The mission of the Amelia Peabody Charitable Fund is to continue the philanthropic legacy of Amelia Peabody through grants to qualified non-profit organizations in Boston, Massachusetts, and in the greater New England area that further her life-long interests in health (human and animal), visual arts, land conservation and historic preservation. The Fund also makes grants in support of projects and capital purchases to non-profit social service and youth service organizations in Massachusetts. The Fund does not make unrestricted grants, immediate funding grants or multi-year funding grants. Final grant award decisions are based on their judgment, discretion, and the following general considerations:
Funds are not granted to: individuals; start-up organizations; annual fund drives; operating budgets; salaries; scholarships; events, performances, film/video, theatrical productions, publications, exhibits or conferences; other private or grant-making foundations; educational institutions; organizations funded principally with tax dollars, including any state or municipal agency, public school, public library, or other public institution; religious organizations for religious purposes; non-profit organizations with programs outside the United States; or political lobbying efforts.
In the 20 years until her death in 1984, Amelia Peabody personally directed more than $8 million in charitable giving from the Fund. Since then, the trustees have reviewed more than 5,000 applications and awarded more than $140 million in grants. The amount granted varies from year to year, but is generally in the range of $8 to 10 million.
In general, the trustees do not schedule interviews, offer technical assistance, meet with applicants, provide advice, or make formal site visits. To maintain the consistency, impartiality and fairness of the process, the trustees ask that you do not contact them about any aspect of your grant request. Grants are made for specific projects and specific research in health (human and animal) and in visual arts, capital purchases (such as equipment and renovations), land preservation and acquisition, and historic preservation.
Non-profit organizations operating in Boston and in the greater New England area with proposals which further the interests of Amelia Peabody in the areas of health (human and animal), visual arts, land conservation and historic preservation may apply. In addition, non-profit social service and youth service organizations operating in Massachusetts may apply with proposals for projects and capital purchases (but not programs).
Applicants must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to the Amelia Peabody Charitable Fund Grant Office outlining the proposal and request. Proposals are accepted throughout the year, with two deadlines dates: February 1st and July 1st. In either case, if the deadline date falls on a weekend, the deadline will be the next business day. Amelia Peabody Charitable Fund trustees will formally invite organizations with eligible projects to apply for a grant. Notification of the trustees' decisions on proposals received by February 1st is sent by the end of May. Notification of the trustees' decisions on proposals received by July 1st is sent by the end of October.
Award amounts vary by proposal. In 2006, $7,378,480 was distributed for 83 grants, ranging from $2000 to $1,003,546. Average grant amounts were from $25,000 to $100,000.