Cummings Foundation names recipients of the $25 Million Grant Program for Greater Boston nonprofits
Shown (from left) are: Halyne Daveiga, Telma Correia, Walter De Pina and Neidy Gomes.
Boston, MA Scores of Massachusetts nonprofits are celebrating significant new grants through the annual Cummings $25 Million Grant Program. Emails proclaiming “You got it!” recently arrived at 140 charities to herald their receipt of $100,000 - $500,000 each.
These organizations largely represent causes related to social justice, human services, education, and healthcare. In keeping with Cummings Foundation’s focus on local giving, they are based in and serve Suffolk, Middlesex, and Essex counties.
The Foundation aims, through its place-based philanthropy, to give back in the areas where it owns commercial buildings, all of which are managed on a pro bono basis by its affiliate, Cummings Properties. Founded in 1970 by Bill Cummings, the commercial real estate firm leases and manages 11 million s/f of suburban space, the majority of which exclusively benefits the Foundation.
One hundred of the nonprofits were each awarded $100,000, mostly payable over two to five years. The remaining 40 grantees, which have all previously received a Cummings grant, will receive 10-year funding totaling $200,000 - $500,000 each.
“This is a significant investment in our work advancing equity for Black, Brown, and Immigrant students through education and leadership development,” said Fatima Harvey, chief development officer at Freedom House. The Dorchester-based nonprofit will use its $350,000 10-year award to fund educational and mentorship programs designed to set and keep students of color on the path to college graduation. Harvey also noted the fringe benefits of receiving a Cummings grant. “Commitments such as these unlock even greater opportunities for our organization to pursue less accessible funding opportunities, such as challenge grants, because we can leverage the reliability of funding from Cummings Foundation,” she said.
One of the largest private foundations in New England, the $3.4 billion Cummings Foundation has awarded more than $375 million to greater Boston nonprofits to date.
“Nonprofits are critical contributors to the greater Boston community,” said Dennis Clarke, trustee of Cummings Foundation and chairman and CEO of Cummings Properties. “Part of being a good neighbor is supporting their life-changing, community-enhancing work.”
The full list of new and past grant recipients can be found at www.CummingsFoundation.org.