Building Stronger Communities Together
We believe that those closest to an issue often have the best solutions to long-standing challenges that can help our communities thrive. We strive to support that change with our philanthropy, and we invite applicants working on community solutions to submit donation requests at any time. Decisions are made on a rolling basis. You can generally expect a decision from us within 60 days of a submitted application.
Who is eligible?
The Eastern Bank Foundation funds organizations of all sizes. View our list of grant recipients.
Private Foundations, organizations with IRS sub-designation as a 509(a)(3), and international organizations are not eligible for donations or grants from the Eastern Bank Foundation.
What Kinds of Donations Does Eastern Bank Foundation Offer?
Community Donations
With our Community Donations we support organizations that have a 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS.
These donations are used for many purposes including galas, golf tournaments, and other events, as well as program support for new and existing programs, purchase of equipment or supplies, etc. Donations generally range from $1,000 to $10,000.
Neighborhood Donations
Our Neighborhood Donations are focused on organizations that do not have a 501(c)(3) designation. Donations can be used for program support and/or event sponsorship. Donations generally range from $100 to $1,000.
Community Investment Tax Credit (CITC) Donations
We also are proud to support registered Community Development Corporations (CDC) organizations which hold a 501(c)(3) IRS designation and are eligible for Community Investment Tax Credit program (CITC) in Massachusetts. Please note that the timing of these donations is subject to approval of grant funds from the state of origin.
Impact Grants
Our Impact Grants support organizations that are advancing economic inclusion and mobility in one or more of our five strategy areas:
• Advancing equity in the small business ecosystem
• Enriching early childhood development (age 0-5)
• Securing safe and affordable housing
• Promoting workforce development for adults facing barriers to employment (age 26+)
• Innovating in economic inclusion and mobility
Impact Grants can be multi-year, and generally range from $50,000 to $150,000. We use a two-step process for consideration. Learn more about Impact Grants and how we invest in our communities.
How to Apply
STEP 1: Submit a Letter of Inquiry. A Letter of Inquiry can be submitted online at any time and, if determined to be in line with our funding priorities, your organization may be invited to complete an application.
STEP 2: Complete an application. Requests for Impact Grants usually require discussion and generally take 90 days (and sometimes longer) for a decision, depending on the scope of the proposal. View our Application Guide to assist with the application process.
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