Small Community Grants Trust Program
The Small Community Grants Trust program funds non-profit organizations that work with and for the people of Boston, providing immediate and direct impact in a number of program areas.
What are the small community grants?
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Have questions? Contact:
Treasury -
Fall 2026 Application is closed
Thank you to all who submitted applications to the Fall 2026 Round.
The Spring 2027 Round will open in late March.
Fall Round 2026
The Fall 2026 Round accepted applications in three program areas:
- Charitable and humane purposes (providing humanitarian aid or services)
- Special or new recreation
- Recreational (play or sports) areas for children
Timeline and Important Dates
- Application Launch Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026
- Information Sessions: Recording of the Fall 2026 Info Session can be accessed here
- Application Deadline: Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 5 p.m. (EST)
- Review Period: October and November 2026
- Award Notification: December 2026
Spring Round 2027
The program opens to applications from organizations twice each year, once in the spring and once in the fall. These grants are intended to have an immediate and direct impact for the citizens of Boston through projects, activities, and events.
The Spring 2027 round will open in late March and will accept applications in five program areas:
- Charitable and humane purposes (providing humanitarian aid or services)
- Special or new recreation
- Recreational (play or sports) areas for children
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To adorn and embellish (or beautify and enhance) Boston's streets and public spaces
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Field trips for children, especially to natural areas
Eligibility Criteria
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In order to apply, organizations must meet the following criteria:
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Non-profit (registered 501(c)(3) OR non-profit using a Fiscal Sponsor or partnering with a City Department)
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Founded before April 2026- must be at least one year old
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Two contact people with different contact information
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Annual operating budget of at least $2,000
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Did not receive a Small Community Grants award in Fall 2026.
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Organizations who received an award in earlier rounds are eligible as long as they submitted their Final Report for that grant.
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Additionally, proposals must meet these requirements:
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Proposed event, project, or activity fits at least one program area
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Any grant funds awarded must solely benefit Bostonians, even if your organization serves residents of other towns in Greater Boston
- Funds cannot be used for gift cards or to fund operating expenses.
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Finally, your organization must agree to submit a final report after the funds are fully expended.
Questions?
Please contact Sarah Rodrigo in the Trust Office at smallgrants@boston.gov or 617-635-2131.
resources
You can view pdfs of presentation decks and other resources in the Small Community Grant Program resources folder.
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Have questions? Contact:
Treasury -
Fall 2026 Application is closed
Thank you to all who submitted applications to the Fall 2026 Round.
The Spring 2027 Round will open in late March.
