TBF joins City of Boston to announce public-private funding partnership to support immigrants
The Boston Foundation, United Way of Massachusetts Bay, and Barr Foundation commit more than $3.1 million new funding to keep residents safe and respond to critical needs
March 10, 2026
March 10, 2026 – Published by the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA)
Mayor Michelle Wu today joined municipal leaders and community organizations to announce a new funding partnership and highlight ongoing resources and programs to support Boston residents and families in response to critical needs facing Boston immigrant communities. Mayor Wu and City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune announced a collective initial commitment of more than $3.1 million in new funding from The Boston Foundation, Barr Foundation, and United Way of Massachusetts Bay. Mayor Wu also highlighted that the City recently awarded more than $1.3 million through the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA) to support access to critical services and resources for Boston’s immigrant communities. Mayor Wu, local officials, and philanthropic partners today called on donors, funders, businesses, and residents to join this collaborative effort to ensure Boston and the region's immigrant communities are supported and connected to services. This announcement builds on ongoing work by the City to protect residents and Mayor Wu’s work to make Boston a home for everyone.
“Boston continues to stand in solidarity with communities across the region to support our residents amid the federal administration’s ongoing attacks” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “At a time when many residents are facing uncertainty, Boston is taking every step and action to come together across sectors to ensure everyone has access to services and resources. I’m grateful to Councilor Louijeune for her leadership and our partners at the Barr Foundation, The Boston Foundation, and United Way of Massachusetts Bay for always stepping up for our community.”
“At a time when our immigrant communities face growing uncertainty due to shifting federal policies, Boston must lead with preparation and coordination. We are proud to announce a public-private partnership, made possible thanks to the leadership and support of United Way, The Boston Foundation, and the Barr Foundation.” said City Councilor At-Large Ruthzee Louijeune. "This is a call to action for all of us to do more for our immigrant communities who are facing tremendous challenges. That includes our philanthropic community, donors, government, and partners across the region. By strengthening collaboration with trusted community organizations, we can ensure families and organizations can quickly access critical resources, from legal support to emergency assistance. Boston must remain a city that welcomes immigrants and takes care of all our residents. It is our responsibility to ensure every family knows they are supported and that our city is prepared to stand with them.
Building on ongoing efforts across the City of Boston to respond to critical needs facing Boston immigrant communities, The Boston Foundation, United Way of Massachusetts Bay, and the Barr Foundation are providing grants to organizations that are helping our immigrants access critical services, contribute to our economy, and exercise their legal rights. More information on external funds can be found on Boston Foundation webpage and United Way of Massachusetts Bay webpage.
Meeting the Moment: Supporting Our Immigrant Neighbors
As immigrants and those who work with them come under continuing threat, join us in partnership to provide legal protect, support communities and advocate for truth and justice.
I’m grateful to Councilor Louijeune for her leadership and our partners at the Barr Foundation, The Boston Foundation, and United Way of Massachusetts Bay for always stepping up for our community," - Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
"Boston would not be the dynamic, vibrant, multicultural, world-class city it is today without the contributions of thousands of immigrants," said Lee Pelton, President and CEO of the Boston Foundation. "We stand proudly with Mayor Wu, our nonprofit and philanthropic partners, and all those who recognize that just as we all reap the rewards when we welcome and protect our immigrant neighbors, we all pay the price when shortsighted and cruel federal actions seek to rip apart the fabric of our communities. Through our own ‘Meeting the Moment: Supporting our Immigrant Neighbors’ program, and our collective partnership with the Mayor, we can and will meet current needs, push back against lies and misinformation, and build a strong base to resist the unjust treatment of anyone in our city and Commonwealth."
“The need to ensure immigrants and their families can remain housed, stay in school, and access food, healthcare and childcare has never been greater,” said Marty Martinez, President and Chief Executive Officer at United Way of Massachusetts Bay. “United Way is proud to partner with city leaders to prepare for what lies ahead and ensure immigrant communities can access support with dignity, protection and coordination. We are activating our United Response Fund to mobilize additional resources in addition to the millions of dollars we have already distributed and are calling on donors and funders to join us in supporting frontline community-based organizations serving immigrant families so we can respond quickly and effectively together.”
Mayor Wu also announced today that MOIA awarded $1.3 million in grants and external funds to support local organizations that provide legal access, community-led mental health and well-being programming, and neighborhood support initiatives for residents. Together, the awarded programs will allocate $1,312,782, with the majority of funding from the City of Boston’s fiscal year 2026 annual operating budget and $53,000 composed of grants and donations.
“The need to support our local organizations doing the work to connect, educate, and empower our communities is invaluable,” said Mariangely Solis Cervera, Chief of Equity and Inclusion. “This financial investment in community resources will help us be prepared for what lies ahead and remain committed to our values.”
“MOIA remains committed to the well-being of all our communities, and to empowering residents to support their neighborhoods. Through these grants, we are providing essential funds to meet people where they are at and strengthen the fabric of community-building programs,” said Monique Tú Nguyen, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement.
The grant funds are spread across three programs: Immigration Legal Access, Weaving Well-Being, and Strengthening Boston's Diverse Neighborhoods. The grants are allocated as follows: For a full list of organizations, read the Mayor's press release on boston.gov.