Better Beaches Grant Program

Better Beaches Grant Program

Overview: 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

Award Range: $2,500 – $8,500 per grantee

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

Status (2026)

Applications are now closed for the 2026 season.