Grant and Funding Programs Offered by The Bennett Family Foundation (BFF)

Q: What is the mission of The Bennett Family Foundation (BFF)?

To honor the legacy of Eleanore Bennett by supporting smaller, primarily local nonprofit organizations in Greater Boston and Greater Philadelphia that address specific community needs, particularly those affecting teens, young adults, and underserved populations.

Q: What type of organization is The Bennett Family Foundation (BFF)?

The Bennett Family Foundation (BFF) is a Foundation.

Q: When was The Bennett Family Foundation (BFF) founded?

The Bennett Family Foundation (BFF) was founded in 2004.

Q: What is The Bennett Family Foundation (BFF)'s official website?

The Bennett Family Foundation (BFF)'s official website is https://bennettfoundation.org/.

Overview of Available Grants and Funding

The Bennett Family Foundation (Eleanore Bennett Charitable Trust #1) is a private family foundation established in 2004 that awards grants to smaller, primarily local organizations in Greater Boston and Greater Philadelphia. Grants range from $2,500 to $25,000 and are awarded semi-annually in May and November. The foundation focuses on supporting teens and young adults in Boston and improving access to basic human rights, education, healthcare, and housing in Philadelphia. View The Bennett Family Foundation (BFF)'s website for more information.

Content last updated: March 6, 2026

About The Bennett Family Foundation (BFF)

What is the mission of The Bennett Family Foundation (BFF)?

What type of organization is The Bennett Family Foundation (BFF)?

When was The Bennett Family Foundation (BFF) founded?

What is The Bennett Family Foundation (BFF)'s official website?

What else should I know about The Bennett Family Foundation (BFF)?

Role in the Funding Ecosystem

The Bennett Family Foundation is a private family foundation that has been providing financial support to nonprofit organizations since 2004. As a grantmaking organization established through the bequest of Mabel Eleanore Newbold Bennett, it represents a traditional philanthropic model where trustees make discretionary funding decisions based on community needs in areas where family members live and work.

Grantmaking Focus

The foundation operates two primary geographic focus areas:

Greater Boston: Supports programs helping teens and young adults reconnect with supportive communities and become independent adults
Greater Philadelphia: Focuses on improving access to basic human rights and services including education, healthcare, and housing for underserved communities

Grant Characteristics

Most grants are unrestricted and support organizations' general operating expenses. The foundation awards grants semi-annually, typically in May and November, with typical grant sizes ranging from $2,500 to $25,000.

Organizational Structure

Founded in 2004 through the bequest of Eleanore Bennett, the foundation is run by co-trustees Stewart and Thomas Chapin, who are her grandchildren. The organization has no additional staff beyond the trustees. A sister trust (Eleanore Bennett Charitable Trust #2) operates separately, managed by another branch of the family in Waltham, MA.