The Boston Foundation announces nearly $4.2 million in grants

Boston – The Boston Foundation today announced $4,181,000 in grants to 70 organizations in its final round of grantmaking for the 2022 Fiscal Year. In addition to $2,054,000 approved by the Board of Directors as part of the quarterly grants docket, the Board also approved $1,100,000 in Open Door Grants to 22 organizations and an additional $1,027,000 in one-year grants to organizations who work in areas specified by donors who established restricted and field-of-interest funds as part of the Foundation’s grantmaking docket.

The vast majority – 93 percent – of the grants announced today are for general operating support, providing the greatest flexibility for organizations to use the funds as needed to advance their efforts in their communities.

“We know from experience that general operating support can provide the most powerful support for knowledgeable, community-based leaders and organizations to have impact,” said M. Lee Pelton, President and CEO of the Boston Foundation. “We are also especially pleased this quarter to be able to support the powerful work of people and organizations supporting some communities, such as elders, those with disabilities, women, and girls, who can be too often overlooked in times of crisis.”

The docket includes continuing support for arts in education, through a $100,000 grant continuing our support for EdVestors’ BPS Arts Expansion Initiative and a three-year, $225,000 general operating support grant for Boston Arts Academy, Boston's only public high school for the visual and performing arts.

In addition, the grants list includes $336,000 in support for college completion efforts through the Success Boston initiative, supporting six organizations that have provided coaches through Success Boston to assist students as they navigate their postsecondary careers.

In early education, the Foundation continues its support for the Institute for Early Education Leadership and Innovation at the University of Massachusetts-Boston, with a $100,000 grant. The Institute provides training and development for early childhood educators and center operators to help them improve their practice, programs, policies and systems at a time when the sector is under unprecedented stress.

And a $150,000 grant to Massachusetts General Hospital will serve as the culmination of the “First 1000 Days” project, which studied the impact of health supports and counseling for pregnant women and children during their first two years of life. The groundbreaking study found that the systems-level interventions developed by the program reduced rates of excess weight gain, anxiety and stress during pregnancy, and increased the likelihood of the children maintaining healthy weights at six and 12 months.

The grant will support efforts by the MGH Office of Community and Health Equity to develop the First 1,000 Days Obesity Prevention Package, a toolkit that will disseminate the lessons learned from the project.

The full docket is listed below:

Quarterly Grants: $2,154,000

Arts and Culture/Education:

EdVestors: A one-year, $100,000 project support grant to EdVestors, an organization that works to increase the number of schools in Boston delivering dramatically improved educational outcomes for all students, to support Phase V of the BPS Arts Expansion Initiative.

Education – College Completion

Boston Higher Education Resource Center: A $50,000 one-year general operating support grant to Boston HERC, which supports BPS graduates as they transition to college.

Boston Private Industry Council: An $86,000 one-year general operating support grant to Boston Private Industry Council, Inc., which supports BPS graduates as they transition to college.

Bottom Line, Inc.: A $30,000 one-year general operating support grant to Bottom Line, Inc., which supports BPS graduates as they transition to college.

Hyde Square Task Force, Inc.: A $60,000 one-year general operating support grant to Hyde Square Task Force, Inc., which supports Latinx and Black BPS graduates as they transition to college.

Sociedad Latina, Inc: A $50,000 one-year general operating grant to Sociedad Latina, which supports BPS graduates as they transition to college.

West End House Boys and Girls Club: A $60,000 one-year general operating support grant to West End House Boys & Girls Club, which supports BPS graduates as they transition to college.

Education – Structural Reform

Boston Arts Academy: A $225,000 three-year general operating support grant to Boston Arts Academy, Boston's only public high school for the visual and performing arts.

Boston Opportunity Agenda: A $75,000 one-year general operating support grant for the Boston Opportunity Agenda, a collective impact cradle-to-career partnership housed at the Boston Foundation, in support of their mission to build a more just and equitable education system and supportive ecosystem.

