Better Beaches Grant Program

Since 2008, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay has partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to award small grants to local organizations and artists to activate the region's public beaches through free events and programs.

Mission: The goal is to give decision-making power directly to community members over community spaces by allocating state funds to organizations and individuals to host free events and programs on public beaches. It creates opportunities for people who may not already be visiting the beach, or who face barriers to accessing the beach, to enjoy these shared waterfront spaces.

Geographic Scope: Applications can come from any community, so long as the proposed event takes place on one of the region's public DCR beaches from Nahant down to Hull (9 municipalities total).

Funded Beaches:

• Kings Beach/Red Rock Park, Lynn
• Nahant Beach, Nahant
• Revere Beach, Revere
• Short Beach, Revere
• Winthrop Beach, Winthrop
• Constitution Beach, East Boston
• Pleasure Bay and Marine Park, South Boston
• Marine Park, South Boston
• L and M Street beaches, South Boston
• Carson Beach and Mother's Rest, South Boston
• Malibu/Savin Hill Beach, Dorchester
• Tenean Beach, Dorchester
• Wollaston Beach, Quincy
• Wollaston Beach Playground, Quincy
• Nantasket Beach, Hull

Funding Details

2026 Allocation: Over $300,000 in small grants

Program Dates: June 1 – September 30, 2026

Eligibility & Prioritization

Who Can Apply:

• Organizations, collectives, individuals, or creatives with any budget size
• Priority given to grantees with:
  • Annual budget under $750,000
  • Led by or intentionally serve community members who face barriers to accessing Boston Harbor, including:
  • People of color
  • Queer people
  • People with disabilities
  • Indigenous people
  • Multilingual people
  • Low-income community members
  • Ability to provide recurring free resources on the beach that increase community health, harm reduction, and food justice

Culture of Mutuality: As the program invests in grantees, they are expected to invest in the Better Beaches program. However, applicants do not need to be experts in event planning or Boston's beaches—expertise in community needs is valued.

What Gets Funded

Eligible Events & Programs:

• All events and programs must be FREE to the public
• Must take place on DCR public beaches and beachfront parks
• Must happen between June 1 – September 30, 2026
• Projects may be one-time events, a series, or recurring gatherings

Examples of Funded Activities:

• Youth and family fun days
• Cultural festivals
• Science and learning programs
• Music and dance events
• Kayaking, swimming, fishing
• Book groups and literacy programs
• Community resources
• Art classes and markets
• Self-care and wellness events
• Fitness and sports classes

Grantee Requirements

Grantees are expected to:

• Host a free event on one of DCR's public beaches between June 1 – September 30
• Attend the virtual Better Beaches Orientation
• Submit all necessary documents and permits by stated deadlines:
  • Memorandum of Agreement
  • DCR Special Use Permit
  • Feedback & Engagement Report
• Attend at least one free educational exploration opportunity provided by Save the Harbor
• Uphold and represent Save the Harbor's mission and values
• Adhere to DCR's rules and regulations

Contact Information

Questions, brainstorming, application issues, or accessibility accommodations:

• Maya Smith: smith@savetheharbor.org
• Isabella Carrion: carrion@savetheharbor.org

Organization Contact:

• Save the Harbor/Save the Bay
• Boston Fish Pier, 212 Northern Avenue, Suite 304 West
• Boston, MA 02210
• Phone: (617) 451-2860
• Email: info@savetheharbor.org

Application Process

Current Status: Applications are now closed for the 2026 season.

Required Materials:

• Application form
• Memorandum of Agreement
• DCR Special Use Permit
• Feedback & Engagement Report

Submission Format:

• Online application form available on the website

Resources Available:

• Information packet (downloadable)
• PDF version of application (for reference)
• Event Planning Resources page
• Site guide with detailed beach information including public transportation accessibility, ADA materials availability, and lifeguard status

Support Offered:

• Virtual Better Beaches Orientation (mandatory for grantees)
• Free educational exploration opportunities
• Brainstorming support and guidance
• Reasonable accommodations for applicants with accessibility needs

Contact for Assistance:

• Maya Smith: smith@savetheharbor.org
• Isabella Carrion: carrion@savetheharbor.org