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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a new organization?

No. This is an initiative funded by the HealthSpark Foundation, with the intent for it to be operated out of a local, community-based intermediary in Montgomery County. 

How was this Fund created?

The Dr. Frank E. Boston Black Justice Fund is a direct response to what the HealthSpark Foundation heard from our community through listening sessions last summer. Our community asked the Foundation to be bold in our thinking about how we can address the systemic underinvestment and disinvestment in Montgomery County’s Black community. The Community Action Team, composed of County residents, has come together since March 2021 to share experiences of being Black in Montgomery County and identify how a philanthropic fund might begin to create more opportunity, justice, and ultimately liberation for Black communities in the spirit of Dr. Boston. 

What are the funding priorities, and who is eligible to apply for a grant?

The Dr. Frank E. Boston Black Justice Fund will provide two-year and one-time funding to Black-led and Black-serving nonprofits and fiscally sponsored initiatives located in Montgomery County that are  focused on the following areas:

  • Storytelling: Power building through narrative building
  • Collective Impact: Capacity building for collaborative community engagement
  • Leadership Development: Capacity building and support for emerging leaders focused on social justice and racial equity
  • Convening: Developing funder relationships to support community-based organizations

Why the name “Dr. Frank E. Boston Black Justice Fund”?

Dr. Frank E. Boston is founder of the Elm Terrace Hospital, later renamed the Lansdale Hospital, whose sale to Jefferson Health Systems in 2001 launched the creation of HealthSpark Foundation (then called the North Penn Community Health Foundation). Despite his immense contributions to our community, Dr. Boston is relatively unknown locally. HealthSpark Foundation would like to acknowledge and thank The Boston Legacy Foundation for their work to document the legacy of Dr. Boston and bring his name and contributions to a regional and national audience. For more information on Dr. Boston and efforts to share his story, please visit https://bostonlegacyfoundation.org/

What is the grant application process, and when is the deadline to apply?

The application period is open until March 21st, 2024. For more information on the grant application process, please click here

I want to help. Can I contribute to this fund?

The Black Justice Fund was seeded with a $250,000 investment from the HealthSpark Foundation. For Montgomery County businesses and philanthropists who are looking for ways to make an impact, the Black Justice Fund provides an opportunity for you to help make Montgomery County a better place. Please contact Emma Hertz at ehertz@healthspark.org.

I have additional questions. How can I learn more?

Please contact Akshara Vivekananthan at avivekananthan@healthspark.org.