CASTLE SQUARE TENANTS ORGANIZATION CHARITABLE TRUST
The Castle Square Tenants Organization 2020 Charitable Trust (the “Trust”) was formed in November 2020 with a contribution from Castle Square Tenants Organization (“CSTO”). CSTO is the managing partner of Castle Square Apartments, a 500-unit affordable housing development in the South End of Boston, Massachusetts.
The Trust’s purpose is to act as a supporting organization for CSTO as well as to support other organizations in the area which advance its mission. The Trust is governed by up to eight Trustees appointed by the CSTO Board of Directors. Four Trustees are tenants at Castle Square and four are independent.
The Trust envisions communities where low-and moderate-income and residents of all races and ethnicities have the power, voice, and resources to build a united front where racial and societal wealth disparities are actively addressed and eliminated, advancing a more just, equitable, and prosperous society.
TRUST AWARDS $868,000 in 2025 GRANTS
The Trustees awarded mini grants to nine eligible organizations in February 2025 and made final awards to twenty eligible organizations in June 2025. These included grants for youth development, education, and anti-violence programs, as well as grants for tenant-centered initiatives in affordable housing communities.
Trust awarding Castle Square $100,000 to set up the scholarship program for residents!
Have questions? Contact us: info.trust@cstoboston.org
CSTO Trust Grant Program Priorities
The CSTO Trust’s Grant Program aims to support communities where low- and moderate- income and residents of all races and ethnicities have the power, voice, and resources to build a united front, where racial and societal wealth disparities are actively addressed and eliminated, advancing a more just, equitable, and prosperous society.
The Trust cares deeply about two areas and will target funding to these two priorities:
Youth/Child Development and EducationOrganizations and programs that serve school-age children ages 6 to 19 and/or older youth up to age 21 who need support transitioning to adulthood. Programs include but are not limited to:Out-of-School-Time programsYouth leadership programsCollege/career/job exploration and readiness programsESOL classes for recent immigrants who are older youthMental and behavioral health programsYouth anti-violence initiatives
Affordable Housing, especiallyTechnical assistance for Creation and preservationResident servicesStrengthening resident-controlled affordable housing developments, for example, board leadership development and capacity-building andTenant organizing
Funding is targeted toward three Boston neighborhoods, the South End, Chinatown, and Lower Roxbury. Please note that the South End includes Bay Village; Chinatown includes the Leather District; and Lower Roxbury’s southern border is Malcolm X Boulevard/Dudley Street. Any questions about the service area should be addressed to Info.trust@cstoboston.org.
Geography
Range of Grant Awards
The CSTO Trust will consider grant requests of up to $40,000. Applications for up to $10,000 may be processed on an expedited basis based on a Letter of Interest, and may not require the “Full Proposal Review” described as “Step 2” in the Guidelines. Grant requests $10,001-$40,000 will be subject to the full review process.
The 2026 Guidelines are in development and will be published soon.
Application Process
CSTO TRUST GRANT PROGRAM
The CSTO Trust's Grant Program aims to strengthen, deepen, and grow resources and relationships in Boston and beyond. Three values anchor the vision and mission of the CSTO Trust.
Respect
We recognize, celebrate, and support each person’s unique talents, experiences, and perspectives, believing that everyone can contribute positively to their communities.
Representative Leadership
CSTO’s history and current efforts reflect the ethos “Do nothing about me without me.” We believe that change is only sustainable if leaders are inclusive and reflect their communities.
The CSTO Trust’s objective is to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals, families, and entire communities so that all may experience a multifaceted sense of hope, health, and well-being.
Impact
CSTO Trust Advisors:
Deborah Backus-Executive Director, CSTO
Vivian Lee-Senior Advisor, CSTO
Daphne Bishop - Consultant to CSTO Trust
Chaletta Huertas, GMA Foundations - Consultant to CSTO Trust
Trustees:
Jonathan Klein-Chair, Retired Attorney
Ann Moy-Vice-Chair, Retired Boston Public School Teacher
Kathryn McHugh-Treasurer, Executive VP, Financial Products & Services, Civic Builders
Terrance Woolfork-Gym Manager
Vince O’Donnell-Affordable Housing Consultant
Vernon Mills, Director CSTO
Chu Huang-Consultant