Summer Fund Grantmaking Initiatives

In 2023, the Summer Fund supported its nonprofit partners through three different grantmaking initiatives. Read more about each of them below.

Initiative
Description
Scale
General Operating Grants
General Operating Grants comprise the largest proportion of the Summer Fund's grantmaking portfolio. This initiative helps smaller, newer nonprofits fund day-to-day operations and expenses including staffing, field trips, transportation, and supplies.
$620,500 of Summer Fund dollars were granted to 59 partner organizations through General Operating Grants in 2023.
Mental Health Grant Program
The Mental Health Grant Program reflects a direct response to the needs of nonprofits. Established amidst a youth mental health crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mental Health Grants fund on-site clinical staff, mental health-focused training and curriculum development, and resources to support staff well-being.
$145,700 of Summer Fund dollars were granted to 26 partner organizations through the Mental Health Grant Program in 2023.
Homeless Campership Fund
Through the Homeless Campership Fund, shelters and camps are allocated vouchers to subsidize camp fees for youth experiencing homelessness. If your program has connections to or is looking to establish connections with these high-need youth, applying for Homeless Campership Fund slots can help.
$315,200 of Summer Fund dollars were granted to 17 partner organizations and 4 shelters placing youth through the Homeless Campership Fund in 2023.
"The teens served as youth counselors, mentors and coaches for our young program participants. Without their help, we could not have had such a successful summer. In addition to teen staff, summer funding allowed us to hire a new Summer Drop-in Program Supervisor to assist the Program Director with oversight of the two summer programs. With a strong staff and adequate supervision, we were able to provide organized sports activities, water games, academic enrichment and fun field trips for our summer programs. "
Summer Fund Partner, 2023 Report
Impact of General Operating Grant
Mass Audubon group with counselors
"Our use of Mental Health Grant funds supported the salary of our Youth Support Coordinator, the first full-time position we’ve had dedicated to youth support since 2019. It was critical for us to bring that position back as a full-time role, given the levels of youth mental health challenge and burnout that we’re seeing in the fourth year since Covid hit. "
Summer Fund Partner, 2023 Report
Impact of Mental Health Grant
PBHA large group smiling

Interested in applying?

Be sure to make sure your program is a fit with our eligibility criteria and requirements, which can be found at the link below. If you have further questions, do not hesitate to get in touch.
Our criteriaContact us
133 Federal Street, Suite 802
Boston, MA 02110
617.426.2606
About Us
Contact
Donate
Events
Jobs
RFPs
Copyright © 2023 Philanthropy MA
Site by Causeworks logo