Every day, the Boston Foundation works closely with nonprofit organizations, philanthropists, civic and business leaders and public officials to build a Greater Boston that works for everyone.
Core to our mission is to help individuals, families and businesses pursue effective and fulfilling philanthropy. We engage personally to share our deep knowledge of the region and of the logistics of giving, as well as opportunities to learn about Boston-area nonprofits and to join a community of donors.
Beyond our proactive grant making to nonprofits in strategic focus areas and our responsive grants of approximately $2 million annually to Open Door applicants, we support nonprofits with networking opportunities, introductions to donors, public events and workshops, as well as free use of our office space for meetings.
Through customized planning and consulting, Company Advised Funds and Pledge 1% Boston, we help companies navigate the philanthropic space in Boston and beyond.
We partner closely with professional advisors to help their clients achieve their charitable goals. We share our local and philanthropic expertise and facilitate networking and educational opportunities for our advisor community.
By connecting researchers and experts, community organizers, influencers and policy makers, along with grassroots efforts, the Foundation furthers the cause of a thriving region where justice and opportunity are extended to everyone.
Since 2009, the Boston Foundation has focused its discretionary grant-making resources on partners and programs in five strategic impact areas informed by research we have commissioned and by our Civic Leadership work in general to tackle major issues facing Greater Boston’s people and places.
Over the last century Boston Foundation donors have helped us maintain essential programs and provide seed funding to more than 100 nonprofits and new ideas as we have disbursed more than $1.6 billion in all manner of community support. Truly, donors are the lifeblood of the Foundation. Their influence in Boston is sometimes in full view but often behind the scenes (even anonymous). They've rallied with us to clean up Boston Harbor, to reduce gang violence, to improve the community college system and to supply food and fuel in the coldest months, to name a few. Through their giving, they show faith in the potential of all who live in Boston.
The Boston Foundation has established several special funds—often in partnership with other organizations or donors—that support specific areas of focus or need identified by Greater Boston residents and leaders as central to the vitality of the community.
In concert with government, business or other partners, the Boston Foundation supports and raises resources for ambitious special initiatives aimed at solving Greater Boston’s most serious and demanding challenges, frequently over a multi-year period.