For Grant Seekers

The Lawson Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting organizations that drive meaningful change in our communities. While our primary geographic focus is New England, we welcome applications from organizations, doing extraordinary work beyond the region as well.

We are happy to offer two types of grants to support nonprofit organizations making a difference: Impact Grants and Amplify Grants. Please review our grant opportunities below.

Before applying, please review our giving areas and guidelines to ensure your organization meets the eligibility criteria. We encourage all organizations that align with our mission to apply and explore how funding from the Lawson Charitable Foundation can help advance their important work.

Grant Reporting Requirements

All 2025 grant recipients are required to submit a grant report by June 1, 2026. We encourage all applicants to review our reporting guidelines to ensure compliance and demonstrate the impact of their funded programs. Click below to access the full grant reporting requirements.

Grant Reporting

Impact Grant

Impact Grants provide funding for programs and initiatives that closely align with our mission of helping those who are working hard to help themselves and others. These grants are designed to support opportunities that create positive change within our focus areas, ensuring resources are directed toward impactful and mission-driven efforts.

Before applying, please review our giving areas and guidelines to ensure your organization and program align with our funding priorities.

The 2026 Impact Grant application portal will open on April 1 and remain open through June 30. Applications submitted before April 1 or after June 30 may not be considered. All grant applications are evaluated annually, and applicants will be notified of funding decisions by August 1, 2026.

2026 Application Period: April 1 – June 30. * Note: Grant Portal closes at 5pm on June 30, 2026.

Impact Grant Application

Amplify Grant

Amplify Grants are special funding opportunities awarded outside our regular Impact Grant cycle to support large-scale initiatives and fundraising campaigns. While not required, we encourage nonprofits to leverage these grants as challenge match opportunities to inspire additional donations and maximize impact. Grants range between $1,000 – $2,000.

With flexible support, Amplify Grants help organizations strengthen their capacity and boost their fundraising efforts. Application periods and guidelines will vary.

The 401Gives Amplify Grant application is currently closed. Thank you to all who submitted.
This application was open to all eligible nonprofits participating in the 2026 401Gives campaign.
Applications must be submitted by 12 pm on March 18, 2026.
All applicants will be notified of decision by March 25, 2026.

All grant opportunities are posted on our website and announced on social media—follow us for updates!

What We Fund

Nonprofit Status: Applicants must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in good standing with the IRS for three or more consecutive years.
Alignment with Mission: Projects must align with the foundation’s core mission and giving areas as outlined in our Giving Areas.
Geographic Focus: Priority will be given to organizations and projects serving those throughout New England, though exceptional projects outside this area may be considered.
Sustainability: Projects should have a plan for long-term sustainability beyond the grant period.
Reporting and Accountability: Grantees must agree to submit a grant report as outlined here.

What We Do Not Fund

Individuals
General Capital/Capacity Campaigns
- Specific, mission-aligned projects may be considered
Endowments
Scholarships
Multi-year pledges
Religious organizations
Political campaigns or lobbying
Government agencies

Please note we do not provide funding outside of our Impact and Amplify grant cycles.

The Lawson Charitable Foundation was created in 2021 by Cathy and Tom Lawson. The mission of the Foundation is to help those that are working hard to help themselves and others.