The Boston Foundation

Directions Website

The Boston Foundation Greater Boston's Community Foundation https://tbf.org Ultimately, we aim to support, contribute and create well-being and opportunity within our communities.

The Boston Foundation is one of the nation’s first and most impactful community foundations, with $1.9 billion in assets. Partnering with community members, donors, the public sector, businesses and nonprofits, we exist to close the gaps caused by our city’s greatest disparities, to advance economic justice, and to help build a better Boston. We collect data, commission research, share knowledge, develop dynamic programs, fuel new ideas and fund change. Our work informs public policy, catalyzes conversations and advocates not only for change, but for repair of the historical harms of inequity. TBF is also one of New England’s largest grantmakers, supporting nonprofits in Greater Boston through our endowment and working closely with our donors to support nonprofits locally, nationally and internationally. To learn more about TBF and our work, visit TBF.org.

We’re so thrilled to see Lee Pelton named as one of the Massachusetts Council of Nonprofits' 2026 Lifetime Achievement A...
10/09/2026

We’re so thrilled to see Lee Pelton named as one of the Massachusetts Council of Nonprofits' 2026 Lifetime Achievement Awardees!

We are immensely grateful for how Lee's leadership strengthened TBF's role in the community, advanced major cross-sector work on key issues, and expanded our impact across Greater Boston. Lee has been a leader not just for TBF as he served as President and CEO, but for our entire sector.

Congratulations to both Lee and Diane Gould on this honor recognizing their lasting contributions to the sector! We're thrilled to celebrate their achievements as part of MCN’s annual conference alongside nonprofit leaders and professionals that are committed to advancing mission-driven work and building a better nonprofit sector for all of us.

The 2026 Conference will take place on 10/21 at the DCU Center in Worcester, gathering hundreds of nonprofit and business professionals to learn, connect and be inspired in these uniquely challenging times. The day-long event includes a keynote session, 25+ workshops and expert roundtables, and networking opportunities. Register here to join: https://bit.ly/4e5S3VR

10/08/2026

“The question really remains how do we build a system in which every student leaves high school prepared to take the next step, and has the support to succeed and complete once they get there?”

In June 2026, TBF and the Boston Private Industry Council released 'Persisting Through the Pandemic and Beyond,' a report on college enrollment and completion among BPS graduates. Now, a new school year is in full swing and we held a follow-up convening to continue the conversation with state and local education leaders about the strategies, recent developments, and challenges related to supporting Boston's students on their postsecondary journeys.

At the event, education and civic leaders came together to examine the latest data on college enrollment and completion among BPS grads and discuss how to help more students succeed after high school. Building on findings from the Foundation’s report, speakers highlighted both encouraging progress and persistent challenges facing Boston students. Watch the full event recording and read the report here: https://bit.ly/3TwDqE9

Congratulations to the 100 Latino leaders making a difference across Massachusetts recognized as 2026 ALX100 honorees, i...
10/06/2026

Congratulations to the 100 Latino leaders making a difference across Massachusetts recognized as 2026 ALX100 honorees, including Carlos Muñoz Cadilla!

As Community Impact Officer for the Latino Equity Fund at TBF, Carlos plays an integral role in advancing LEF's grantmaking, civic leadership, research, and partnerships. We're thrilled to see Carlos recognized for his contributions to the entire community alongside all of these exceptional Latino changemakers in MA.

Please join us in celebrating Carlos and find the full list of 2026 ALX100 honorees – including many of TBF's colleagues, friends, and partners – here: https://bit.ly/4yFbehy

“¡Pa’lante! 2026 was more than a celebration. It was a reminder of what is possible when our community comes together wi...
10/05/2026

“¡Pa’lante! 2026 was more than a celebration. It was a reminder of what is possible when our community comes together with purpose, resources, and a shared vision for the future.” - Javier Juarez, Executive Director of the Latino Equity Fund at TBF.

This year has been a reminder of the extraordinary power of community. The Latino Equity Fund’s ¡Pa’lante! 2026 marked the eve of Hispanic Heritage Month with an unforgettable gathering rooted in culture, connection, and collective pride. A testament to the impact of investing in and uplifting Latino culture, this evening served as a celebration of LEF's community partners and diverse voices. The event also honored Juan Fernando Lopera and Josiane Martinez, two incredible leaders inspiring and empowering the Latino community.

We are so grateful to the vendors, musicians, performers, committee members, TBF staff, volunteers, and event sponsors who brought this evening to life along with all the partners, donors, and community members who joined and continue to move forward with us as we build lasting resources and visibility for Latinos across the Commonwealth.

Photos by EmVision Productions.

When diverse voices lead, impact follows. Please join us in congratulating the five Poderosas Fellows!Now in its second ...
10/01/2026

When diverse voices lead, impact follows. Please join us in congratulating the five Poderosas Fellows!

Now in its second year, the Poderosas Fellowship is an annual investment to empower Latinas in advancement, development, and philanthropy roles, equipping emerging leaders with the skills, resources, and networks needed to thrive.

At this moment, Latina fundraisers' proximity to community issues and ability to drive financial resources to their nonprofits are critical to bringing stability to the organizations working at the front lines tackling equity issues. This Fellowship, an initiative of the Latino Equity Fund at TBF, is vital to sustaining and growing Latina representation in philanthropy and LEF is excited to continue strengthening the pipeline of Latina leaders who are advancing the wellbeing of Latino communities across MA.

Each Poderosa carries LEF’s mission forward, strengthening our sector and shaping the future of philanthropic leadership. Congratulations to the five Poderosas Fellows!