Camp Harbor View Foundation: A $100,000 one-year general operating support grant for Camp Harbor View, a multi-service organization with programs and initiatives that address the broad needs of families and young people, beginning with an engaging and enriching summer camp and extending throughout the year. Funds will support the summer camp, the summer trimester of the Leader in Training program (LIT), and crosscutting Clinical Services for campers and LITs.

Massachusetts Charter Public School Association: A $75,000 one-year general operating support grant to the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association, an organization that works to ensure that children and families in Boston and across the Commonwealth have access to high-quality public schools.

Philanthropy Massachusetts: A $120,000 three-year general operating grant to the Summer Fund at Philanthropy Massachusetts to support summer programming.

Education – Early Childhood

University of Massachusetts Foundation: A $100,000 one-year general operating support grant to the Institute for Early Education Leadership and Innovation at UMass, which trains and mobilizes the racially and linguistically diverse early childhood workforce, to lead for change and quality improvement in their practice, programs, and in policies and systems.

Health and Wellness

Health Resources in Action, Inc.: A $100,000 one-year project support grant for the Child and Adolescent Health Initiative, a multidisciplinary coalition of health care professionals that will create a learning community to establish a shared understanding of challenges and successes of the 1115 MassHealth waiver implementation, and will continue to advocate for the well-being of children and their families.

Massachusetts General Hospital: A $150,000 one-year project support grant to the Massachusetts General Hospital Office of Community and Health Equity to develop the First 1,000 Days Obesity Prevention Package, a toolkit that will disseminate the lessons learned from the First 1,000 Days action research project.

Jobs and Economic Development:

Local Enterprise Assistance Fund: A $120,000 two-year project support grant to support the Elevate Small Business program. Funds will support the growth of this initiative, which provides key resources including low-cost financing, free of charge technical assistance, and procurement support which are critical resources for businesses to start, stabilize, and grow in Greater Boston.

Startup Mentors: A $40,000 one-year grant to Startup Mentors (dba Women of Color Entrepreneurs), an organization that provides wrap-around support to women of color business owners.

Neighborhoods and Housing

Boston Tenant Coalition: A $70,000 one-year general operating support grant to Boston Tenant Coalition, an organization that promotes affordable housing in Boston, organizes to defend and expand the rights of tenants, and pushes city, state and federal government as well as private industry to address the needs of low-income tenants, for added capacity to monitor the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing implementation.

Massachusetts Alliance of HUD Tenants: A $60,000 one-year general operating support grant payable to Boston Affordable Housing Coalition, Inc. for the Massachusetts Alliance of HUD Tenants, an organization that preserves and improves at-risk buildings as permanently affordable housing with a maximum of resident participation, ownership and control, for their policy advocacy and resident organizing work.

Project R.I.G.H.T.: A $15,000 one-year general operating support grant to Project R.I.G.H.T., an agency that empowers neighborhood residents by building the capacity of residents and their organizations while supporting their organizing and civic activities for their resource advocacy work in the Grove Hall neighborhood of Dorchester.

Social Justice Ecology:

Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation: A $40,000 one-year general operating support grant to the Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation to support the Anti-Racism/Equity Army Academy, an initiative to dismantle racism, by building a base of grassroots constituents to enact change through education and engagement, leadership development, and opportunities to dismantle oppressive systems, policies, and programs. This grant will support building the capacity to launch the first module of the Anti-Racism/Equity Academy this year and support civic engagement on anti-racism efforts.

Emerson College: $40,000 one-year general operating support grant to The Engagement Lab at Emerson College to support capacity to build on their work beyond the classroom, developing fully immersed power-building sessions with community residents and leaders to transform the dominant narratives of gun violence in Boston. As a critical pillar of social change and disruption, narrative power building is an essential tool for creating long-lasting change that destabilizes long-held stereotypes and notions regarding the causes, impacts, and social health outcomes in predominantly low-income communities of color in our region.

