We acknowledge and recognize that we do not all start from the same place. Equity focuses on systemic, systems-level change that works to adjust imbalances and repair historical harms. Together we can improve lives, strengthen communities and build a better—and more equal—Boston.
Who We Are
Aiyer, President and Founder of Boston Common Asset Management, and Rivers, Executive Chair and Chair of the Board of Directors at Eastern Bank, will be recognized as Equity Leaders at the event, which will celebrate ACF's growth and grantmaking on October 3.
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On August 6, 2024 at the Massachusetts State House, Gov. Maura Healey signed into law the Frances Perkins Wage Equity Act. The Boston Foundation is a proud partner, leading advocate and convener of the Wage Equity Now coalition, which has been working for years to bring this new law to fruition.
Read more on TBF's blog
The newly-revised 18-month program will provide over $1 million in grants and support to the artists, focusing on issues of broader well-being and sustainability, in addition to nurturing and developing the artists' creative practice.
Read about the artists and LAB program
The NonProfit Times announced the 2024 NPT Power & Influence Top 50, which include TBF's President and CEO Lee Pelton, spotlighting his focus on the racial wealth gap in Boston and TBF's $4 million investment for 6 nonprofit leaders through the "Shifting Power, Advancing Justice" initiative. We celebrate all the distinguished nonprofit leaders honored this year!
Read more about the honoreesWe 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
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
What should be the unified strategy to optimize the use of funding in a way that catapults the early education and child-care sector forward? The Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy joins The Boston Foundation for this report release, bringing together policymakers, advocates, funders, and providers to celebrate the successes of recent investments, identify challenges that remain, and explore how funding can best support the sector. The Rennie Center will share the results of their research on this topic, and a stakeholder panel will discuss how to act on key findings from the study.
To address our housing challenges, we must confront barriers embedded in our regulations. Boston Indicators contracted with JCHS and Utile to produce a new report, Legalizing Mid-Rise Single-Stair Housing in Massachusetts, which we are excited to discuss at this upcoming report release event. The report takes a close look at the building code requirement that residential buildings between three and six stories must include two staircases. By exploring the potential for allowing single- staircase designs, particularly in smaller, urban parcels, this report examines how we could unlock new possibilities for more affordable, space-efficient housing.
For its FY25 grantmaking cycle, LEF seeks applications from community nonprofits within TBF’s catchment area who are working towards the advancement of Latinos by creating economic prosperity opportunities, addressing health disparities, and supporting community well-being. Click the deadline button below to learn more.
Deadline: October 21
The Safety Net Grants program is designed to support social service organizations that respond to essential needs for marginalized communities and vulnerable residents in Greater Boston. Click the deadline button to learn more.
Deadline: October 21
With a mission to strengthen the field of dance in Greater Boston, Next Steps for Boston Dance provides multi-layered support for Greater Boston’s choreographers and Circus Artists. Click the deadline button to learn more.
Deadline: October 25
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.
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.
