The Boston Foundation

"Working with nonprofits who best understand the needs of those communities that are experiencing the most inequities is really key to how we do our work,” - Orlando Watkins, Vice President and Chief Program Officer. By listening to community and looking at the data, TBF is able to center equity in all we do and support nonprofits with aligned values and deep roots in the communities that they serve. Last week in the Bay State Banner, our Vice President and Chief Program Officer Orlando Watkins gave a glimpse into how TBF grantmaking supports the community alongside members of two community organizations – DeeDee’s Cry and Arka HR Solutions – that have received funding from TBF. Read more:

This week was the first Wellness Session for our 2024 LAB artists! The artists came together for this session led by National Art Strategies and Open Source Wellness, with introductions to their coaching leaders paired with movement, reflection, and exercises. We're so encouraged by the grantees bringing such wonderful energy and fun to this session and pleased to be able to center personal and professional development through well-being for these artists to nurture their creative practice. More about LAB: https://bit.ly/3ZUZE1p

Deadline Extended: TBF grantee partners can apply by Oct. 11th for the Leadership Longevity Fellowship (LLF) - Greater Boston Cohort: TBF and New Sector Alliance are excited to team up again to offer the LLF, a program for 12-15 mid-career, frontline nonprofit leaders seeking support in addressing burnout and charting a path forward for their careers. Combining a deeply connected peer group, individualized leadership coaching, and a curriculum that emphasizes well-being, Fellows build a lasting set of tools and a community. This hybrid program will run January 23 to August 3, 2025, is fully funded, and includes a $1,000 stipend to support Fellows' participation. This program is geared toward rising, non-c-suite staffers within nonprofits and intended for TBF grantee partners. If you are a CEO/ED, please consider sharing this opportunity with your team/reports. Review the Program Overview PDF here: https://bit.ly/3BtdqQB and apply by Friday, October 11 at 5:00 p.m. ET at this link: https://bit.ly/47OPNhi #Nonprofit #GreaterBoston #Wellbeing #Workforce #Fellowship #Burnout #Community

We are exceptionally proud to be here this evening as the The Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation celebrates its first ever Gala. With your support, the ACF and Asian Business Empowerment Council have become a powerful force representing the AAPI community in all its dimensions. Congratulations to Danielle Kim, Qingjian Shi and the ACF/ABEC team, and to the incomparable Paul Lee for their passion and commitment to the AAPI community.

To address our housing challenges, we must confront barriers embedded in our regulations. With that in mind, Boston Indicators collaborated with Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies and Utile to produce a new report, Legalizing Mid-Rise Single-Stair Housing in Massachusetts, which we're excited to discuss with a panel of experts at an upcoming report release event on October 10th at 9 AM. The report takes a close look at the building code requirement that residential buildings between three and six stories must include two staircases. By exploring the potential for allowing single-staircase designs, this report examines how we could unlock new possibilities for more affordable, space-efficient housing. Join us: https://bit.ly/3N8DeEh

"The smile that erupts onto Fabiola Méndez’s face just as she launches into her first tune says everything about the joy she finds in making music that explores her culture." For Hispanic Heritage Month, NPR Music is celebrating artists from all corners of Latinidad with an 'El Tiny' takeover. This week, we were thrilled to see that they featured Fabiola Méndez, a former LAB grantee and a 2021 Brother Thomas Fellow! Click the link to listen to 15 minutes of Fabiola spreading joy: https://bit.ly/4dvULRh

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, there are a number of places where donors can help support the communities that are affected. As a community foundation, we know the critical role that community foundations can play in supporting nonprofit organizations at the heart of the relief efforts. In addition, there are a number of organizations that are playing critical roles helping with disaster relief. Find a running list in our Giving Guide: https://bit.ly/4dxXHgu

How can we best use increased funding in early education and child care to improve access, affordability, quality, and workforce strength? On Oct. 8th at 10AM, please join TBF and the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy for the release of a report that examines this question by assessing recent investments in the sector and considering fundamental questions about the future. During the event, the Rennie Center will share the results of their research on this topic, and a stakeholder panel will discuss how to act on key findings from the research, looking at the successes of recent investments, challenges that remain, and the ways in which funding can best support the sector going forward. Register: https://bit.ly/4eoxemB

Reminder: the deadline to apply for the 2024 Next Steps for Boston Dance program is Friday, Oct. 25th! Register now for one of the upcoming information sessions to learn more about the grant and what's needed to submit a good application and find tips and helpful links to complete your application here: https://bit.ly/2PVqMYH This program supports choreographers and circus artists creating original work in any dance genre to move forward and take a “next step” in their careers by providing grant support for paid rehearsal space and implementation funds plus ongoing support and cohort meetings.

Mark your calendars for upcoming Live Arts Boston grantee events and performances! TONIGHT if you're looking for a fun event don't miss LAB grantee Seba Molnar performing as part of the Jazz Square Celebration. This Sunday, Sept. 29th, see LAB's George Lernis with the Ize Trio perform Piano, Cello & Percussion And, Oct 12th, join the Fall Family Ceili with LAB grantee Jackie O'Riley! Info on all performances can be found in the attached flyers.