George B. Henderson Foundation Regular Grant

The George B. Henderson Foundation offers grants to enhance and preserve outdoor elements in Boston, focusing on parks, streets, and historic buildings. Eligible projects must be visible to the public and align with the Foundation's mission. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, with larger requests requiring detailed justification. The Foundation prioritizes projects that contribute to the community's quality of life, ensuring accessibility and visibility in all funded endeavors.

The Henderson Foundation’s grants provide support for projects focused on the enhancement of the appearance and preservation of outdoor elements in the city of Boston. The Foundation encourages applications for projects in all neighborhoods of the city of Boston that concerns parks, city streets, buildings, monuments, and architectural and sculptural works.
Current Priorities
Through past grants, the Foundation has supported capital projects such as the restoration of historic buildings; creation of new public sculpture and gardens; restoration of historic monuments; and other projects that enhance quality of life and sense of place, while demonstrating design excellence. Grants are made only for projects within Boston city limits and to projects that are accessible and visible to the public. Grants are not made to individuals. Grants are made for restoration and preservation activities, but not for routine care or maintenance (as defined by National Park Service technical standards.)
Most grants awarded in the regular grants program will be in the $20,000-$50,000 range, but the Designators will consider all projects that fulfill the Foundation’s goals and offer outstanding benefit to the community. Grants above $50,000 are very rare exceptions. If you are applying for more than $50,000, your application should describe in detail why you are seeking a larger grant. Please note the Designators recently increased the maximum grant amount from $40,000 to $50,000, beginning with the Fall 2022 grant cycle.
Guidelines
Grants are made by the George B. Henderson Foundation in accordance with the Indenture of Trust by Mr. Henderson dated May 21, 1964.
The Trust directs that Foundation funds shall be devoted solely to the enhancement of the physical appearance of the city of Boston including projects concerning parks, city streets, buildings, monuments, and architectural and sculptural works. Each project shall be visible by the public, preferably from a public way. If funds are expended for work on building interiors, the building shall be open to the public a reasonable number of days in each year.
Types of Grants
Grants are made for capital improvements that would not ordinarily be undertaken by public or private bodies. Targeted grants may be made to identifiable elements within a project in circumstances where that element could be a Henderson Foundation project.
Grants are typically reimbursement funding and are payable upon completion of work for which the grant is made.
Grants that have been made but not expended within three years after the grant award date are cancelled.
Grants are made for preservation and restoration as defined in the National Park Service Technical Preservation Service Standard, but not for routine care or maintenance of distinctive and significant buildings, objects, or features.

Eligibility

Applicants, unless a municipal agency, must be an exempt organization under IRS Sec. 501(c)(3) and must submit a copy of a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service. Projects must be within the city of Boston.

Ineligibility

Grants are not made for general fund drives, endowments or operating or staffing costs, planning or design studies, or construction of playgrounds or tot lots.