The Perpetual Benevolent Fund, established in 1932, is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families facing financial hardship in three Massachusetts communities: Newton, Waltham, and Watertown. This private charitable fund supports public charities working directly with those in crisis, with a strong emphasis on providing immediate relief in areas such as food insecurity, housing and shelter, health care, mental health services, and general human services.
The fund awards grants exclusively to organizations that provide services to residents of Newton, Waltham, and Watertown. Its goal is to support nonprofit initiatives that address the short-term, crisis-level needs of financially struggling individuals and families in these communities. The program does not support applications for general operating support, capital projects, endowments, or multi-year commitments. Only one application per organization is accepted within any 12-month period.
Grant applications are accepted biannually, with deadlines on March 1 and September 1. Organizations applying for the March deadline will receive decisions before May 31, while those applying for the September deadline will be notified by November 30. While the fund’s cycle is recurring, only one grant application per organization is permitted annually, reinforcing the fund’s targeted and intentional approach to funding.
The application process is designed to be straightforward, with a focus on immediate community impact. As the program is administered with a clear geographic and mission-based focus, the fund maintains strict eligibility parameters to ensure that grants are made to organizations serving residents in the specified communities. Bank of America acts as the administrative co-trustee for the fund and oversees communications and proposal intake.
Inquiries and submissions related to the Perpetual Benevolent Fund may be directed to the program’s official contact at [email protected]. Organizations interested in applying should ensure that their service population is based within Newton, Waltham, or Watertown and that their proposed programs are designed to meet acute financial hardship and crisis needs.
