East Boston Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The East Boston Foundation provides grants to East Boston groups that promote youth and senior recreation, open space development, and local business enhancement.
FUNDING AREAS: Youth and senior recreation, education and enhancement, open space development, sports activities, community events, business, economic enhancement
IP TAKE: Youth sports are a top priority for this funder. Pitch a request for equipment, athletic banquet needs, transportation, and annual festivals.
PROFILE: Established in 1998, the East Boston Foundation (EBF) administers the $9.6 million from the Massachusetts Port Authority “as part of community mitigation and to offset the impacts associated with Massport's $4.4 Billion Logan Airport Modernization Program.” It’s run by approximately 11 volunteers from the community who sit on the board of trustees. Grantmaking focuses on improving the lives of residents of East Boston. Overall, awards center on youth and senior recreation, education and enhancement, open space development, sports activities, community events, business, and economic enhancement.
The highest percentages of the foundation’s budget in recent years have gone to youth and senior recreation, education/enhancement, open space development and sports activities. Grants often fund annual athletic banquets, summer youth programs, athletic equipment, stay-in-school efforts, and transportation for seniors and youth groups. This is a very local funder that pays attention to projects that improve parks and open spaces. However, it also funds research and education for events that promote local business initiatives in East Boston. To be eligible for community support grants, for example, organizations should have at least two years of experience, provide free admission for East Boston residents, and go toward event/program costs. EBF does not typically support salaries or general administration.
Typical grant amounts have ranged between $1,000 and $25,000 in recent years. Nonprofits can view a list of past grantees on the foundation website. EBF often awards between 40 and 60 grants per year to local groups. East Boston is the sole geographic focus of this foundation.
EBF accepts unsolicited grant applications from local nonprofits. The grant application form is online, and in the past, the annual deadline to submit the form has been in September. Direct grant application questions to Executive Director Lorene Schettino at Lorene@ebfoundation.com or 617-561-6336.
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