Dr. Frank E. Boston Black Justice Fund
The Dr. Frank E. Boston Black Justice Fund addresses the historical exclusion of Black leaders and Black community-serving organizations from tackling the challenges and opportunities facing Montgomery County residents. In honor of its namesake Dr. Frank E. Boston, a Black medical doctor and social entrepreneur who created a hospital and ambulance corps in Lansdale nearly a century ago, the Fund invests in emerging Black leaders in Montgomery County, supports positive storytelling of Black communities across the County, and builds community infrastructure and power in Black communities to advance justice and liberation for all County residents.
The Dr. Frank E. Boston Black Justice Fund work is guided by a Community Action Team (CAT) comprised of community residents working in partnership with HealthSpark Foundation. CAT members will receive support from HealthSpark Foundation staff and Just Strategies, consultants helping people lead the change they want for themselves and the world.
Eligibility & How to Apply
Eligible applicants to the Dr. Frank E. Boston Black Justice Fund must meet the following criteria:
- Be a viable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or have a fiscal sponsor.
- Self-identify as Black-led.
- Serve Montgomery County.
- Focus on power-building, leadership development, and/or positive storytelling in the Black community in Montgomery County.
- Organizations whose annual budget is equal to or less than $750,000, will be given priority.
To apply, please visit our grant portal linked here. For questions about the fund, contact Akshara Vivekananthan, Program Officer at avivekananthan@healthspark.org
Grant recommendations will be made by our Community Action Team dedicated to advancing justice in Montgomery County. For more information on how the Community Action Team will evaluate and consider proposals view our evaluation rubric below.
Allowable Use of Funds
This grant opportunity offers unrestricted, general operating support. The Fund anticipates funding up to 10 organizations with grants up to $15,000 per organization during its second funding round.
Funds are not available for individual scholarships or to reimburse for tuition or other personal expenses. However, if an organization seeks grant support to train its staff, this is an acceptable request provided the grant funds are not earmarked to a specific person (e.g., a grant to train Ms. James).
Timeline
February 8th - Application Opens
February 29th - Network & Nurture
March 21st - Application Closes
May 2024 - Awards Announced
Past Grantees
Since 2022, 18 grantees have been awarded a total of $251,100.