Summer Fund Eligibility Criteria
Thank you for your interest in Summer Fund funding. Proposals are submitted in the spring each year and awarded typically in June, contingent on available funding.
First-year recipients may receive up to $7,500 per site in General Operating Grant funding and may also request Mental Health Grant Program funding and/or Camp Opportunity Fund slots, which are reviewed case by case.
Current Summer Fund grantees may request up to $40,000 per site in General Operating Grant funding, not to exceed 25% of the camp or program’s operating budget (30% for multi-site programs).
Click here to learn more about our current grantmaking initiatives.
Factors that determine award levels include:
To be considered for funding, programs should meet the following eligibility requirements. We encourage you to review these criteria carefully before applying.
IRS 501 (c)(3)
The private nonprofit agency serving as the
fiscal sponsor for the camp must have been determined to be tax-exempt under
Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service.
Camp Minimum Standards
All programs must meet the requirements of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Camps located outside Massachusetts that primarily serve youth from Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, or Chelsea must meet the applicable requirements in their state.
Geography
The Fund supports summer programs that primarily serve youth (5-18 years old) from Boston, Cambridge, Somerville and Chelsea.
Use of funds
The Fund supports camp operational expenses. Eligible
applicants are summer camp programs and organizations, rather than individuals
or summer school programs.
Non-sectarian programming
Camps sponsored by religious organizations are
eligible, provided the enrollment is open to all youth, and that activities are free of mandatory religious instruction, worship, or other sectarian activities
Staff training
Programs must provide at least two days of training in advance of camp
start date, including for junior staff and Counselors in Training.
Financial support for participants
Eligible organizations must offer camper scholarships, a sliding fee scale, or be free of charge for all participants.