Boston Foundation awards $470,000 in grants in partnership with Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund

Boston – The Boston Foundation today announced the distribution of $470,000 to 12 Eastern Massachusetts nonprofits in grants made possible by the Massachusetts COVID-19 Response Fund. The slate brings the number of grants to nonprofit partners through our COVID-related grant programs to more than 250, totaling just over $8 million.

“We would like to thank First Lady Lauren Baker and the entire team behind the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund both for stepping up in an unprecedented time of need and for their innovative partnership,” said Paul S. Grogan, President and CEO of the Boston Foundation. “Community foundations play a powerful role in cities and towns across the Commonwealth, and we appreciate the Fund’s recognition of the work our colleagues around the state are doing, and of the extensive knowledge and expertise community foundation staff could play in getting much-needed funds out to nonprofits statewide.”

The Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund supports those across the state most impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis, focusing on essential frontline workers and vulnerable populations including the homeless, immigrant populations, people with disabilities, and those facing food insecurity. The Fund works in concert with regional community foundations and nonprofit leaders who partner with local leaders to understand the response and relief landscape, strategically filling in where gaps are pronounced.

This round of grants brings the total funds distributed by the Boston Foundation/Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund partnership to over $3 million.

The following grants are made possible by our partnership with the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund. All grants are for general operating support. Grant amounts are noted with each grantee. Location listed is the grantee location, which may differ from the communities served by the grant.

Chinese Cultural Connection, Inc. (Everett): $35,000 – To provide funds for basic necessities such as rent, food through local supermarket gift cards.

Community Action Programs Inter-City, Inc. (Chelsea): $35,000 – To purchase gift cards at local markets, to be distributed to individuals and families in need so that they can buy food and basic necessities.

Ellie Fund (Needham): $35,000– To provide prepared and delivered meals to patients struggling with breast cancer. Funding would also go to cover transportation costs and childcare support to children of single-parent households.

Everett Grace & Food Pantry (Everett): $40,000 – To purchase food items and to support elderly residents by covering medical expenses related to COVID-19, as well as supporting rent and utility expenses for families in need.

Everett Haitian Community Center (Everett): $40,000 – To provide food assistance to families disproportionately affected by COVID-19, including the purchase of hot meals and food products. Funding will also be used to cover rental expenses for members of the community.

Greenroots, Inc. (Chelsea): $45,000 – To provide assistance from The One Chelsea Fund, which provides food and housing assistance to vulnerable members of the community, as well as support the administration of the Fund.

MSPCA Angell (Boston): $40,000 – To source, distribute, and purchase pet food for Massachusetts human food pantries.  MSPCA will also use the funds to increase the delivery of pet food to homebound pet owners who are the most vulnerable and disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

Muslim Community Support Services, Inc. (Burlington): $35,000 – To provide rental assistance and purchase gift cards for food for individuals and families in need.

NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, Inc. (Quincy):  $40,000 – To provide food and housing assistance to members of the community, as well as support the organization’s efforts to meet increased community need.

South Shore YMCA (Quincy): $40,000 – To support the operation of the South Shore Y’s food pantry, meals delivery service, and emergency shelter.

The Neighborhood Developers (Chelsea): $45,000 – To provide food and housing assistance to vulnerable members of the community, as well as supporting the organization’s efforts to meet community needs.

United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley (Randolph): $40,000 – To support the Randolph Resiliency Fund, which provides gift cards, and other forms of assistance such as food and housing to Randolph residents. This fund was created in collaboration between the City of Randolph, United Way of Mass Bay, Neighborworks, and South Shore Stars.