The City of Boston’s Mayor's Office of Civic Organizing is accepting applications for the Spooky Streets 2025 and Fall and Harvest Grant. This mini-grant program supports neighborhood block parties during the Halloween and fall season, helping residents create safe, fun, and welcoming spaces for community celebration. The initiative provides a $300 grant per approved event, which can be used for community-oriented items such as candy, decorations, pumpkins, face paint, and refreshments. All block parties must take place between Friday, October 17 and Sunday, November 2, 2025, on residential streets in Boston.
Applicants must apply by September 22, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. ET. The grant application is submitted through the same platform as the City’s Play Street Closing Permit, but the grant is a separate form. A valid or pending Play Street Closing Permit and a registered Vendor ID are required to qualify. Applicants must have a clear connection to the street being closed and demonstrate community involvement. Priority is given to new applicants and those who reside on the street they are closing.
Eligibility is limited to Boston residents or nonprofits with Vendor IDs tied to those entities. For-profit businesses, individuals without Vendor IDs, or City of Boston employees and their immediate families are ineligible. Only one grant is awarded per street or per applicant, and events charging admission or hosted in parks, schools, or on private property are not eligible.
Approved expenses include decorations, snacks, games, and entertainment. Prohibited uses of grant funds include alcohol, gift cards, giveaways, grills, bouncy houses, and sound systems. The City may review and restrict proposed uses not aligned with program goals. Events involving additional elements like amplified sound or food sales may require separate special event permits.
Applicants must allow up to 30 business days for permit approval. Questions about permits, Vendor ID setup, or grant details can be directed to relevant City offices, including the Office of Civic Organizing and the Boston Transportation Department. Awarded funds are disbursed 2–3 weeks after approval. This initiative is supported in part by the Cummings Foundation to expand the number of funded events.
Submit early. Ensure Vendor ID is valid. Complete both permit and grant form. Priority for first-time applicants.
