Summer Fund Grant

The Summer Fund Grant, established in 1971 by Philanthropy Massachusetts, supports summer camps and enrichment programs for underserved youth in Greater Boston. It offers General Operating Grants to help nonprofits with operational costs, alongside a Mental Health Grant Program addressing youth mental health needs and the Homeless Campership Fund, which subsidizes camp fees for homeless youth. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria, ensuring impactful support for local communities.

Founded in 1971, the Summer Fund is a donor collaborative that supports summer camps and enrichment programs for underserved youth throughout Greater Boston. The Summer Fund is operated and staffed by Philanthropy Massachusetts.
The Summer Fund supported its nonprofit partners through three different grantmaking initiatives.
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.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.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.
Funding
The maximum General Operating Grant to first-year recipients is $7,500 per site. First-year recipients may also request Mental Health Grant Program funding and/or Homeless Campership Fund slots, and those proposals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Current Summer Fund grantees may request up to $40,000 per site in General Operating funds, but not more than 25% of the camp/program operating budget (30% for multi-site programs).

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding from the Summer Fund, programs must meet the following eligibility requirements. Applications from organizations that do not meet these requirements will not be considered for funding:IRS 501 (c)(3):The private nonprofit agency serving as the fiscal sponsor for the camp must have been determined to be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service.Camp Minimum Standards: All programs should meet the requirements of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.In the event the camp primarily serves youth from Boston, Cambridge, Somerville or Chelsea, and is located in a different state, the camp should meet the appropriate requirements in its state.Geography:The Summer Fund primarily serves underserved youth (6-18 years old) from Boston, Cambridge, Somerville and Chelsea.Use of Funds: Awarded funds are intended for camp operational expenses, not capital improvements. Non-Secretaria programming: Camps sponsored by religious organizations are eligible, provided the enrollment is open to all youth, and that activities are free of mandatory religious instruction, worship, or other sectarian activities. Staff Training:At least two days of training in advance of camp start date, including junior staff/CITs.Financial Support for Participants:Must offer camper scholarships, a sliding fee scale, or be free or charge for all participants.

Ineligibility

Neither summer school programs not individuals are eligible for funding.