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Dr. Frank E. Boston Black Justice Fund

*Application period is now closed.*

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.
  • Be Black-led and/or Black-serving. Funding decisions will prioritize self-identified Black-led organizations.
  • Serve Montgomery County.
  • Focus on power-building, leadership development, and/or positive storytelling in the Black community in Montgomery County.
  • Organizations that received funds during the first round (in 2022) are eligible to apply, though priority will be for organizations that have not received funds.

More information on our grantmaking system is here, or please contact us for support in applying (email info@healthspark.org or call 215-716-5400).

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.

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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).

Anticipated Timeline

Orientation and Planning with CAT members (October - December)

Request for Proposals Opens January 10, 2023

Virtual Info Session: January 12, 10- 11am (View the info session recording)

In person Info Session: February 8, 2023, 6pm. George Washington Carver Center, Norristown. Register here.

Application Due Date: March 17, 2023

Grantee notification: Early May 2023

Round One Grantees

Nine grantees were awarded a total of $126,100 in funds during the first round of funding in early 2022. View the Round 1 grantees.