GenUnity: A $40,000 one-year general operating support grant to support GenUnity in growing an equitable pipeline of aspiring leaders to critically evaluate, navigate, and drive change on community issues. Through GenUnity’s leadership programs, residents in Boston and greater Boston can build the capacity to effect change by learning about and discussing topics relevant to them and their local community, engaging meaningfully with their peers, and collaborating with community leaders tackling the issues of today.

Massachusetts Nonprofit Network: one-year $83,000 project support grant to support the MNN/YW Boston partnership pilot to create two new, focused Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs for nonprofit leaders and managers built around cohort learning and a community of practice; designed to both deepen this work within nonprofit participant staff groups and organizations as well as intentionally share resulting stories, knowledge and impact information with a broader nonprofit audience, tapping into MNN’s powerful member communications platforms.

More Than Words, Inc: A $40,000 one-year general operating support grant to More Than Words and their "Power Is Yours" advocacy team, led by young people at MTW working together on community-defined topics to address issues and laws that impact their lives. This team provides an opportunity for youth to educate themselves about essential community matters and engage stakeholders, community leaders, and elected officials to advocate for laws and system changes that are critical for their success.

TSNE: A $125,000 one-year project support grant to support updating pivotal, high-demand reports for the nonprofit sector in New England, including Valuing Our Nonprofit Workforce, Leadership New England and its related Opportunity in Change reports, which seek to understand the changes and challenges of nonprofit leadership as it relates to compensation, benefits, staffing shortages, leadership support and development, and the dynamics of ongoing social justice and COVID- 19 impacts, with a focus on outcomes for leaders of color.

Open Door Grants: $1,100,000

The Boston Foundation also is pleased to award $50,000, two-year general operating support grants to 22 organizations as a part of the Open Door Grants program. Open Door Grants are general supporet grants especially focused on organizations serving and building power in communities historically excluded from institutional philanthropy and whose leadership reflects the demographic composition and lived experiences of communities they serve.

The following organizations each received grants in this cycle:

Better Future Project, Inc., an organization made up of a network of local leaders building grassroots climate resilience through inclusive & hands-on education, service, and planning.

Boston Music Project, an organization that works to ensure the social-emotional and musical success of all Boston youth

Bridges from School to Work, an organization that transforms the lives of young adults with disabilities through the power of a job.

Community Caring Clinic, Inc., an organization that provides an opportunity for underserved children, young people, families, and individuals to promote and strengthen their mental, spiritual, and physical health

Doc Wayne Youth Services, Inc., an organization that supports youth facing mental health challenges and disabilities through individual and group therapy, therapeutic mentoring and therapeutic recess.

Food Link, Inc., an organization that rescues fresh food, alleviates hunger, and contributes to environmental sustainability.

Future Chefs, an organization that prepares teens for success after high school, and a lifetime of economic security through culinary arts training.

Get Girls Going, an organization that empowers Black teen girls to create social enterprises that solve problems in the world and equips them to be leaders.

Healing Abuse Working for Change, Inc., an organization that creates social change by providing support, shelter, advocacy, resources, and recovery services to survivors of domestic violence and their children.

iBlossom Girls Program, an organization that helps young women with complex needs overcome their challenges and enhance their strengths through personal development, health and wellness coaching, and education/career support.

Justice at Work, an organization that supports workers in low-wage jobs to exercise collective power by providing labor and employment legal services, training, and strategic guidance to workers’ organizations.

Korean Cultural Society of Boston, an organization that introduces and promotes Korean arts and cultural forms to a broad spectrum of audiences.

La Alianza Hispana, Inc., an organization that empowers individuals and strengthens Boston’s Latino community by leveraging internal and external partnerships to provide social and health services and resources.

Madison Park Development Corporation, an organization that fosters a vibrant, healthy Roxbury neighborhood and supports its well-being and advancement.

One Square World, an organization that provides community-centered planning and policy development, facilitation, training, and movement support toward equity and sustainability.

