbf/files/nonprofits/safety-net-grants/fy26-safety-net-grants-application.pdf)) - Current organizational budget (or project-specific budget) - Fiscal sponsor letter/agreement (if applicable) 4. **Submit your application by April 6, 2026.** 5. **Review process:** Applications are reviewed by a panel of community reviewers representing diverse nonprofit leaders. Final decisions are approved by the Foundation’s board. 6. **Notification:** Applicants will be informed of their status in June 2026. **Support:** - FAQs: [FY26 Safety Net Grants FAQs (PDF)](https://www.tbf.org/-/media/tbf/files/nonprofits/safety-net-grants/fy26-safety-net-grants-faqs.pdf) - Book office hours: [Safety Net Grants Office Hours](https://calendly.com/safetynetgrantsteam/safetynetgrantsofficehours?month=2026-03) - Email: [safetynetgrants@tbf.org](mailto:safetynetgrants@tbf.org) --- ## Additional Information - Only one application per organization per round. - Collaborative applications are encouraged; one organization should serve as the lead. - Site visits are not required or expected. - Priority is given to organizations that can remove barriers quickly and serve communities facing urgent needs. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Guidelines](https://www.tbf.org/nonprofits/grant-making-initiatives/safety-net-grants) - [Application Portal](https://bostonfoundation.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp) - [Application Form (PDF)](https://www.tbf.org/-/media/tbf/files/nonprofits/safety-net-grants/fy26-safety-net-grants-application.pdf) - [FAQs (PDF)](https://www.tbf.org/-/media/tbf/files/nonprofits/safety-net-grants/fy26-safety-net-grants-faqs.pdf) - [Office Hours Booking](https://calendly.com/safetynetgrantsteam/safetynetgrantsofficehours?month=2026-03) - [SmartSimple Registration Guide (PDF)](https://www.tbf.org/-/media/tbf/files/nonprofits/safety-net-grants/registration-process-for-new-users-in-smartsimple.pdf) - [Geographic Area Served](https://www.tbf.org/nonprofits/geographic-area-served) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |----------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [safetynetgrants@tbf.org](mailto:safetynetgrants@tbf.org) | | Technical Support | [grantsinfo@tbf.org](mailto:grantsinfo@tbf.org) | | Phone | 617.338.1700 | | Office Address | 75 Arlington Street, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02116 | ---

Safety Net Grants

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