Program and Small Capital Grants support high-impact, strategic, and innovative nonprofit organizations in delivering on their core missions. Grant amounts are up to $100,000, most often paid over one year.
Program and Small Capital Grants may fund programming, one small project, or a piece of equipment aligned with a nonprofit’s purpose. These grants are extremely competitive, and the Yawkey Foundation will receive many more compelling Initial Proposals than it will be able to fund. Initial Proposals should demonstrate an awareness of and alignment to the Yawkey Foundation’s mission and Areas of Giving. Additionally, the most competitive Initial Proposals will reflect a nonprofit’s strong leadership and proven impact in providing direct services and programs for unmet needs in underserved regions aligned with the Yawkey Foundation’s geographic priority areas, including Gateway Cities in Eastern Massachusetts.
Nonprofits may submit only one Initial Proposal to the Yawkey Foundation in the course of a calendar year, irrespective of the Type of Grant. It is suggested, though not required, that organizations which have not been previously funded by the Foundation submit Initial Proposals for Program & Small Capital Grants as a way to familiarize the Foundation with its work.
Please note that all Initial Proposals must be accompanied by a detailed project or program budget specific to the request.
There are four submission periods for Program & Small Capital Grant Initial Proposals, aligned with the specific Area of Giving categories.
- Youth & Amateur Athletics (December 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024)
- Human Services (March 1, 2024 – April 1, 2024)
- Education (May 1, 2024 – June 1, 2024)
- Conservation & Wildlife (May 1, 2024 – June 1, 2024)
- Arts & Culture (August 1, 2024 – September 1, 2024)
- Health Care (August 1, 2024 – September 1, 2024)
*** The timeframe for reviewing Program & Small Capital Grant Initial Proposals in order to determine which nonprofits will be invited to submit a Grant Application is between 90-120 days. The Yawkey Foundation is unable to provide feedback during the review period, and will reach out to a nonprofit should further information be required for the Initial Proposal.
The Yawkey Foundation is committed to providing support for program and small capital needs connected to a nonprofit’s established mission and proven program/service delivery connected to the mission. The Foundation does not provide funding exclusively for specific positions (or portions thereof), nor salaries to recruit/engage specific employees or staff persons, especially where there is no indication of sustainable support other than from the Foundation. It is recommended that project budgets accompanying Initial Proposals do not include salaries or related items such as fringe, insurance) and request funding for other program or capital needs.
The Yawkey Foundation does not support programs specific to individual public or charter schools, towns, districts, or counties.
Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for additional information. For any additional questions not answered in the FAQ, please email yawkey@yawkey.org.