Equality Fund

The Equality Fund, a grantmaking initiative housed at The Boston Foundation, supports LGBTQ+ individuals and communities across Greater Boston through a focused, intersectional approach. Founded with the goal of advancing equity and inclusion, the Equality Fund leverages research, community feedback, and current socio-political developments to direct resources toward the most urgent needs of LGBTQ+ populations. The 2026 application cycle is shaped by findings from the 2025 “LGBTQ+ People in Massachusetts” report produced in partnership with the Fenway Institute, which highlighted structural inequities and gaps in services affecting this community. Informed by this research, the FY26 funding priorities aim to bolster organizations and programs serving LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those most impacted by intersectional challenges related to race, gender identity, socioeconomic status, and immigration status. The Equality Fund offers general operating support to nonprofits and fiscally sponsored programs operating within The Boston Foundation’s service region, with an emphasis on grassroots and community-led initiatives. To be eligible, programs must demonstrate that at least 60% of participants identify as LGBTQ+, and that their organizational leadership and staffing reflect the community they serve. Two grant levels are available for the FY26 cycle: $10,000 and $25,000. The higher award level is prioritized for programs serving the most marginalized populations, including LGBTQ+ people of color, transgender and gender-expansive individuals, LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers, older adults, and those experiencing housing instability or homelessness. Funding may support a range of activities such as legal advocacy, healthcare access, safe and affirming education and youth services, anti-discrimination efforts in housing and employment, and initiatives to address food insecurity and social isolation. Structural support such as organizational restructuring and inter-agency partnerships are also considered. The grant does not support capital construction costs. Recipients are expected to submit a brief impact report in 2027. Awards will be announced and disbursed in June 2026. Programs applying for the higher grant tier must center their work around the needs of deeply marginalized subgroups within the LGBTQ+ community and demonstrate strategies that target systemic inequities in healthcare, housing, legal rights, and community belonging. Applications are due by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on Friday, March 6, 2026. The application must be completed through the Boston Foundation's online grants portal. Applicants are strongly encouraged to access or verify their user accounts in advance of the deadline, especially if they have applied in previous years. If users are unable to reset their password, they may register a new account using the portal. Technical support is available via Scott Knox, the Equality Fund Executive Director. Interested applicants must submit a completed application form and attach their current organizational operating budget. While the application may be filled out in any format, it is recommended to complete it on a computer rather than a mobile device. There are no pre-application stages such as letters of intent or concept papers required. The fund operates on an annual cycle, and the next anticipated application period is expected to begin in March 2027.

Verify your portal access early to avoid technical delays; complete application on a computer for best results.