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Bushrod H. Campbell and Adah F. Hall Charity Fund

Annual Giving
$1.4M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.1M
Decision Time
2mo

Bushrod H. Campbell and Adah F. Hall Charity Fund

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: ~$1,369,400 (2024)
  • Total Assets: $15,934,902
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $18,000 (typical); up to $112,000 (exceptional)
  • Average Grant: ~$7,736
  • Number of Awards: 177 (2024)
  • Decision Time: Quarterly (4-6 weeks after deadline)
  • Geographic Focus: Greater Boston (Route 128 corridor); International for reproductive health

Contact Details

Overview

Established in 1956 by Bushrod Campbell and Adah Hall, this Boston-based private foundation has grown from distributing just $500 in its inaugural year to awarding over $1 million annually. The founders were lifelong friends and colleagues who built a successful chain of more than twenty bookstores and lending libraries stretching from Boston to Cape Cod through their company Campbell and Hall, Inc. Upon their deaths, both left their fortunes to the Fund to support charitable causes they cared about.

The Fund is administered by Hemenway & Barnes LLP, a Boston law firm with philanthropic advisory services. With total assets of nearly $16 million, the Fund maintains a consistent grantmaking program that awarded 177 grants in 2024 alone. The Fund describes itself as "modest, but accessible," making it an approachable funder for organizations seeking grants in the $5,000-$10,000 range where such support can have meaningful impact.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Fund awards grants in four strategic areas:

  • Aid to the Elderly: Programs serving seniors in Greater Boston ($5,000 - $20,000)
  • Education for Underserved Youth: Educational initiatives for disadvantaged young people in Greater Boston ($5,000 - $18,000)
  • Social Services for Vulnerable Populations: Essential services addressing needs of elderly, infirm, and homeless populations ($5,000 - $20,000)
  • Reproductive Health: Programs in Greater Boston AND US-based organizations working internationally on women's and girls' reproductive health ($5,000 - $112,000)

Priority Areas

  • Programs targeting needs of elderly, infirm, and homeless populations
  • Education initiatives for underserved youth
  • Social justice and economic opportunity programs
  • Essential services for vulnerable populations
  • International reproductive health programs (US-based nonprofits working globally)

What They Don't Fund

  • Direct medical care
  • Public policy advocacy
  • Organizations outside Greater Boston (except for reproductive health work)
  • Private foundations
  • Organizations not qualifying under 501(c)(3)

Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

  • Arthur B. Page (Trustee, Hemenway & Barnes) - $51,582 annual compensation
  • Nancy B. Gardiner (Trustee, Hemenway & Barnes) - $51,582 annual compensation
  • George P. Beal (Trustee) - $5,000 annual compensation

Staff:

  • Jessica Coakley, Philanthropic Advisor - primary contact for general inquiries
  • Rita Goldberg, Senior Grants Manager - portal and technical questions

The trustees from Hemenway & Barnes provide fiduciary and programmatic oversight, meeting quarterly to review applications and make funding decisions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Application Portal: Submit via GoApply online portal
  2. Application Format: Use the Philanthropy Massachusetts Common Grant Application Language
  3. Eligibility: Must be a 501(c)(3) organization and not a private foundation under Section 509(a)
  4. Limit: One application per organization at a time

Application Deadlines

Applications due at 5:00 PM EST:

  • January 15 → February trustee meeting
  • April 15 → May trustee meeting
  • August 15 → September trustee meeting
  • October 15 → November trustee meeting

Decision Timeline

  • Trustees meet four times per year (February, May, September, November)
  • Decisions typically made at the quarterly meeting following the deadline
  • Trustees or advisors will contact applicants if questions arise or additional information is needed
  • Funded organizations will be notified if a report is required

Reapplication Policy

  • If denied: Must wait 12 months before reapplying
  • If funded: Wait at least one year after the date of the last application before submitting another
  • Multi-year support is available for established grantees

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Grant Size Philosophy: The Fund states that grants generally range between $5,000 and $10,000, and trustees are interested in supporting organizations "for which a grant of this size can have a meaningful impact." Organizations where a modest grant represents meaningful support have a strategic advantage.

Geographic Focus Compliance: For non-reproductive health grants, your organization must serve Greater Boston, defined as cities and towns within Route 128, extending as far north as Lynn and as far south as Quincy. Be specific about your service area.

Recent Successful Grants (Examples):

  • Health Resources in Action Inc - General Operating Support ($112,000)
  • Neighborhood of Affordable Housing Inc - Senior Repair Services ($20,000)
  • Planned Parenthood of Northern New England - Reproductive Health Care ($20,000)
  • School of Leadership-Afghanistan Inc - General Operating Support ($20,000)
  • Greater Boston Food Bank Inc - General Operating Support
  • Uganda Village Project (reproductive health)
  • Pangea Network (reproductive health)
  • Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester

Application Best Practices:

  • Use the Philanthropy Massachusetts Common Grant Application format precisely
  • Be concise yet informative in your proposal
  • Follow directions and format closely
  • Provide a cover letter on organizational letterhead signed by Executive Director or Board Chair
  • Clearly demonstrate "compelling need" in your service area
  • Show how a grant of $5,000-$10,000 would meaningfully impact your work

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  1. Right-sized requests win: The Fund favors organizations where a $5,000-$10,000 grant can have "meaningful impact" - position your request accordingly

  2. Geographic precision matters: For non-reproductive health grants, your work must be within Route 128 (Lynn to Quincy). Be explicit about your service area boundaries

  3. Quarterly rhythm: Plan your application calendar around their four annual deadlines (January 15, April 15, August 15, October 15) and expect decisions at quarterly trustee meetings

  4. International reproductive health is a distinct track: US-based nonprofits working globally on women's and girls' reproductive health can access this funding stream regardless of Boston location

  5. Accessible and straightforward: The Fund describes itself as "modest, but accessible" - don't be intimidated to apply if you meet criteria

  6. One shot at a time: You can only have one application pending, so choose your timing and request carefully

  7. Build long-term relationships: Multi-year support is available for established grantees, making initial funding a potential gateway to ongoing partnership

References

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