Charles H. Farnsworth Trust Grant

The Charles H. Farnsworth Trust, established in 1930, is a philanthropic fund committed to supporting older adults in maintaining dignity and independence as they age. Administered by Bank of America’s Philanthropic Solutions group, the Trust carries forward Charles H. Farnsworth’s legacy by funding initiatives that focus on affordable and supportive housing and services tailored to the needs of older populations. The Trust particularly prioritizes beneficiaries in the Greater Boston area, although it serves organizations across Massachusetts. The Trust funds programs that either directly provide or facilitate the development of housing for older adults, with a strong preference for projects that integrate support services. These may include healthcare, homemaker services, or nutritional programs that help seniors remain in their homes and communities. The Trust also supports research, planning, and advocacy efforts aimed at enhancing community understanding and responsiveness to the needs of aging populations. Capital grants are a major focus—especially those related to the construction or renovation of housing designed for older adults. Applicants may also request general operating support or program-specific funding. Planning grants are available for organizations exploring the development of new supportive housing strategies. While capital grants generally range between $25,000 and $250,000, operating and program grants typically fall within the $10,000 to $25,000 range. Funding decisions are made with a focus on the proposed project’s alignment with the Trust’s mission and its potential to impact older adults’ quality of life. The application process is managed through Bank of America’s online philanthropic grantmaking platform. Applicants must submit their proposals electronically by November 15 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Paper or email submissions, as well as Letters of Inquiry, are not accepted. Only one proposal per foundation per calendar year is allowed, although the Farnsworth Trust is exempt from some broader multi-foundation limitations. Applicants are notified of grant decisions by the end of March of the following year. Successful applicants will be required to submit a grant report within one year of award receipt. This report should detail use of funds and outcomes achieved. Failure to submit the report renders the organization ineligible for future funding. Support inquiries may be directed to the centralized inbox at ma.grantmaking@bofa.com, with an expectation of a 1–2 business day response time. This grant opportunity is offered on an annual basis, with a consistent deadline of November 15. Organizations interested in developing or expanding supportive services and housing for older adults, particularly in the Greater Boston area, are encouraged to apply.

Begin early to avoid tech issues; provide clear data on services, outputs, and prior success; avoid jargon; confirm geographic and programmatic alignment.