Program and Small Capital Grants support high-impact, strategic, and responsive nonprofit organizations in delivering their core missions through discrete and timebound projects. Program & Small Capital Grants help address an immediate need that is critical to the organization’s work. Grant amounts are up to $100,000, most often paid over one year.
Program and Small Capital Grants may fund a discrete timebound program need, 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 with 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 during a calendar year, irrespective of the Type of Grant. Organizations that have not been previously funded by the Foundation in recent years are encouraged to submit Initial Proposals for Program & Small Capital Grants to familiarize the Foundation with its work before submitting an Initial Proposal for Strategic Investment or Transformational Capital.
Please note that all Initial Proposals must be accompanied by a detailed project or program budget specific to the request using the Budget Template from Philanthropy MA. The Yawkey Foundation does not provide funding for general or ongoing program operations, personnel expenses (Including stipends), consultants, or for programs specific to individual public or charter schools/districts, cities, towns, or counties.
There are four submission periods for Program & Small Capital Grant Initial Proposals, aligned with the specific Area of Giving categories.
January 1, 2025 – January 24, 2025
- Youth & Amateur Athletics
March 1, 2025 – March 21, 2025
- Education
- Conservation & Wildlife
May 1, 2025 – May 23, 2025
- Human Services
September 8, 2025 – September 26, 2025
- Arts & Culture
- Health Care
*** The time period for reviewing Program & Small Capital Grant Initial Proposals to determine which nonprofits will be invited to submit a Grant Application is between 90-120 days. The Yawkey Foundation cannot provide feedback during the review period and will contact a nonprofit should more information be required for the Initial Proposal.
Please visit our Press Releases to learn about our past giving or refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for additional information. For any additional questions not answered in the FAQ, please email yawkey@yawkey.org.