Boston: Mayor Wu and the Office of Black Male Advancement Launch Fourth Annual Community Empowerment Grants

~ Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor's Office of Black Male Advancement (BMA) have announced the opening of applications for the 2026 Community Empowerment Grants. This initiative, now in its fourth year, aims to invest $500,000 in local organizations working towards improving outcomes for men and boys across the city.

The program, funded through BMA's operating budget, will provide up to $20,000 in funding for non-profit organizations to expand their impact, strengthen capacity, and develop programs that directly support men and boys in Boston. Mayor Wu expressed her excitement for the relaunch of this program and encouraged interested organizations to partner with the city in supporting black men and boys in every neighborhood.

Since its inception in 2022, the Community Empowerment Grants have distributed a total of $2 million to over 150 community-based organizations. These organizations have been able to deliver programs that build skills, create opportunities, and strengthen families across Boston. Frank Farrow, Executive Director of BMA, emphasized the importance of investing in community-driven solutions and opportunities for advancement created by those closest to the challenges.

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In 2024 alone, grantees served over 9,000 men and boys through various programs focused on education, housing, wellness, and civic engagement. The 2025 cycle will expand on this work by providing grantees with capacity-building resources through BMA's Capacity Building and Impact Institute. Additionally, a community of practice will be established to foster collaboration and long-term sustainability.

Mariangely Solis Cervera, Chief of Equity and Inclusion at BMA highlighted how these grants are an investment in the leadership and brilliance that already exists within communities. By equipping organizations with resources to sustain their work, they are strengthening the foundation for lasting equity and opportunity for black men and boys across Boston.

City Councilor Brian Worrell (District 4) also praised these grants, stating that non-profits are strong partners in fighting for equity and tackling problems at a grassroots level. He believes that these grants empower institutions to empower others and continue improving outcomes for black men and boys.

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The grants will prioritize initiatives in seven focus areas, including mentoring and out-of-school time, youth and young adult pathways, housing mobility, economic inclusion and wealth building, workforce training and development, fatherhood engagement, and mental health and wellness. Interested applicants must be based in Boston and have a proven track record of supporting men and boys.

Applications are due by Monday, December 1st, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. A virtual information session will be held on Thursday, November 13th at noon via Zoom for those interested in learning more about the grants. For more information or to apply, visit the grants page or email grants@boston.gov.

This program is part of BMA's ongoing efforts to make Boston a home for everyone. The Equity Study Survey is still live and open for responses as the city seeks to better understand the lived experiences of black men and boys in Boston. The insights gathered from this survey will help shape future programs, investments, and citywide policies that support this community. The survey is anonymous and all questions are optional. Residents can access the Equity Study survey at boston.gov/bma-equitysurvey.

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