Eligibility
The organization must:

• have a non-profit tax-exempt classification under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;
• We cannot make contributions to non-private foundations with an Internal Revenue Service classification of 509 (a) (3).
• be located and/or provide services in Eastern Massachusetts, except for matching gifts;
  
• address specific community needs / provide direct service to people in need; and
  
• be fiscally sound and demonstrate strong administrative discipline/skills.

How to Apply
Our Foundation accepts two types of grant requests; Community Donations and Eastern Bank Grants.  Please read the grant descriptions below to determine which type of grant is most appropriate for your request. We do not make multi-year commitments.

Community Donations
Community Donations are often used for organizational fundraisers, annual support and small projects. Community Donations are reviewed monthly. The maximum grant amount is $10,000, however, the vast majority of approved grants are significantly below this level; with the average Community Donation under $2,000. 

To apply for a Community Donation:

1. Complete the Community Donation Request Summary Form. To access the form, click here.
   
   
2. Include a brief cover letter on organizational letterhead, including contact information for the organization, providing relevant information not included in the Community Donation Request Summary Form.
   
   
3. If the request is to sponsor a specific event, all pertinent information including sponsorship benefits and ad specifications must be included.
   
   
4. If you have not previously received a grant from the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation, please include verification of your organization's 501 (c)(3) status. (This may be sent under separate cover via U.S. Mail.)

We prefer that Community Donation requests be submitted electronically via email to l.kurzrok@easternbk.com.

If you are unable to submit your request electronically, please mail it to:
Laura Kurzrok
Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation
195 Market Street, EP5-02
Lynn, MA 01901
781-598-7595

Eastern Bank Grants
Eastern Bank Grants are larger in dollar value, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.  The grants are reviewed semi-annually and can be used for program support, a specific project or a capital campaign.  Due to the larger value of the grants, more detailed information is required.

To apply for an Eastern Bank Grant:

1. Complete an Eastern Bank Grant Request Summary Form. To access the form, click here.
   
   
2. The grant must be submitted using the Associated Grant Makers (AGM) Common Proposal Form, which includes the following components:
   1. AGM Cover Summary
   2. AGM Grant Narrative
   3. Board List
   4. Organizational Budget
   5. Project/Program Budget
   6. Audited Financial Statements (These may be sent under separate cover via U.S. Mail.)

Please do not send additional information such as brochures or CD-ROMs. Organizations awarded an Eastern Bank Grant are ineligible to reapply for three full years.

Submission Deadlines: Requests for Eastern Bank Grants must be submitted by March 1st and September 1st with notification of the committee's decision being sent via USPS by the end of May and November, respectively.

Eastern Bank Grant requests must be sent electronically via email.  If you are unable to submit your request electronically, please contact the Foundation office at the number below.  Audited Financial Statements may be mailed to the address below.

Laura Kurzrok
Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation
195 Market Street, EP5-02
Lynn, MA 01901
781-598-7595
l.kurzrok@easternbk.com

Additional Resources
Associated Grant Makers (AGM) is a regional association of grant makers located in Boston, Massachusetts. AGM's mission is to support the practice and expansion of effective philanthropic giving. AGM offers many resources including directories, databases and a research library. Additional information about AGM is available through their website, http://www.agmconnect.org/.