The Free for All Endowment Fund is an initiative of The Boston Foundation, aimed at honoring the legacy of conductor Charles Ansbacher. Its mission is to provide permanent and equitable access to classical, orchestral music and related cultural events for people of all ages in the Greater Boston area. Since 2016, the fund has distributed more than $1 million to over 20 organizations committed to expanding access to classical music and engaging diverse audiences within the region.
The 2025 grant cycle is now open to organizations that are either registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits or fiscally sponsored groups. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to transformational change, growth, and accountability within the classical music space in Greater Boston. Proposals should show evidence of diverse programming and a deep connection to the communities being served.
The application period for the 2025 grant cycle opens on Monday, March 10, 2025, and closes on Monday, March 31, 2025. Awards will be announced tentatively in midsummer 2025. During the application period, the Boston Foundation offers virtual Office Hours to provide interested applicants with support. These appointments are 25 minutes long and available on a first-come, first-served basis, scheduled across multiple dates in March 2025.
There are no explicit award amounts or number of grants disclosed for 2025 in the provided information. However, in 2024, the Fund awarded $283,500 to 13 organizations, selected from 37 applicants. Many recipients in previous years had never applied to the Fund before, indicating openness to new applicants. Past grantees include well-established orchestras, vocal ensembles, cultural festivals, and music education initiatives, emphasizing the Fund’s support for a wide range of classical music organizations in the area.
All questions and accommodation requests should be directed to Laura Reyes, the Arts & Creativity Program Officer at The Boston Foundation. Applicants are advised to include “Free for All Endowment Fund” in the subject line when reaching out. For general information, The Boston Foundation can also be contacted by phone at 617-338-1700.