Ana Hidalgo, Massachusetts Public Health Alliance
Diana Durán, Breakthrough Greater Boston
Magali García-Pletsch, Waltham Partnership for Youth
Sara Morin, Groundwork Lawrence
Stephanie Martínez-Hernández, Atrius Health Equity Foundation

Read the announcement: https://bit.ly/4e6Vo6Y

"The access to resources and community that we provide is making a huge impact on the lives of LGBTQ asylum seekers," Al...
09/30/2026

"The access to resources and community that we provide is making a huge impact on the lives of LGBTQ asylum seekers," Al Green, Ministry Director at LGBT Asylum Task Force.

According to Al, LGBTQ asylum seekers are currently navigating multiple issues: they need access to affordable rental units with flexible eligibility requirements alongside continued advocacy for their right to seek asylum. At the same time, the current federal administration continues to enact changes that will remove their ability to work and be self-sufficient, and that will structurally deny them a realistic chance of being granted asylum.

A grantee partner of the Equality Fund at TBF, the LGBT Asylum Task Force, provides housing, financial assistance, legal connections, and community support to LGBTQ+ asylum seekers as they work toward safety, stability, and independence. Since forming in 2008, 100% of their guests have been granted asylum. Their success rate has continued under the current administration, even as the overall asylum grant rate has fallen to less than 10%.

Their most recent guest to be granted asylum came to the U.S. from Uganda on a student visa. Knowing it was not safe for her to return home but overwhelmed and in need of support, the LGBT Asylum Task Force provided several months of support with housing, food, and utilities. This allowed her to prepare for her asylum case and she was granted asylum in August.

Photo shared by the LGBT Asylum Task Force.

In a time of changing climate and increasing heat, managing carbon emissions for homes and other small residential build...
09/29/2026

In a time of changing climate and increasing heat, managing carbon emissions for homes and other small residential buildings can play a critical role in helping Boston become more energy efficient, produce fewer greenhouse gases, and become more climate resilient. Our latest climate report, 'Leveraging Catalytic Capital for Small Building Decarbonization in Boston,' examines how philanthropic investments at scale can play a substantial role.

Produced in partnership between TBF, Firefly Energy Consulting, and the Building Electrification Institute, this new report explores how philanthropy can provide “catalytic capital,” using impact investments and other vehicles to supplement local, state, and federal funding to reduce carbon emissions in low- and moderate-income areas.

Read the report release: https://www.tbf.org/news-and-insights/press-releases/2026/september/leveraging-catalytic-capital-release-20260929

On Oct. 21st, hundreds of nonprofit and business professionals will gather to learn, connect and be inspired in these un...
09/24/2026

On Oct. 21st, hundreds of nonprofit and business professionals will gather to learn, connect and be inspired in these uniquely challenging times.

Each year, the Massachusetts Council of Nonprofits’ Annual Conference convenes one of the largest gatherings of nonprofit professionals in the state. The day-long event includes a keynote session, 25+ workshops and expert roundtables, and networking opportunities.

The 2026 Conference will take place on 10/21 at the DCU Center in Worcester, and includes a conversation with Congressman Jim McGovern. This year’s theme, ‘Community & Connection,' will provide valuable opportunities for nonprofits to learn from nonprofit experts, attend valuable workshops, connect with peers, and gain new insights to advance their organization’s mission. Register: https://macouncilofnonprofits.org/events/annual-conference/

Over the summer we were thrilled to install a new art exhibit alongside our land acknowledgment statement. Featuring a c...
09/23/2026

Over the summer we were thrilled to install a new art exhibit alongside our land acknowledgment statement. Featuring a collection by Wampanoag artist Quincy Harding, the exhibit showcases Indigenous stories, communities, culture, voices, and creativity. The land acknowledgement grounds us in our space, offering our staff and all the community members we welcome here the chance to reflect and share our respect for the land and Indigenous communities of Massachusetts.

We're looking forward to a busy fall events season at the TBF office and hope you'll all have the opportunity to join us here and see the installation for yourselves soon! Register for an upcoming event and join us in our space: https://www.tbf.org/events

About Quincy Harding, the artist whose work is featured in the exhibit: Quincy is a Black and Native Wampanoag illustrator and designer originally from Massachusetts. Inspired by culture, emotion, nature and fashion, and focusing on women of color, her work spans digital illustrations, fashion illustrations, textile design, and clothing design. She also often weaves themes from her Wampanoag heritage into her work, incorporating elements of nature such as plants and water, reflecting the meaning of her Native name, Spring Breeze.

About the design of the land acknowledgment: Franklin Marval designed and produced the wall cling with the land acknowledgment.

Thank you to Quincy and Franklin for partnering with TBF on this display and Meclina Gomes for bringing it all to life!

The Safety Net Grants program at TBF is accepting applications!For the FY27 Fall Safety Net Grants round, we are focused...
09/21/2026

The Safety Net Grants program at TBF is accepting applications!

For the FY27 Fall Safety Net Grants round, we are focused on organizations responding to urgent basic needs across Greater Boston, particularly in the areas of food security, health and behavioral health, direct cash assistance, and housing stabilization. Grants will provide $50,000 in general operating support through a two-year funding commitment. Organizations that received a Safety Net Grant in 2026 will not be eligible for this round as we work to spread funds across the safety net ecosystem.

The application deadline is Friday, October 30th 2026.

Details and resources including a recording and slides from our recent info session are available on our website. Learn more and apply: https://www.tbf.org/nonprofits/grant-making-initiatives/safety-net-grants

Address

75 Arlington Street
Boston, MA
02116

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Boston Foundation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Sponsored

Share

Category