Safety Net Grants

Safety Net Grants is sponsored by The Boston Foundation (TBF). Offers general operating support to organizations focused on the safety and well-being of immigrant communities in Greater Boston.

The Safety Net Grants program is designed to support nonprofit organizations that respond to essential needs for marginalized communities and vulnerable residents in Greater Boston.

Massachusetts has a strong network of immigrant-serving organizations, but demand for support has surged due to recent arrivals, strain on the shelter system, delays in work authorization, federal cutbacks, and widespread confusion about eligibility for public benefits. Recent incidents involving ICE have also heightened fear and uncertainty in many communities.

For the Spring 2026 round, Safety Net Grants is providing general operating support for organizations focused on the safety and well-being of our immigrant neighbors. On June 10, 2026, TBF announced a total of $1. 2 million in grants to 24 Massachusetts organizations for this immigrant-focused round of Safety Net Grants.

Recipients of the Safety Net Grants, which provide $50,000 in general operating support over two years, were selected by a panel of 50 community reviewers, who reviewed nearly 200 applications from across the state. Read the announcement and grantee list "This is about standing with our neighbors at a moment when the need is urgent."

Lee Pelton, President and CEO, The Boston Foundation Read Lee Pelton's essay, A three-pronged strategy for supporting our immigrant neighbors Eligible Organizations primarily serve communities historically excluded from institutional philanthropy in Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth and Suffolk counties with a focus on the communities of greatest need.

These communities include: Boston (East Boston, Dorchester, Mattapan, Roxbury), Chelsea, Everett, Revere, Lynn, Brockton, and Lowell.

An eligible applicant would also meet the following criteria: Has a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit designation from the IRS or operates under the fiscal sponsorship of a tax-exempt nonprofit; Has been operating for at least three years; Engages in year-round programming; Aligns with the strategic vision of the Boston Foundation; Does not discriminate in the hiring of staff or the provision of services on the basis of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin or disability; Responds to an essential need by providing resources that restore health, wellness, safety and belonging for struggling individuals or families; and Serve immigrant communities as at least 60% of their population.

Priority Area 1: Legal Services and Work Authorization The most immediate stabilizing intervention is expanding immigration legal services. When individuals receive work authorization, they can secure employment, exit shelter systems, and reduce long-term dependency; they often need legal assistance to gain this authorization.

Grant funding could support attorney and paralegal capacity, asylum application support, TPS renewals, etc. Priority Area 2: Benefits Navigation Housing remains the most urgent crisis facing immigrant families. Funding should prioritize organizations helping people access RAFT and other rental assistance, as well as MassHealth, SNAP, and other programs supporting basic needs.

Grants here could support more bilingual case managers and flexible emergency funds that prevent eviction and reduce shelter stays. This can also help families with older adults find and stay in affordable housing units. Priority Area 3: Community Engagement & Protection We want to uplift and support the work community members are doing for each other to keep their neighbors safe.

This can include know your rights trainings, mutual aid, creating alternative communication networks and disseminating guidance on how to interact with ICE. It also encompasses culturally affirming programs that ensure vulnerable communities have a safe, supportive place to go. Current Safety Net Grantees that strongly align with our stated priorities are eligible to apply this round.

The Boston Foundation does not make grants for capital construction costs, endowments, medical or academic research, scholarships, sectarian or religious purposes, or to support candidates for political office. Private non-operating foundations, 501(c)(4) organizations, and Section 501(a)(3) Type III Non-functionally Integrated organizations are not eligible to apply. In addition, grants are not made to individual persons.

Who Is Involved in Making a Funding Decision? The Safety Net Grants team uses a version of participatory grantmaking—the practice of centering affected communities in grant-making decisions by giving them the power to decide which organizations to fund. In early rounds of the SNG program, a mixture of staff and community reviewers guided our review process and final grant decisions were approved by our board.

Now, Safety Net Grant applications are reviewed in a 100 percent community-led process. Community reviewers represent a diverse group of nonprofit leaders in Greater Boston and are responsible for the final grant recommendations for the program. Past Grantee Announcements June 2026 - TBF awards $1.

2 million in Safety Net Grants as part of ongoing commitment to immigrant neighbors 24 Massachusetts organizations will receive funding as part of this immigrant-focused round of Safety Net Grants. Read the June 2026 grantee announcement April 2025 - TBF meets the moment with $2.

625 million in grants to 77 organizations in SNG special round The grantees for the special round of grants were chosen from more than 500 applications by our panel of community reviewers, guided by the program's Funding Considerations.

Read the April 2025 grantee announcement February 2025 - $1 Million in grants distributed to 20 organizations The two-year, $50,000 grants provide general operating support to organizations meeting critical needs in their communities.

Read the Feb 2025 grantee announcement July 2024 - 20 organizations share general operating grants of $1 million Community-led grantmaking process recognizes organizations meeting essential needs throughout Greater Boston.

Read the July 2024 grantee announcement January 2024 - 20 nonprofit partners chosen to share $1 million in grants “Once again, we thank and appreciate our community reviewers, who have pulled together a remarkable slate of organizations for this cohort,” - Lee Pelton, President and CEO of TBF. Read the Jan 2024 grantee announcement June 2023 - $1.

2 Million in grants distributed to 24 organizations TBF announced the first grantees under our Safety Net Grants program. More than two dozen community members played a key role in the selection of the program's inaugural recipients. Read the June 2023 grantee announcement