George B. Henderson Foundation Grants

The George B. Henderson Foundation provides grants for projects aimed at enhancing the appearance and preservation of outdoor elements in the city of Boston. The Foundation was established under a Trust by George B. Henderson on May 21, 1964, and is administered by Hemenway & Barnes, LLP. Its mission is to fund projects that improve the physical appearance of Boston’s public spaces, including parks, city streets, buildings, monuments, and architectural and sculptural works. All projects must be accessible and visible to the public. The Foundation operates two distinct grant programs: the Regular Grant Cycle and the Mini-Grants Program. Both are open in 2025, with a single application round due to a backlog of commitments from prior years. The Regular Grant Cycle supports capital projects focused on the enhancement of public spaces. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, with larger grants considered only in exceptional cases. Projects must be completed and reimbursement sought by December 31, 2026. The Mini-Grants Program offers grants up to $7,500 for community-based public outdoor space and public art projects that can be completed by June 30, 2026. Mini-grants do not cover historic preservation projects and are not intended to fill budget gaps in larger initiatives. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt organizations under IRC section 501(c)(3) or have a qualified fiscal sponsor. Municipal agencies may also apply. Grants are restricted to projects within Boston city limits. Individuals cannot apply directly, though they may collaborate with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor. Grants are for restoration and preservation activities according to National Park Service technical standards and are not provided for routine maintenance. Exclusions include general fund drives, endowments, operating or staffing costs, planning or design studies, and construction of playgrounds or tot lots. Applications must be submitted through the Hemenway & Barnes online portal by 5:00 PM on October 3, 2025. There is an applicant forum via Zoom scheduled for September 9, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with pre-registration required. The session will be recorded for those unable to attend live. Application materials must include a cover form and supporting documents as outlined in the online portal. It is essential to provide all requested information, including the history and community impact of the project. Design quality and artistic value are key evaluation criteria. For the Regular Grant Cycle, the Foundation particularly encourages applications for permanent public art projects and initiatives in underrepresented neighborhoods such as East Boston, South Boston, Mission Hill, Allston/Brighton, Charlestown, Chinatown, Mattapan, Hyde Park, West Roxbury, and Roslindale. For questions regarding the application process, applicants can contact Ms. Gioia Perugini, Foundation Administrator, at GPerugini@hembar.com or 617-557-9777. Technical inquiries about the online portal should be directed to Rita Goldberg, Senior Grants Manager, at RGoldberg@hembar.com or 617-557-9774. Further guidelines and a list of recent grants can be downloaded from the Foundation’s website at thehendersonfoundation.com.

Provide a clear project description, state the need and community impact, include relevant visuals, and ensure all requested information is included.