Boston MA – February 18, 2026 | By
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What are the 2026 Community Empowerment Grants in Boston?
The grants totaling $500,000 were awarded to 39 Boston organizations to support Black men and boys with programming in education, economic opportunity, health, and safety.
When were the grants announced by Mayor Michelle Wu?
The $500,000 in Community Empowerment Grants were awarded on February 18, 2026, by Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Black Male Advancement.
How much funding can organizations receive from the Boston grants?
Individual nonprofit organizations in Boston can receive up to $20,000 each through the Community Empowerment Grants program.
What is the total impact of the Community Empowerment Grants since 2022?
Since its inception in 2022, the grant initiative has distributed a total of $2 million to over 150 community-based organizations in Boston.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Black Male Advancement have awarded $500,000 in Community Empowerment Grants to 39 local organizations. These grants aim to strengthen networks and provide resources for Black men and boys across Boston neighborhoods, supporting critical areas like education and economic opportunity.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Black Male Advancement today, February 18, 2026, awarded $500,000 in Community Empowerment Grants to 39 community-based organizations throughout Boston neighborhoods. These grants are specifically designed to cultivate stronger networks and connect Black men and boys to essential programming and resources across the city, reinforcing a core strategy to advance equity.
Details on the Grant Program and its Impact
The funding will directly support efforts in critical areas including education, economic opportunity, health, and community safety. The aim is to enable recipient organizations to scale their programs, broaden their reach, and deepen their impact within the communities they serve. Individual grants can provide up to $20,000 in funding for local nonprofits. This initiative is sustained through the operating budget of the Office of Black Male Advancement.
Beyond financial support, the program also provides grantees with access to capacity-building resources through the Black Male Advancement’s Capacity Building and Impact Institute. Organizations also benefit from mentoring opportunities established through a partnership with Mass Mentoring.
The Office of Black Male Advancement’s Mission
The Mayor’s Office of Black Male Advancement works to empower Black men and boys by ensuring they have equitable access to opportunities across the City of Boston. The office focuses on policies, programs, resources, and local and national partnerships to support Black men and boys in thriving and sharing in the city’s prosperity. It also guides and supports the efforts of the Black Men and Boys Commission and My Brothers Keeper Boston.
Long-Term Vision for Equity in Boston
This round of Community Empowerment Grants marks the fourth year of this initiative. Since its inception in 2022, the program has distributed a total of $2 million to more than 150 community-based organizations. This continued investment underscores Boston’s broader commitment to advancing equity, opportunity, and community partnerships for residents across all neighborhoods.
Key Features of the 2026 Community Empowerment Grants
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Grant Amount | $500,000 |
| Number of Organizations Awarded | 39 |
| Beneficiaries | Black men and boys in Boston neighborhoods |
| Key Focus Areas | Education, Economic Opportunity, Health, Community Safety |
| Maximum Grant Per Organization | Up to $20,000 |
| Funding Source | Office of Black Male Advancement operating budget |
| Additional Support | Capacity-building resources and mentoring |
| Program History | Fourth annual installment, totaling $2 million since 2022 |
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