Bolger Foundation Grant

The Bolger Foundation offers capital grants to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations across the United States, focusing specifically on projects that enhance tangible property owned by the applicant. As a private grantmaker, the Foundation does not support general operating expenses, leasehold improvements, or intangible digital infrastructure such as websites or revenue-generating apps. Instead, it prioritizes capital projects that involve substantial physical upgrades or expansions to nonprofit-owned property, helping organizations advance their missions through long-lasting infrastructure investments. Examples of eligible capital projects include new facility construction, property acquisition, building expansions, and the procurement of durable equipment such as medical imaging machines or large-scale technology upgrades. The Foundation stipulates that the overall project budget must be under $2.5 million, with individual grant requests ranging from $10,000 to $250,000. Applications must be supported by a detailed line-item project budget, ensuring transparency and feasibility in fund use. Eligibility is restricted to nonprofits with verified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status that are also public charities under IRS sections 509(a)(1) or (2). The Foundation does not fund projects undertaken by private foundations, individuals, fiscal agents, or those situated outside the United States. Additionally, organizations with net assets exceeding $25 million, as shown on their most recent IRS Form 990, are ineligible for funding. Applicants must submit their requests through the Foundation’s online portal, where they will be required to upload several key documents. These include a brief organizational mission narrative, a concise explanation of the grant purpose, a line-item budget, the most recent audited financial statement or IRS Form 990, proof of nonprofit tax status via IRS ruling letters, and the organization’s most recent annual report if available. The Bolger Foundation has two distinct funding cycles each year. Spring applications are accepted from November 1 through February 1, while Fall applications are open from June 1 through September 1. Each portal closes at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the specified deadline, and if the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it is extended to the next business day. Grant decisions are typically made within six weeks after the application period ends, with notifications delivered via email or postal mail.