Frequently Asked Questions

The Bolger Foundation focuses on the areas of conservation and preservation; those underprivileged and underserved; health, including mental health; community; and education.

We do not support public entities — e.g., schools, municipal governments, etc.

The Bolger Foundation prefers to fund capital projects that enhance tangible property owned by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization applying for a grant. Such a project should meet the following parameters: 

Funding requests should be for $10,000 to  $250,000 and include a detailed budget with supporting documentation; furthermore, the overall project budget should not exceed $2.5 million. 

Some examples of a capital project would be:

• Constructing new facilities, acquiring land, or expanding existing structures

• Upgrading or improving current buildings and/or grounds

• Purchasing significant and long-lasting equipment, e.g., new computers or other technology

The Bolger Foundation does not support:

• Leasehold improvements

• Revenue-generating app development

• Website development

• Affordable housing

• Land trusts

• Charter schools

• Salaries or other operating costs

Organizations (or those they support) with net assets in excess of $15 million as defined by their 990 also should not apply.

The Bolger Foundation only awards grants to USA-based nonprofit organizations that have a valid tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The organization also must be classified as a public charity, not as a “private foundation”, under Section 509(a)(1) or (2) of the code. The Bolger Foundation does not give grants to individuals or overseas organizations.

Furthermore, the capital project to be funded must have a budget of less than $2.5 million. Organizations (or those they support) with net assets in excess of $15 million as defined by their 990 also should not apply.

Grants awarded by The Bolger Foundation range from $10,000-$250,000. At the Foundation’s discretion, funds may be given in the form of a challenge grant.

The Bolger Foundation accepts grant applications during two periods per year: November 1-February 1 for Spring grant requests and June 1-September 1 for Fall grant requests (subject to change based on the number of applications received; grant applications will be capped at 500). The grant portal will close at 5pm ET on the aforementioned closing dates.

Please note: Funding decisions will be made within six weeks of the conclusion of each application period — NOT the actual closing date, if earlier than stated — and grantees promptly notified by email or mail.

Documents to be uploaded during the online application process include a project budget with line items (must be under $2.5 million); an audited financial report for the most recent fiscal year or the organization’s most recent Form 990; the organization’s most recent 501(c)(3) and 509(a) IRS ruling letter(s); and the organization’s annual report, if available. Please see our Grant Request Guidelines for more details.

To apply for a grant from The Bolger Foundation, please complete our online grant application. During this process, you will be asked to supply information about your organization’s purpose or mission as well as your proposed project; in addition, you will be asked to upload certain documents, as noted above (in our FAQs) and in our Grant Request Guidelines.