2 survey respondents
Location: 2 Liberty Square, Suite 500, Boston, 02109 MA
EIN: 04-6036092
50%
50%
17 hours
Median
75%
25%
50%
50%
2017 Deadlines:
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Grant Applicant - applied in 2026
Be careful dealing with this foundation. They are rigid, old-school, and may display a "gatekeeper" mentality rather than a partnership, collaborative model. They play the power dynamics game.
Doesn't "get" nonprofits and issues, Difficult to work with, Bureaucratic, Risk averse
Massachusetts
Current or former grantee
Other
2026
Average
Accessible, but not helpful. "Gatekeeper" admin who has no influence with trustees (or isn't trying) who are rigid and unresponsive to emerging and urgent community needs.
My client's example. Applied in June 2025. Denied. Never heard why though the client asked. Applied again in September 2025 and told "a year waiting period" between applications, even if denied. Nowhere on their website did it say this. The "gatekeeper" would not approach the trustees to make an exception (or at least we didn't hear that they tried) even though we had inaccurate information that was THEIR fault. Meanwhile, they dropped to two cycles a year from four. We reapplied in March 2026 and was again told we weren't eligible because we hadn't waited "a year". Most funders say "one application per calendar year". But NOOOOO, this foundation means a full 12-month period which, again, is nowhere on their website. Now the next cycle isn't until September which is MORE than a year (and more than 12 months) since last June. Again, no idea why they didn't fund the June 2025 application.
Bad
This funder says it is only funds in this mid-sized city (population 100,000+ or so), so I'm wondering why they can't get out of their isolation and actually meet emerging and urgent community needs and waive the waiting requirement (or say yes the first time). Or make exceptions when their communication is so sloppy. The community foundation, by contrast, has been providing pre-approved emergency funding in times like these.
Parker Foundation was better managed when it was with GMA and it worked smoothly. Either give it back to GMA or loosen up and remove the arbitrary waiting rules after a denial. GMA has good people who are accessible and helpful.
It was for a grant in 2024, not the one we're having trouble with. It was when it was managed by GMA, not the current group.
When you get approved, they make good-sized grants that will make it worth your while. If you only have to apply once, that is.
26
Grant Applicant - applied in 2016
The staff at the Parker Foundation is very accessible and it's important that you contact them to talk about your proposal before applying. They will make time to chat with you and give you honest feedback about your ask and how it aligns with the foundation's priorities and ability to give in any particular quarter. Definitely, make the call! And they give for both program and capital. They don't tend to support the same program more than once unless significant expansion occurs. They are a supportive local foundation.
Gives more than money, Culturally sensitive, Builds relationships, Likes site visits, Responsive
(Unknown)
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2016
Good
Good
The Foundation specifically supports the Merrimack Valley, and they have made significant investments in the NPO infrastructure in this area. Many non-profits have been able to grow their organizations with Parker's help, and increase their impact in the area.
I really appreciate that their grant application process is totally online now!
They ask GREAT and specific questions at site visits, so be prepared!
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