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Brookline Community Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$1.1M
Grant Range
Up to $0.0M00
Decision Time
4mo

Brookline Community Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,097,639 (2024)
  • Total Assets: ~$9 million (2023)
  • Success Rate: Data not publicly available
  • Decision Time: 3-4 months (application to announcement)
  • Grant Range: Up to $25,000 per program
  • Geographic Focus: Brookline, Massachusetts (serving those who live, learn, work, or play in Brookline)
  • Charity Navigator Rating: 4 stars (96%)

Contact Details

Address: 40 Webster Place, Brookline, MA 02445 Phone: 617-566-4442 Email: grants@brooklinecommunity.org Website: https://brooklinecommunity.org Grant Management System: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=brookline

Pre-Application Support: The Program & Partnerships team offers technical assistance, optional information sessions, and working sessions. Contact them at grants@brooklinecommunity.org or 617-566-4442.

Overview

Established in 1999, the Brookline Community Foundation (BCF) has evolved from its grassroots origins to become a trusted community foundation serving Brookline, Massachusetts. With approximately $9 million in total assets (2023) and annual grantmaking of over $1 million, BCF distributed $1,097,639 in grants during 2024 through 61 grants and scholarships. The foundation's mission is "to create opportunity and promote equity through the transformative power of giving," guided by core values of "Lead by listening, Anchored in equity, Sustainable support, and Community first." During the COVID-19 pandemic, BCF demonstrated its commitment by awarding $550,000 in safety net grants and has provided over $1 million in support to community nonprofits since June 2020. BCF holds prestigious accreditations including a 4-star rating (96%) from Charity Navigator, GuideStar Gold Seal, and Community Foundation Accreditation certification. In 2024, the foundation sold its Webster Place building to strengthen organizational capacity and unveiled the inaugural Understanding Brookline database for community tracking.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. BCF Community Grant Program

  • Total Available: $143,450 for FY26
  • Grant Range: Up to $25,000
  • Average Award: ~$7,100 (FY25)
  • Application Method: Online portal, annual deadline (November)
  • Focus Areas: Health & wellness, climate sustainability, arts & culture, housing access, crisis intervention services, wealth building, economic mobility, organizational capacity building

2. Youth Development Grant Program

  • Total Available: $154,200
  • Grant Range: Up to $25,000
  • Application Method: Online portal, annual deadline (December)
  • Focus: Programs addressing gaps for middle school youth, youth leadership development, job/internship opportunities, arts and environmental education, early childhood education, basic needs assistance, social/emotional/mental health support
  • Special Priority: Programs serving youth whose families earn less than Brookline's median annual income or are underserved

3. Safety Net Grant Program

  • Total Available: $400,000
  • Grant Range: Up to $25,000
  • Application Method: Rolling basis, year-round as funding is available
  • Focus: Essential services and emergency assistance for individuals and families, particularly those disproportionately impacted by the pandemic

4. B.GREAT Program (Brookline Grants for Racial Equity And Transformation)

  • Total Available: Funded through Town of Brookline ARPA funds (initially seeded with $500,000)
  • Current Status: Applications currently closed while committee develops comprehensive values and priorities
  • Focus: Advancing racial equity and racial justice, addressing impact of racism on health, well-being, and quality of life for communities of color

Priority Areas

BCF prioritizes organizations and initiatives that:

  • Advance equity and serve underserved populations (immigrants, women, children, older adults, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled persons, historically marginalized communities)
  • Are led by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) individuals
  • Demonstrate partnerships and collaborations with local organizations
  • Address rising costs of food, housing, and childcare
  • Support emerging and existing nonprofit leaders
  • Focus on capacity building (strategic planning, marketing, fundraising, DEI initiatives, board development, staff professional development)

An organization qualifies as BIPOC-led if its Executive Director/CEO or Board Chair identifies as BIPOC, OR 50%+ of leadership staff or board members identify as BIPOC.

What They Don't Fund

  • Direct individual cash assistance or scholarships (though organizations providing scholarships are eligible)
  • Travel costs
  • Political campaigns or lobbying
  • For-profit organizations
  • Organizations that discriminate in hiring or service provision based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, military status, or disability

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

Co-Presidents:

  • Zoraida Fernandez - Also serves on the B.GREAT Committee
  • David Mann

Board Officers:

  • Ben Chang - Treasurer
  • Jennifer Segel - Clerk

Board Members:

  • Amy Luster - Oversees administration for Community Innovators Lab at MIT; 15+ years nonprofit operations experience
  • Craig Harsfield - Financial services advisor; Interim Chair of Professional Advisors Committee; 15+ years in industry
  • Manish Maski - Global Medical Head for Rare Nephrology at Sanofi Genzyme; maintains faculty position at Harvard Medical School
  • Marcia Hertz - Marketing and fundraising professional; 30+ years nonprofit sector experience
  • Matt Sudduth - Vice President at Thermo Fisher Scientific; 25+ years financial and operational management experience
  • Rob Daves - Historic preservation carpenter; 20-year Brookline resident; community engagement leader; also serves on B.GREAT Committee
  • Steven A. Heikin - Urban designer and architect; Chair of Brookline Planning Board; serves on Housing Advisory Board
  • Veronika Trufanova - Interim Director of Development at Friends of the Public Garden; 20 years fundraising experience

Staff:

  • Jennifer Lemire - Director of Programs and Grants
  • Amy Silberstein - Director of Leadership Giving

Note on Leadership: Aba Taylor served as Executive Director from September 2022 to January 31, 2025, when she departed to become president and CEO of YW Boston. As of early 2025, the foundation is in transition regarding executive leadership.

