The Yawkey Foundation supports 501(c)3 tax-exempt nonprofit organizations (fiscal sponsors acceptable) making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities through direct programs and services in its six priorities.

Areas of Giving: 

• Health Care

• Education

• Human Services

• Youth and Amateur Athletics

• Arts and Culture

• Conservation and Wildlife

At this time, the Yawkey Foundation’s primary geographic focus areas are Eastern Massachusetts and Georgetown County, South Carolina. For the purposes of Yawkey Foundation’s grantmaking, the Eastern Massachusetts region encompasses nonprofits providing direct programs and services in cities and towns within the following counties: Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Middlesex and Essex.

Nonprofit organizations seeking to be considered for Yawkey Foundation funding will be required to complete an online Eligibility Quiz and upon completion, may submit an Initial Proposal for a specific Type of Grant.

Program & Small Capital Grant Initial Proposals

Initial Proposal submission dates and deadlines by Areas of Giving category

• Youth & Amateur Athletics (January 2, 2026 – January 23, 2026)

• Education (March 2, 2026 – March 20, 2026)

• Conservation & Wildlife (March 2, 2026 – March 20, 2026)

• Human Services (June 1, 2026 – June 19, 2026)

• Arts & Culture (September 1, 2026 – September 18, 2026)

• Health Care (September 1, 2026 – September 18, 2026)

Strategic Investment Grant Initial Proposals

There are two submission periods for Initial Proposals for Strategic Investment Grants, applicable to all Yawkey Foundation Area of Giving categories:

• January 2, 2026 – January 23, 2026

• June 1, 2026 – June 19, 2026

Transformational Capital Grant Initial Proposals

Initial Proposals for Transformational Capital Grant funding are open on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year for all nonprofits with missions aligned to any of the Yawkey Foundation’s Areas of Giving categories.