Highland Street Connection
Highland Street Foundation (legal name reported as Highland Street Connection) is a private family foundation based in Newton, MA, founded in 1989 that provides grants and community programs supporting children and families (education, housing, mentorship, health care, environment, and the arts). The site documents active programs (Free Fun Fridays, Spring Week, Winter Camp) and grantmaking information for applicants and existing grantees.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A Massachusetts-based or locally engaged nonprofit serving children, families, youth programming, education, community services, arts, or health with clear program outcomes and capacity to manage grants.
Good Fit
- • Primary programming focused on children, families, youth development, education, community services, arts, or health.
- • Demonstrable service or partnership in Massachusetts or a clear Massachusetts constituency.
- • Program-level funding requests in the foundation’s typical grant-size bands (many grants in the low-to-mid five-figure range).
- • Ability to submit a concise online letter of inquiry and respond to an invitation for a fuller proposal.
- • Track record of measurable community impact and clear alignment with the foundation’s active programs.
Geography
Giving is heavily concentrated in Massachusetts—about 79% of dollars and roughly 83% of grants went in-state in the latest year, though grants also reached organizations in about 11 states.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows a broad portfolio with 271 distinct recipients, low top-recipient concentration (the largest recipient took about 5% and the top five about 18%), and funding across many purposes including community, arts, education, youth, and health.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of turnover exists—about 112 new recipients (roughly 41% of grantees) appeared in the latest year—and the foundation publishes an online eligibility quiz/LOI process, although full proposals are by invitation, so unfamiliar applicants have a plausible public entry route.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
