The Spring 2025 funding cycle was a challenge for The Bolger Foundation — and not just in the terms of grants awarded. The foundation received 332 applications for funding, 52 of which were rejected outright for not meeting the foundation’s published criteria. That left a total of 280 for initial consideration.

Finally, 71 grant requests were ranked and reviewed by The Bolger Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Fifty-six nonprofits received funding: 32 in the form of challenge grants totaling $996,500 and 24 in the form of outright donations totaling $387,183 for a grand total of $1,186,863 given. Two organizations declined their challenges, while one experienced unexpected changes that left it ineligible to receive its grant. Another received both an initial grant plus a challenge gift. The 52 organizations funded are listed on the foundation’s Current Projects page at TheBolgerFoundation.org/current-projects.

These 52 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are scattered across the entire length and breadth of the USA, from Vermont to Mississippi to Florida to Texas to Nebraska to California, Oregon and more. Their missions likewise span the gamut of The Bolger Foundation’s areas of focus: namely, capital projects benefiting conservation and preservation; those underprivileged and underserved; health, both mental and physical; education; and community.

Funding will support art, autism, and Down Syndrome programs; eldercare (including LGBTQ+) and Ecuadorian-American culture; homeless initiatives for both humans and animals; organic soups and produce rescue; specialized schools and therapeutic riding; wildlife sanctuaries and habitats; and youth services.

“The Bolger Foundation continues to be amazed at the quality of the applications received,” said JT Bolger, president of the foundation. “We remain excited for the grant challenges to reach their goals and for all of these organizations to bring their capital projects to fruition.”