Perkins School for the Blind, an organization that prepares children and young adults who are blind, deafblind, or visually impaired, including those who have additional disabilities, with the education, confidence, and skills they need to realize their potential.

Phoenix, an organization building a sober active community that fuels resilience and harnesses the transformational power of connection for recovery.

Possibilities Here, Inc., an organization that breaks the cycles of poverty and abuse experienced by young women in and from the foster care system so they may achieve success in work, family, and life.

Quincy Asian Resources, an organization that empowers immigrants by improving their social, cultural, economic and civic lives.

Rogerson Communities, an organization that helps elderly and low-income men and women, across generations and diverse cultural traditions, with housing, health and supportive services.

Theater Offensive, Inc., an organization that presents liberating art by, for, and about queer and trans people of color that transcends artistic boundaries, celebrates cultural abundance, and dismantles oppression.

Uptima Entrepreneur Cooperative, an organization that provides holistic and culturally relevant education to support diverse entrepreneurs in creating thriving businesses in service to their communities.

Field of Interest Grants:  $1,027,000

In addition to the regular docket of Open Door Grants, the Boston Foundation also awarded a docket of one-time general operating support grants to exemplary Open Door applicants or grantees whose work aligns with one of our field of interest funds. These funds are earmarked for organizations that support older adults, people with disabilities, girls and women, foster care and adoption, environmental justice, and youth education and music.

Boston Home, Inc: A one-time $75,000 general operating support grant to Boston Home, Inc., an organization that seeks to provide exceptional clinical care, compassion, and innovative programs to adults with disabilities due to progressive and advanced neurological disorders.

Charles River Conservancy: A one-time $23,000 general operating support grant to Charles River Conservancy, Inc., an organization that seeks to make the Charles River and its parks a well-maintained network of natural urban places that invite and engage all in their use and stewardship

Chica Project: A one-time $28,000 general operating support grant to Chica Project, an organization that seeks to close the opportunity divide that leaves young women of color behind—with limited access to education, financial stability, social capital and political power.

Clean Water Fund: A one-time $23,000 general operating support grant to Clean Water Fund, an organization whose mission is to develop strong grassroots environmental leadership and to bring together diverse constituencies to work cooperatively for changes that improve their lives, focused on health, consumer, environmental and community problems.

Conservation Law Foundation: A one-time $23,000 general operating support grant to Conservation Law Foundation, an organization that seeks to protect New England’s environment for the benefit of all people, using the law, science, and the market to create solutions that preserve our natural resources, build healthy communities, and sustain a vibrant economy.

Hamilton-Garrett Music and Arts Academy: A one-time $50,000 general operating support grant to Hamilton-Garrett Music and Arts Academy, an organization affiliated with the Historic Charles Street A.M.E Church in Roxbury that is committed to the development of Boston's next generation of innovative artists through the celebration and preservation of Black music, including spirituals.

Health Care Without Walls: A one-time $63,000 general operating support grant to Health Care Without Walls, an organization that seeks to improve the lives of women who are homeless or marginally housed through compassionate, high-quality health care, education, and advocacy, for their Bridges to Elders program, which provides immediate health care and intensive case management for homeless women age 55+ making referrals for health care, food, housing, transportation, and safety; and providing advocacy and support.

Hearth, Inc.: A one-time $63,000 general operating support grant to Hearth, Inc., an organization that seeks to eliminate elder homelessness, which is accomplished through a unique blend of prevention, placement, and housing programs all designed to help elders find and succeed in homes of their own.

Hopewell, Inc.: A one-time $75,000 general operating support grant to Hopewell, Inc., an organization that provides foster care services and services for adults with disabilities.

Inquilinos Boricuas en Accion: A one-time $63,000 general operating support grant to Inquilinos Boricuas en Accion, a dynamic community development corporation that started in the South End neighborhood of Boston, to address the displacement of low-income families due to urban development, for support of their work with elders.

Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly: A one-time $63,000 general operating support grant to Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly, a network of nonprofit volunteer-based organizations committed to relieving isolation and loneliness among the elderly.

