We are one of the nation's oldest and largest community foundations. More than that, we are a center of overlapping partnerships and networks—of talented, generous, thoughtful and dedicated people—working together to make life better for everyone in our region.
The Boston Foundation sponsors a series of popular events designed to engage the community with the challenges facing our city and region. These are attended by thousands of dedicated people every year. We also offer exclusive programs designed to keep donors and nonprofits informed and help them learn the practical skills necessary to enhance effectiveness.
The Foundation and its donors paid $215 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and received gifts of more than $165 million in our 2020 fiscal year.
Our endowment, the Permanent Fund for Boston, has furnished the resources for the Boston Foundation to be so often “there at the beginning,” providing seed capital and early grants to new nonprofits, ideas and innovations in all areas of community life. Learn more about the organizations for which the Boston Foundation was There at the Beginning, and some of the stories behind them.
$2.4 Billion
Total grants made since 1915
$1.5 Billion
Assets under management
$2 Billion
Total grants made since 2001 alone
![]()
“We must be bold, courageous, and even daring, in leveraging our remarkable history and continuing to be deeply rooted in and connected to human experience and endeavor.”
![]()
“Our aspirations cannot be realized without donning a racial equity lens and valuing all lived experiences in the allocation of our time and resources.”