The Community began making grants in 2016, a decision that redirected part of its reserves toward work beyond its own programs. The aim was to support other Greater Boston nonprofits whose projects reflected the Community's values.
A second cycle followed in 2017. The published rules limited applicants to federally recognized public charities in Greater Boston and set a ceiling of $10,000 for that year. The stated interests ranged across education, racial justice, climate awareness, civil liberties, housing, public health, voting, and journalism.
What the program looked for
The committee preferred projects that were new, specific about their impact, attentive to underlying causes, and built to last. It also looked for a relationship rather than a transaction: grantees who could imagine using Community volunteers or working alongside other funders.
The program's published calendar and award levels are historical. For current information, contact the Community or review the funding guidelines and application instructions.