The Lincoln & Therese Filene Foundation makes grants to tax-exempt organizations and institutions primarily in Massachusetts with some consideration given to other New England-based programs.

In keeping with its founders' interests, the Foundation's major goals are:

• to enable those who are disadvantaged in various ways to help themselves and others,
• to reduce social conflicts and create harmonious communities,
• to encourage informed civic participation on local, state and regional levels, and
• to promote participation in the performing arts.

To achieve these goals, the Foundation awards grants to educational institutions, public television, and other non-profit, tax-exempt organizations whose proposals are specific and achievable, and whose successes can be replicated by other organizations.