MAB Community Services: A one-time $75,000 general operating support grant MAB Community Services, Inc., an organization committed to creating opportunities and transforming the lives of individuals with disabilities, with the goal of empowering and supporting individuals so that they can live healthy, independent, and engaged lives that enrich our larger communities, for their blind and visually impaired division.

Massachusetts Peace Action Education Fund: A one-time $28,000 general operating support grant to Massachusetts Peace Action Education Foundation, an organization whose mission is to support disarming nuclear weapons while also advocating for non-military solutions for international issues, educating voters on peace issues, and more. They are currently working specifically on advocacy around the Russia & Ukrainian conflict.

Mother Caroline Academy and Education Center: A one-time $50,000 general operating support grant to Mother Caroline Academy and Education Center, an organization that empowers girls in grades 3-8 to think bigger, bolder, and beyond through educational excellence, leadership development, and community stewardship in a safe space that fosters social and emotional learning.

Partners for Youth with Disabilities, Inc.: A one-time $75,000 general operating support grant to Partners for Youth with Disabilities, Inc., an organization that empowers youth with disabilities to reach their full potential by providing transformative mentoring programs, youth development opportunities, and inclusion expertise.

Piers Park Sailing Center, Inc.: A one-time $75,000 general operating support grant to Piers Park Sailing Center, Inc., an organization that provides inclusive empowerment through marine science and community sailing, for support of their inclusive youth development work.

Resilient Sisterhood Project: A one-time $28,000 general operating support grant to Resilient Sisterhood Project, an organization whose mission is to educate and empower girls and women of African descent affected by diseases of the reproductive system.

Rounding the Bases: A one-time $63,000 general operating support grant to Rounding the Bases, a resource provision-oriented program, the core of which centers around connecting clients to training, education, employment, housing, food and other services, with special attention to the increasing needs of the senior population, for their work to benefit the elderly.

Strong Women, Strong Girls: A one-time $28,000 general operating support grant to Strong Women, Strong Girls, an organization that empowers girls to imagine a broader future for themselves through afterschool sessions facilitated by college mentors, who are themselves mentored by professional women.

United Nations Association of Greater Boston: A one-time $28,000 general operating support grant to the United Nations Association of Greater Boston, an organization that is dedicated to building a strong network of global citizens in the Boston area.

We Are Better Together – Warren Daniel Hairston Project, Inc: A one-time $28,000 general operating support grant to We are Better Together Warren Daniel Hairston Project, Inc., an organization that connects and heals women and girls affected by homicide and incarceration to prevent the cycles of violence and victimization.

The Board also acknowledged several grants made between quarterly meetings through other funds available to the Foundation. They included:

American Alliance for Museums: $20,000
For the 2022 Annual Meeting and Museum Expo

Boston Landmarks Orchestra, Inc.: $50,000
For the 2022 summer season of free concerts at the Hatch Shell

Civic Action Project, Inc.: $35,000
For general operating support

Discovering Justice - The James D. St. Clair Court Education Project: $50,000
For general operating support

Esplanade Association, Inc.: $30,000
For the Groundbeat series of concerts at the Hatch Shell

Freedom House, Inc: $50,000
For general operating support

Massachusetts Early Childhood Funders Collaborative: $10,000
For Early Childhood Systems Map and Data Overview

RIZE Massachusetts Foundation, Inc.: $25,000
For the Mass and Cass Reconciliation Initiative

Vital Village Network: $25,000
For work to address maternal health equity

Hildebrand Family Self-Help Center, Inc.: $10,000
For the Neighborhood Emergency Housing Support Program

HomeStart, Inc.: $15,000
For the Neighborhood Emergency Housing Support Program

Lastly, the Board recognized several grants during the quarter by the Foundation and its initiatives, including several that were announced previously in Foundation press releases. Among the funds involved:

Boston Opportunity Agenda Fund: $95,000
King Boston: $131,500
COVID-19 Response Fund: $825,000