Innovation Islands Grant Program 2025
Three years ago in 2022, as part of the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park Anniversary celebrations, Boston Harbor Now worked in partnership with the National Park Service and DCR (Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation) to create the Innovation Islands mini-grant program: a new grant opportunity for local nonprofits to fund their own unique programming on the Boston Harbor Islands.
This year we awarded free ferry service and grants to 13 organizations that will bring a wide range of exciting, creative, and innovative events to the islands this summer. From music to meditation to environmental education, we hope to invest in our community partners and to amplify their impact, voices, and presence within our park.
New this year, we also launched Innovation Harborwalk, bringing the Innovation Islands model to shore with two incredible grantees hosting their dazzling events on the waterfront this summer.
We look forward to supporting these amazing organizations as we welcome them to the Boston Harbor Islands this season! Keep reading to learn more about our 2025 recipients:
2025 Innovation Islands Grant Recipients:
3 Trolls Games & Puzzles
Already known for their in-store gaming and virtual experiences that bring Dungeons & Dragons and board games to adult and child audiences alike, this summer you can join 3 Trolls for a self-guided puzzle adventure across Spectacle Island!
- Spectacle Island Treasures Quest
June 28th from 11:30AM-5PM
Spectacle Island
A Trike Called Funk
A Trike Called Funk’s seeks to create fun and engaging experiences through music and dance while also supporting local businesses and organizations who are also figuring out new ways to bring people together. They will be bringing fashion, music, and movement to Georges Island with a runway show, vendor village, and dance party celebrating local BIPOC designers.
- Stylin’ on the Island: Gorgeous on Georges
July 5th from 11:30AM-3PM
Georges Island
313WON Productions
313WON Productions creates culturally rich events that use art, media, fashion, and science to advance social good. This spring they are bringing families to the islands in celebration of Eid! They will be hosting a day of cultural celebration, featuring live drumming, games, art, and community-building activities.
- 114 Acres and Mu: A Spectacle Island Eid Al-Adha Boat Trip and Island Exploration Celebration
June 8th from 11:30AM-5PM
Spectacle Island
KeySteps Inc. | Connecting Our Youth With Our Weather, Our Environment & Our World
KeySteps’ mission is to provide a comprehensive range of year round, school-based counseling and support services for at-risk youth in order to ensure that they stay in school and gain the skills and emotional resilience needed to become educated and thriving adults. This summer, these students will expand their understanding of the Harbor Islands by exploring the diversity of the islands and the important role they have in our future.
Mbadika
Mbadika aims to foster the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs by providing resources and educational workshops to youth. By harnessing STEM, Mbadika provides opportunities for ideas and those who create them to impact our world. They will engage students, parents, and interns from Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan with the islands as a part of a program focused on demystifying the legacy of STEM in Boston.
- MLab: Island Adventure
August 1st & 8th 11:30AM-3PM
Georges Island
Navigation Games
Navigation Games is a non-profit on a mission to create engaging and educational outdoor experiences centered around orienteering, a sport where participants use a map to race to a series of locations. Navigation Games will host multiple orienteering days on Georges and Spectacle Island this summer that will be available to any visitor who is interested in joining.
- Various Dates
Spectacle and Georges Island
DEAFinitely, Inc.
DEAFinitely, Inc. is a Boston-based non-profit that provides access and opportunity to Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, hard of hearing, and hearing youth through the performing arts, mentoring, and American Sign Language (ASL). They will be hosting an interactive celebration of hip-hop, featuring ASL-led workshops, performances and classes by Deaf artists, music and more.
- DEAFinitely Arts & Culture on the Islands
June 21st from 11:30AM-3PM
Spectacle Island
Stonewall Sports Boston
Stonewall Sports Boston is a non-profit focused on providing low-cost and inclusive local sports leagues. The league aims to create a community rooted in friendly and fun competition, while also recognizing its responsibility to give back to the LGBTQ+ community and local Boston organizations through outreach and support. Stonewall Sports is hosting a day of celebration, kickball, volleyball, dancing and lawn games.
- Stonewall Sports Island Day
August 2nd from 12:30AM-5PM
Spectacle Island
BlackBrownBoston LLC
BlackBrownBoston is a social impact organization dedicated to amplifying Black and Brown culture in the city through curated events and programs. In celebration of the diverse cultures of the AfroLatino community, families can also enjoy live performances, games, art activities, and food while celebrating culture and community.
- The BlackBrownBoston AfroLatino Festival
August 9th from 12:30AM-5PM
Spectacle Island
Reclaim Roxbury
Reclaim Roxbury is a community organization working to improve quality of life and build economic power for Roxbury Residents. This summer, Reclaim Roxbury will invite Roxbury residents to Spectacle Island to lead a guided experience on Georges Island that highlights the legacy of Black excellence in Massachusetts, specifically the 54th Regiment and the Underground Railroad.
- Reclaim Our History: The Legacy of the 54th Regiment and the Underground Railroad on the Harbor Islands
August 16th from 10:30AM-5PM
Georges Island
Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts (SEACMA) | Traditional Dance and Art
SEACMA supports Southeast Asian immigrants, refugees, and long-term residents to meet their basic needs, overcome language and cultural barriers, successfully integrate into mainstream society, and become self-sustainable contributors in economic, social, and civic life. Georges Island welcomes the return of traditional and cultural dance performances by SEACMA’s youth, as well as a hands-on demonstration of the art of origami and henna hand painting. Participants of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to join.
- Traditional Southeast Asian Dance
July 27th from 1PM-4PM
Georges Island
HipStory & BAMS Fest
HipStory and BAMS Fest are working together as community partners for the We Black Folk initiative. HipStory is a Black-led multimedia and arts organization dedicated to preserving, amplifying, and innovating Black storytelling through music, film, and live experiences. BAMS Fest Inc. (Boston Art & Music Soul Festival) is a Black-led nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking down racial and social barriers in the arts, music, and culture sectors.
HipStory and BAMS Fest will host Kinfolk Currents: A Black Artist Retreat & Celebration, an immersive gathering for Black artists, creatives, and community members. The day will include workshops, performances, and reflection, blending art, history, and healing on Georges Island.
- Kinfolk Currents: A Black Artist Retreat & Celebration
August 15th &16th from 10AM-5PM
Georges Island
The History Project
The History Project is a non-profit that is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of New England’s LGBTQ+ communities. The History Project will host an LGBTQ+ Community Picnic on Georges Island. Participants can celebrate LGBTQ+ history through historical readings, guided or self-guided tours and art in community.
- LGBTQ+ Community Picnic
August 24th from 10AM-5PM
Georges Island
*NEW* Innovation Harborwalk Grant Recipients
StiggityStackz Worldwide Inc| Groove Punch Hour SMMR Beat
StiggityStackz Worldwide (SSW) has established a pathway for artists of all ages and backgrounds to develop a relationship with their body, movement, and rhythm. SSW is committed to providing the space and resources to inspire individual and community-level transformation while establishing Boston as a hub for creation and innovation within the freestyle dance scene.
- Stiggity Stackz | Groove Punch Hour SMMR Beat
June 13th from 4PM-8PM
Carson Beach
AfroDesiaCity Productions | Soulful Bliss: Arts and Music Festival
AfroDesia City is an independent event management company that works to support upcoming artists in management, event production, and community and cultural activation. They hope to create experiences for both artists and audiences that celebrate diversity and community through art and music. This summer, as a part of the new Innovation Harborwalk grant, AfroDesiaCity will be hosting a relaxing afternoon of art, music, and community at Castle Island.
- Soulful Bliss at Castle Island
July 20th from 12PM-6PM
Castle Island