Equality Fund announces statewide expansion to support LGBTQ+ communities across Massachusetts

“As the LGBTQ+ population of Massachusetts becomes larger, more diverse, and more geographically spread across the state, it only makes sense that we shift our work to better reflect the reality of LGBTQ+ life statewide,” said Scott Knox, Executive Director of the Equality Fund. “This change also allows us to broaden grantmaking, opens the door to new relationships, and ensures LGBTQ+ organizations across Massachusetts can take part in the Fund's convening, research, and donor engagement work.”

The Equality Fund has continued to increase its funding amid growing need, thanks to generous donations from a widening group of donors. In its next grantmaking cycle, expected to open in January 2027, the Equality Fund expects to grant at least $700,000 to organizations that serve and strengthen LGBTQ+ communities across the state.

"The Boston Foundation does incredible work to strengthen our communities and expand opportunities for everyone," said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. "At a time when our LGBTQ+ community is facing major threats, it is so important that the Equality Fund is expanding their work to invest in organizations across the state that are providing the support and resources LGBTQ+ people need to succeed."

Among the Fund’s recent grantees is the LGBT Asylum Task Force, based in Worcester, which provides LGBTQ+ asylum seekers across Massachusetts with housing, financial aid, legal connections, career mentorship, and other support until they receive their work permits. Since 2008, the Task Force has supported more than 400 asylum seekers.

“This change... allows us to broaden grantmaking, opens the door to new relationships, and ensures LGBTQ+ organizations across Massachusetts can take part in the Fund's convening, research, and donor engagement work.”

– Scott Knox, Executive Director, The Equality Fund

“We’re deeply grateful to the Equality Fund for expanding statewide and recognizing that LGBTQ+ people and families live in every corner of the Commonwealth,” said Al Green, Ministry Director of the LGBT Asylum Task Force. “Their support means that we can keep standing up for people who have fled danger and struggle to navigate a complex immigration system. Our partnership is key to helping them build safe, stable lives here.”

In preparation for the 2027 grant cycle, the Fund is refining its systems and resources to ensure that organizations across Massachusetts are able to partner with the fund, and to better position the fund to grow its grantmaking thoughtfully and sustainably while continuing the same commitment to community support it has provided since its founding in 2012.

To date, the Equality Fund, guided by its advisory board of LGBTQ+ community leaders, has made more than $3.6 million in grants to nonprofit partners, hosted convenings on critical issues facing LGBTQ+ communities, and commissioned four first of its kind research reports on the LGBTQ+ community in MA - including reports on the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth and aging adults.

“The goal here is not to expand the map or reallocate resources already supporting LGBTQ+ communities from Provincetown to Pittsfield,” said Knox. “Rather, it is an opportunity for us to lean into research, relationships and levels of support that can more effectively meet the real needs of LGBTQ+ people in Massachusetts today.”