Henderson Foundation Mini-Grants Program

Overview

_Note: Please note that for 2024 the Henderson Foundation will hold one grant round only, due to a backlog of funding commitments for projects that were delayed over the last two years._

Background

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.

Pilot Mini-Grants Program

As part of their regular grant cycle in the fall, the Designators have reserved up to $40,000 in 2024 for a Mini-Grants Program. This program will provide grants of up to $7,500 for immediate implementation of community and neighborhood-based public outdoor space and public art projects.

Funds may be requested to:

* support purchasing of items or elements for the fabrication of permanent public art (such as murals, sculptures, installations, or other works) or
* for permanent improvements to outdoor public spaces (such as public or community gardens, parks, roadway islands, publicly accessible roof-top gardens, shade structures, sidewalk furnishings, or other amenities that beautify the public realm).

Design quality and artistic value are important factors in selection, since the goal is to bring beauty to the lives of Bostonians and to Boston’s public spaces.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

* Applications must be for projects within Boston city limits.
* Applicants must be qualified IRC section 501(c)(3) nonprofits, or have a qualified fiscal sponsor. 
* Individual artists and designers, community groups, youth groups, faith-based groups, or neighborhood groups may work with a qualified nonprofit as a fiscal sponsor.

* Grants are made only for projects within Boston city limits and to projects that are accessible and visible to the public.
* Design quality and artistic value are important factors in selection, since the goal is to bring beauty to the lives of Bostonians and to Boston’s public spaces.
* 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 for restoration and preservation activities.

Ineligibility

* The Foundation will not make grants to individuals. 
* The mini-grants program is not intended to support a budget gap in a larger program that would be better suited to applying to the regular grants program.
* Fees for services (such as design fees) are generally not eligible for coverage by the grant.
* Grants are not made for routine care or maintenance.
* Grants are not made for general fund drives, endowments, operating or staffing costs, planning or design studies, or construction of playgrounds or tot lots.
* Mini-grants are not available for historic preservation projects (those should apply to the full fall grants program).