The Clowes Fund aims to support organizations and programs focusing on socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, with a keen interest in assisting immigrants, refugees, and asylees integrate into U.S. society and its economy. They prioritize efforts that address economic, linguistic, legal, and mental challenges during this integration process, alongside facilitating access to job skills training and support services to enable full participation in community economic life. This includes youth development efforts aimed at preventing school dropouts and assisting their return to education or pursuit of economic self-sufficiency.
The Clowes Fund offers two types of grants: Introductory Grants for first-time applicants and Continuation Grants for past recipients. Introductory Grants of $40K over two years are available for organizations focusing on immigrant services or workforce development, typically with operating budgets under $2.5 million. Continuation Grants, ranging from $60K to $150K over three years, support ongoing projects in immigrant services, workforce development, arts education, or K-12 education. The grant application process begins with a Letter of Inquiry and, if invited, moves to a full proposal phase, emphasizing a high value on transparency and building strong relationships with potential grantees. The Fund has specific geographic priorities in Massachusetts and supports critical areas such as ESOL programs in Boston through English for New Bostonians, workforce development through SkillWorks, education through EdVestors, and values arts education programs that enhance critical thinking and creativity.