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Now is the time to move equity.

Now is the time to move Boston.

Our Work

We believe that closing the gap on the region’s greatest disparities opens pathways to opportunity, prosperity and equitable outcomes. This complex, challenging and critical goal requires tackling the individual-, systems- and root-level causes of inequity. Here's where we are digging in.

What We Do
Equity transparency
LGBT Pride flag couple

You by our side. Equity at the center.

The systemic and structural inequities at the core of our region’s disparities cannot be dismantled without extraordinary perseverance and collaboration among visionary and courageous partners, donors and leaders. Together we can improve lives and strengthen communities.

Our Work with Donors

Latest News

TBF arrow logo. Shifting Power and Advancing Justice 2024 Movement Leaders

TBF invests over $4 million in six movement leaders in launch of new ‘Shifting Power, Advancing Justice’ partnership

The six partners will work together in a three-year effort to strengthen their leadership and move their organizations forward in their efforts to spark social, economic and political change in the region.

Learn more and meet the leaders
Orlando and Candace

Our Journey to Community-Based Philanthropy

In the first of a new series from Orlando Watkins, our Chief Program Officer writes with Safety Net Grants Program Officer Candace Burton about the years-long learning journey to weave community leadership throughout our collective work.

Read more
TBF News Winter 2024. Photo: a woman stands outside and poses for a photo, behind her are green trees.

TBF News explores Advancing Community Wealth

Through affordable housing preservation, establishing and strengthening pathways to home ownership, helping to build and grow thriving cultural spaces, and fostering opportunities for Asian, Black, Indigenous and Latino-owned small businesses to thrive, TBF is focused on building stable, enriching and equitable communities across our region. These stories reflect our work in our Advancing Community Wealth pathway.

Read the Winter 2024 Edition

New Boston Indicators report explores the economic and demographic power of Greater Boston's immigrants

A new report in partnership with the Immigration Research Initiative shows that while the geographic makeup of Greater Boston's immigrants has shifted over the decades, immigrants remain an important force in the region's economy.

Read the report

Fueling change through civic leadership

Working beyond grantmaking, we collect data, commission research and share knowledge to inform public policy and catalyze conversations on issues with the greatest impact on the people of Greater Boston. 

Upcoming Events

 
A man dances in a crowd at a street festival
Vitas mori. Albus orexiss ducunt ad gabalium. Ubi est altus nomen? Liberi de castus bubo, pugna species! Persuadere diligenter ducunt ad bi-color barcas.

En Comunidad: A Spring Celebration in East Boston

You're invited to a spring community gathering hosted by TBF featuring live music, food from local businesses, and leaders from over 15 community organizations. TBF is excited to partner with local East Boston businesses, musicians, and nonprofits to create a fun, free, and family-friendly event at the beautiful Bremen Street Park. Come to listen, dance, learn, mingle, and enjoy delicious food together with your neighbors at this afternoon event. This event is free and open to the public – all ages are welcome. We hope to see you at Bremen Street Park on May 18th!

Register for this in person event
A black and white photo of a Latino family, a mother, father, and three children. They sit on a bench in front of a brick building. Layered behind the family is the light blue TBF arrow icon
Vitas mori. Albus orexiss ducunt ad gabalium. Ubi est altus nomen? Liberi de castus bubo, pugna species! Persuadere diligenter ducunt ad bi-color barcas.

The Latino Equity Fund Presents: ¡Pa’lante! A Decade of Impact

The year 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Latino Equity Fund’s (LEF) first grant cycle as an established equity fund at TBF. Over the fund's first decade, LEF has made a total of $1.8 million in grants to 70 organizations. To commemorate LEF’s impact over the last decade as the only philanthropic fund dedicated to Latinos in MA, the Fund is hosting a community celebration that will include Latinidad, music, performances and delicious local cuisine at Bow Market in Somerville. Please join us to celebrate!

Register for this in-person event

Current Grant Opportunities

Asian Community Fund image girl blowing bubbles
Vitas mori. Albus orexiss ducunt ad gabalium. Ubi est altus nomen? Liberi de castus bubo, pugna species! Persuadere diligenter ducunt ad bi-color barcas.

Asian Community Fund FY2024 grants

The Asian Community Fund is accepting applications now for general operating support grants of up to $15,000 to organizations and/or projects that primarily serve the AAPI community in Massachusetts, with an focus on collaborative efforts to convene, catalyze and build capacity for AAPI people and organizations to advance policy and systems change.

Click here to learn more and apply

Pathways to Equity

The Boston Foundation's 2023 annual report, organized around our four pathways to equity, tells some profoundly personal stories about how our donors and our nonprofit partners have the capacity to change lives. We offer deep thanks to our nonprofit partners who collaborated with us on this report and especially to those who shared their personal and inspiring stories with us.

We are a hub of partnerships and networks that work with and answer to the communities we serve. We collect data, commission research, share knowledge, develop programs, and fuel new ideas.