Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services manages grantmaking activities for many different foundations across the United States. Among them, the Gratis Foundation has a particular focus—though not a sole focus—on the city of Boston. This is an accessible foundation with multiple application deadlines per year and many different program areas of interest.
Here are some details about the Gratis Foundation and how it gives locally in Boston, Massachusetts.
Topics of interest
According to its mission statement, the Gratis Foundation is interested in the fields of education, healthcare and medical research, humanitarian services, abused and neglected children, and in assisting U.S. military personnel and their families. Grantmaking program areas also include the environment, animals, religion and international/foreign affairs. The foundation groups its funding topics together into categories and has three corresponding application periods per year.
Other geographic priorities
Boston is a major center of grantmaking for the Gratis Foundation. However, it is not the only place where this funder awards grants. Aside from Massachusetts, the foundation also funds in the state of Florida and in Washington, D.C. Giving is limited to Boston and Cape Cod in Massachusetts, the entire metro area around Washington, D.C. and Palm Beach County in Florida.
Applying for a grant
Since Wells Fargo manages the operations of the Gratis Foundation, grantseekers enjoy a straightforward application process that is online and easy to follow. Start the application process via the Wells Fargo website in advance of deadlines on January 31, May 31 and September 30.
Grant applications for healthcare, medical research and religious causes are due between October 1 and January 31. Between February 1 and May 31, organizations can request grants for education, human services, international humanitarian aid, abused/neglected/disadvantaged children, adoption and foster care. Meanwhile, animal advocacy groups and food pantries can submit applications between June 1 and September 30. Applicants receive automated emails to confirm their submissions after using the online system.
Gratis has been on the local giving scene in Boston since 2008. Learn more about the Gratis Foundation in IP’s full profile of this funder, which is one of many Massachusetts-focused foundations featured in our Boston and New England funding guide.