Program and Small Capital Grants

The Yawkey Foundation, inspired by the philanthropic legacies of Tom and Jean Yawkey, focuses on supporting nonprofits that demonstrate strong leadership and impactful programming in alignment with their mission. The Foundation continues to uphold a deep commitment to underserved communities, particularly within Eastern Massachusetts, through funding that enhances direct services and programs across several specific Areas of Giving. Program & Small Capital Grants from the Yawkey Foundation are structured to support discrete, time-limited projects or purchases that are vital to a nonprofit’s core operations. These grants are designed to address immediate and critical needs and may include funding for a single project, a targeted program initiative, or a piece of equipment. These grants offer funding of up to $100,000, typically awarded over one year. The grants are not intended for general operating expenses, ongoing programs, personnel costs including stipends, consultants, or projects tailored to individual public or charter schools or local governments. The application process requires submission of an Initial Proposal, limited to one per organization per calendar year, regardless of grant type. This proposal must include a detailed budget aligned with the specific funding request and formatted according to the Budget Template provided by Philanthropy MA. The Yawkey Foundation strongly recommends that organizations not previously funded submit an Initial Proposal for a Program & Small Capital Grant before pursuing other grant types, to establish familiarity and alignment. Grants are distributed in four annual cycles, each tied to a specific category within the Foundation’s Areas of Giving. The grant categories and respective submission windows for Initial Proposals in 2025 are: Youth & Amateur Athletics (January 1–24), Education and Conservation & Wildlife (March 1–21), Human Services (May 1–23), and Arts & Culture and Health Care (September 8–26). The review process for proposals takes approximately 90 to 120 days, and applicants will be contacted only if additional information is required. To support transparency, past grantmaking activities are available via press releases, and further clarification can be obtained through the Foundation’s FAQ. For inquiries not addressed in these resources, applicants are encouraged to reach out via email. Contact details include the Foundation’s address at 990 Washington Street, Suite 315, Dedham, MA 02026 and their email contact, yawkey@yawkey.org.