Civic Leadership Campaign Receives Record Support

The Boston Foundation’s annual campaign for the Civic Leadership Fund raised a record $2.7 million in 2017-2018 and, as always, the donors were recognized in a full-page ad in the November 11 edition of the Boston Globe.

The Civic Leadership Fund fuels the unique role the Foundation plays by serving as a civic hub and center of information. It supports the Foundation’s research, forums and nonpartisan efforts to inform and educate lawmakers and civic leaders on critical policy topics that have an impact on our community. Last year, more than 5,000 people attended forums and 10 reports were published, including detailed studies of the housing market, public transportation and the leisure, hospitality and tourism sector. In addition, years of reports and policy work on the criminal justice system through a close partnership with MassINC contributed to the passage of groundbreaking criminal justice reform.

The co-chairs of the new 2018-2019 campaign are Brian Conway, TA Associates’ Chairman and Managing partner, and Jill Shah, entrepreneur and President of the Shah Family Foundation.

“The generous donors who support the Civic Leadership Fund are critical to the Boston Foundation’s ability to fulfill our mission,” says Sandra Edgerley, Chair of the Boston Foundation’s Board of Directors. “We are extremely fortunate that Brian and Jill have volunteered to lead efforts to engage new supporters, who will allow us to continue to drive outcomes in affordable housing, elementary and higher education, the arts, community health and economic development.”

“Supporting the Boston Foundation through the Civic Leadership Fund is table stakes for those who care about Boston,” says Conway, who has decades of experience in corporate and nonprofit governance and joined the Boston Foundation’s board in 2016. “Regardless of your philanthropic interests, supporting the Civic Leadership Fund should be a priority for every engaged member of our community.”

Shah has been a critical partner to the Boston Foundation, the Boston Public Schools and other organizations across the city in the areas of education, health care and community development through the Shah Family Foundation. She sees the Boston Foundation as an “excellent convener” of key players in business, philanthropy, nonprofits, government and media. “The Boston Foundation has been immensely successful in its role as a civic leader for decades,” she adds. “Its work provides access to people and information, and uncovers innovative solutions that otherwise wouldn’t exist.”