BCF Safety Net Grant Program

The Brookline Community Foundation (BCF) Safety Net Grant Program is a funding initiative focused on supporting organizations and community groups that provide access to essential services and emergency assistance for individuals and families in the Brookline, Massachusetts area. BCF is one of the largest local funders in the region and is deeply committed to equity, community inclusion, and sustainable impact. The Foundation recognizes that while Brookline is generally well-resourced, significant disparities remain across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic lines. Through this grant, BCF aims to address those disparities, particularly those exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, by funding initiatives that build a more inclusive and equitable community. The Safety Net Grant Program supports activities that provide, expand, or adapt essential services. These services include but are not limited to food access, rental assistance, utility payments, direct cash assistance (through intermediary organizations), childcare support, and emergency responses to events like fires or public health crises. Essential services are broadly defined by BCF to include any resources that promote health, wellness, safety, and belonging. The program encourages applicants to include services such as medical and mental health care, affordable housing, education, social support, and translation or language access. The grant pool for fiscal year 2024–2025 is $400,000, funded entirely by the Town of Brookline through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The maximum grant amount for any one application is $25,000, with the average award in the previous year being approximately $20,000. Grants are for a one-year term. Organizations seeking funds for direct financial assistance must submit a distribution plan and track gift card distribution for audit purposes, although such information is not required to be submitted in reporting. Eligibility is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, community groups, and municipal departments within Brookline. Projects must directly benefit those who live, learn, work, or play in Brookline. Organizations that are not yet tax-exempt may apply with a fiscal sponsor, and BCF offers assistance in identifying appropriate sponsorship arrangements. Grants cannot fund travel, lobbying, political campaigns, or direct scholarships to individuals. BCF gives preference to applications from BIPOC-led organizations or those that serve BIPOC and marginalized communities. Leadership diversity is defined through specific criteria, including whether 50% or more of the board or leadership staff identify as BIPOC or whether the executive director or board chair identifies as BIPOC. Applicants are encouraged to align with BCF’s values of equity, community engagement, sustainability, and listening-first leadership. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, subject to fund availability. The review period is approximately three weeks from submission. There is no stated opening or closing date, and recurring funding is not guaranteed. Applications can be submitted online or via email to grants@brooklinecommunity.org. For additional support, applicants may consult BCF’s grant FAQs, utilize budgeting templates, and review community data from the “Understanding Brookline” reports. The primary contact for this grant is Zaria Karakashian-Jones, Manager of Program and Grants, reachable at the above email or by phone at +1 617-566-4442.

BCF encourages early contact before submission to provide support. Applicants are urged to consult BCF’s Understanding Brookline reports.