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.
Click to read more
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
Special Purpose Credit Programs (SPCPs) are tools designed to support underserved and economically disadvantaged communities through targeted lending products. This event will bring together financial and legal experts, policymakers, and community leaders to discuss the design, implementation, and impact of SPCPs, drawing on their real-world experiences.
AAPI businesses are the fastest-growing ownership sector in Massachusetts, yet they continue to be misunderstood and under-supported. The Asian Business Empowerment Council (ABEC) initiated a multi-year study to explore the unique challenges and opportunities faced by AAPI entrepreneurs. This event will delve into the study's findings, offering insights and recommendations from community organizations, funders, and AAPI business owners, and engaging a panel of experts to discuss policy and practice strategies for driving change.
How do we ensure citywide goals guide high-quality, relevant, and flexible college and career pathways for young people in Boston? This event will bring together local education leaders to discuss the collective ways we can achieve citywide goals, prepare for challenges ahead, and leverage opportunities to strengthen the ecosystem of career-connected learning options.
In Massachusetts, quality childcare and early education are limited and expensive, particularly for Black and Latino children. This forum will bring together local experts to discuss the latest trends and challenges in childcare and early education and their impact on communities of color, and provide a networking opportunity for attendees, providers and officials. Click below to register or to learn more about other events in the series.
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.