From the Leadership: Former Executive Director Aba Taylor emphasized in the 2023-2024 Annual Report: "We continue to show up for our community as a grantmaker, convener, philanthropic partner, champion and lifeline."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Primary Method: Submit applications online through BCF's grant management system at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=brookline

Alternative Methods:

  • Email applications to grants@brooklinecommunity.org
  • Some programs accept video submissions or allow one-on-one conversations with the Program & Partnerships team

Pre-Application Support: BCF offers optional information sessions, working sessions, and community conversations for applicants. Contact the Program & Partnerships team for assistance.

Required Documents:

  • Completed application form
  • Organizational financial statements
  • Organizational budget
  • Project budget
  • Fiscal sponsorship letter (if applicable)
  • Additional support materials (optional)

Fiscal Sponsorship: Organizations without 501(c)(3) status can apply through a fiscal sponsor. BCF does not serve as a fiscal sponsor but can help connect applicants with available sponsors. Typical sponsor fees range from 3-10% of grant amounts and can be included in project budgets.

Important Application Requirement: BCF will only fund applications where at least 50% of the total amount requested can be granted. This ensures meaningful impact rather than partial funding that may not achieve program goals.

Decision Timeline

Community Grant Program:

  • October 22: RFP released
  • November 19: Hard deadline for submissions
  • November - January: Review period (applications reviewed by staff, then Program & Grants Committee, potentially including site visits)
  • February: Decisions announced and applicants notified

Youth Development Grant Program:

  • Fall: RFP released
  • December 8: Application deadline
  • Winter/Spring: Review and decision period

Safety Net Grant Program:

  • Rolling basis: Applications accepted year-round as funding is available
  • Decision timeline varies based on submission date

Success Rates

BCF does not publicly publish application success rate statistics. Available data shows:

  • 2024: 24 awards made
  • 2023: 33 grants awarded
  • 2022: 27 grants awarded
  • 2021: 31 grants awarded
  • 2023-2024: 61 total grants and scholarships distributed

The foundation received a "record number of grant applications from diverse organizations" in recent years, according to their 2023-2024 Annual Report.

Reapplication Policy

BCF does not publicly specify a waiting period for unsuccessful applicants to reapply. The foundation allows organizations to apply to multiple grant programs annually for different projects (with some program-specific restrictions). Organizations currently funded through other BCF grant programs are eligible to apply to additional programs. For specific guidance on reapplying after an unsuccessful application, contact grants@brooklinecommunity.org or 617-566-4442.

Application Success Factors

Based on BCF's stated priorities, values, and guidance, strong applications demonstrate:

1. Equity-Centered Approach: BCF explicitly prioritizes organizations that "advance equity and remove barriers to opportunity." Applications should clearly articulate how the project serves underserved populations and addresses systemic inequities. As stated in their values, they are "Anchored in equity."

2. BIPOC Leadership: The foundation gives priority consideration to organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Qualify as BIPOC-led if your Executive Director/CEO or Board Chair identifies as BIPOC, OR 50%+ of leadership staff or board members identify as BIPOC.

3. Community Connection: BCF's core value of "Lead by listening" and "Community first" means applications should demonstrate deep understanding of Brookline community needs. Reference local data, community input, or align with findings from BCF's "Understanding Brookline: Economic Inequality" publication.

4. Collaboration: The foundation explicitly states that "programs demonstrating partnerships with local organizations receive preference." Highlight any collaborative approaches or partnerships with other Brookline organizations.

5. Meaningful Funding Threshold: BCF will only fund applications where at least 50% of requested funds can be granted. Consider requesting amounts that allow BCF to make meaningful impact if they can only partially fund, or be prepared to scale the project if needed.

6. Capacity Building: BCF funds various types of grants including operating expenses, program/project costs, capital improvements, and capacity building. Don't hesitate to request funding for organizational strengthening activities like strategic planning, marketing, fundraising, DEI initiatives, board development, or staff professional development.

7. Flexible Application Format: BCF accepts applications in multiple formats - you can submit applications previously sent to other funders as long as they address all BCF questions completely. Some programs even accept video submissions or allow conversations with staff instead of written applications.

8. Direct Benefit to Brookline: Projects must directly benefit those who "live, learn, work, or play in Brookline." Clearly demonstrate the connection to the Brookline community.

9. Site Visit Readiness: BCF may conduct site visits (in-person or virtual) with one or two representatives to learn about programs. These visits are flexible and accommodate organizational preferences - you don't need to demonstrate programs during the visit.

10. Multi-Year Perspective: Some BCF programs offer multi-year support. If your project would benefit from sustained funding, indicate this in your application.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Equity is central: BCF is deeply committed to equity and prioritizes BIPOC-led organizations and those serving underserved populations. Make equity central to your narrative, not peripheral.

  • Know the 50% rule: BCF only funds applications where they can grant at least 50% of the requested amount. Request realistic amounts and be prepared to discuss how partial funding would impact your project.

  • Leverage technical assistance: BCF offers pre-application support through information sessions and one-on-one consultation. Take advantage of these opportunities to strengthen your application and build relationships.

  • Multiple program eligibility: Organizations can apply to multiple BCF grant programs annually for different projects. Consider whether your work fits multiple funding streams (e.g., a youth program addressing racial equity might fit both Youth Development and B.GREAT when open).

  • Collaboration strengthens applications: Partnerships with other Brookline organizations receive explicit preference. If you're not already collaborating, consider how you might partner with complementary organizations.

  • Safety Net offers flexibility: The Safety Net Grant Program operates on a rolling basis year-round, making it ideal for emerging needs or organizations that miss the annual deadlines for other programs.

  • Use Understanding Brookline data: BCF uses their "Understanding Brookline: Economic Inequality" publication to guide priorities. Align your application with data and trends from this resource to demonstrate strategic alignment.

References

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