INFORMATION FOR GRANTSEEKERS

The Henry Lee Fund for Boston Parks aims to enhance public greenspaces throughout Boston by providing grants to support the care of trees and turf, sculpture maintenance, and special projects in neighborhood parks where the needs are clear, but the resources are limited.

Need support or have questions? If you need any more information or assistance, use the button below to connect with a member of our team.

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Who can apply for a grant?

Feel free to apply if you are part of a formal or informal group of community advocates who have identified a need for improvement in a public greenspace in your neighborhood. You do not need an official 501(c)3 status. If you do not have a fiscal agent, we can look at how Friends of the Public Garden might directly assist your project, or the work outlined in your application.

  1. The project or program must be in Boston, on publicly accessible greenspace, and benefit Boston residents.
  2. Grants support the care of trees and turf, sculpture maintenance, and special projects that will improve the physical condition of the park, enhancing the public’s use of the greenspace.
  3. Funds can be used to purchase supplies or services.
  4. Henry Lee Fund for Boston Parks will also consider requests for technical support.
  5. The Henry Lee Fund for Boston Parks does not provide sponsorship for events.

Examples of fundable programs and projects include, but are not limited to:

  • Tree pruning and removal
  • Tree assessment/treatment by a licensed arborist
  • Planting trees and shrubs or adding perennials
  • Installing planters or adding planting beds
  • Soil improvement projects
  • Planting grass
  • Adding or updating physical elements like water spigots or benches
  • Cleaning, repairing, or conserving a monument
  • Underwriting volunteer cleanup days

For 2024, the Friends of the Public Garden Board will distribute $40,000 in grants. We expect to disperse a maximum grant of $5,000. There is no minimum amount you can request. 

  • Projects or programs must be completed within 1 year of the grant award. If this might be an issue, you will have the opportunity to explain your challenges in the application; exceptions can be made for extenuating circumstances. Future grants can only be considered once the initial funds are fully expended.  
  • Applicants must be willing and able to host a site visit if requested.  
  • Applicant must commit to submitting a brief report (Link: template to be provided) at the conclusion of the project or program, detailing how the funds were spent.  
  • Applicants must be willing to have their project, and the grant celebrated and promoted by Friends of the Public Garden (FOPG) and must commit, to the best of their ability, to do the same.  

Complete the online application.  

Access the application here  

With your application, you will need to include:  

  • Proof of 501(c)3 status or organization or fiscal agent  
  • Detailed project budget  
  • Board list/list of volunteers involved  

Please note that the Grantee application must be filled out in its entirety and submitted in one visit. To help you plan what you want to say, here is a PDF of the form (link).  

Applications will be due no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3.

All applicants will be notified of their status on Monday, January 13, 2025 (Henry Lee’s 100th birthday!)  

Please reach out! Contact Amanda McGuire, Development Manager at the Friends of the Public Garden, with any questions or issues with your application. 

“From their very beginnings, it has been public participation that has saved these parks, and it is public concern that alone will assure in years to come their care and keeping.”

Henry Lee, President Emeritus