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 (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.

Applications will be due no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, February 28.

Awardees will be announced on April 3, 2025. Grantees shall be recognized at the Friends Annual Meeting on April 17, 2025.

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

Grant disbursement is conditional upon proof of contractor agreement or project estimate.