Young Women and Girls Summer Activation Grant
This grant seeks to invest in programming that provides social and emotional support, leadership development, skill-building, mentorship, and recreational enrichment.
Research and community input underscore that gender-responsive, trauma-informed programming is especially critical for girls and young women who may be navigating complex social and environmental stressors. These opportunities not only foster resilience but also offer pathways for personal growth, community connection, and future success.
By funding these programs, the City of Boston aims to close equity gaps, reduce risk factors associated with community violence, and promote holistic well-being among young women and girls—ensuring they have the tools and support needed to thrive.
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About the Grant
Grant information
- Funding Source: FY25 City Operating Budget
- Total Amount Available: $25,000
- Grant Period: June 15, 2025 - September 1, 2025
- Grant Range: Up to $7,000.00. Community Safety and Women’s Advancement may award full funding, partial funding, or no funding. Applicants may request financial support of up to $7,000.00.
Important Dates
- Grant application launch: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
- Application Deadline: Thursday, May 29, 2025
- Review Period: June 2025
- Awards Announced: June 2025
Grant Requirements
- Applicant organizations must be a nonprofit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization or have an official fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization.
- Funds shall be used to support programs that serve young women and girls from communities where violence has been historically prevalent and initiatives that directly engage these populations, whether within their neighborhoods or in accessible spaces such as museums, galleries, zoos, or other enriching environments.
- All funded programs must demonstrate that 75% of their participants have strong ties to neighborhoods designated as Empowerment and Resiliency Zones—whether through residence, school enrollment, employment, or regular participation in community life.
- Programming must be free to participants and accessible (transportation support, inclusive design, etc.).
- Participation in at least one collective learning or reflection session held by the Mayor’s Office and partners.
- Committed to fully participating to pre- and post-program surveys or brief evaluations.
- Must attend one virtual orientation session before the start of the grant period.
Please note: To receive the funding, the Mayor's Neighborhood Liaison must be aware of the event. Visit the Office of Neighborhood Services website to find your Neighborhood Liaison.
Activations that can receive funding:
Community Space Activations
Organizations are encouraged to host community activities within the designated areas but are also welcome to bring young women and girls from these areas to activities and programming held elsewhere.
Young Adult Space Activation
This/These activation(s) will take place after work hours (between 3pm-10pm majority of participants are from the approved areas listed below.)
Other Considerations
In addition to space activations, we will also consider programs that focus on the following areas of support and engagement for young women and girls:
- Life Skills and Personal Development — Healthy relationship and boundary-setting programs (anti-violence, consent education): Self-defense or safety training
- Creative and Arts-Based Expression — Storytelling/writing workshops (healing through narrative, journalism, poetry); Music or dance therapy (stress relief, confidence-building)
- STEM and Digital Skills — Social media literacy (digital safety, combating online harassment)
- Physical Wellness and Recreation — Fitness classes (yoga, Zumba, boxing—focusing on stress relief); Adventure/outdoor programs (hiking, camping)
This opportunity is intended for programs that are already established and fully operational, with the capacity to run independently of this funding. The goal is to strengthen existing efforts by providing additional support—not to launch new initiatives
Who's Involved:
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