Columnists :: Nonprofit Sector
Highland Street Foundation announces 20 $100,000 grants for Boston nonprofits by Brandon Simes
Managing EditorFriday May 22, 2009 The Highland Street Foundation has announced it will donate 20 separate $100,000 grants to Boston nonprofits, including two organizations with South End ties: City Year and the Boston Public Library.
Representatives from the 20 organizations joined Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, Mayor Thomas Menino, and members of the foundation on May 19 at the TADpole playground on the Boston Common to officially accept their grants.
"I have seen firsthand the countless opportunities the Highland Street Foundation has offered Boston children and families," said Menino. "During these tough economic times, when we need the help the most, they have provided even more assistance and their generosity is appreciated that much more."
The foundation will also sponsor 10 free "Fun Fridays" open to the public this summer at various Massachusetts attractions, including the Museum of Science on July 3, the Franklin Park Zoo on July 31, and the Boston Children’s Museum on Aug. 7.
"At a time when so many organizations and families are struggling financially, the Highland Street Foundation is stepping up to help," said Murray. "Because of their generosity, thousands of our friends and neighbors will be touched either by the
’Fun Fridays’ program or the work of these wonderful nonprofits."
Established in 1989, the Highland Street Foundation has donated more than $103 million to nonprofits, including $80 million to groups in Massachusetts. Led by the McGrath family, the foundation focuses on addressing the needs and concerns of children and families, primarily in Massachusetts and California, in the areas of education, housing, mentoring, healthcare, the environment, and the arts.
"This grant will provide tutoring to 18,000 Massachusetts students and books to toddlers learning to read," said Amy Ryan, president of the Boston Public Library. "The generosity of the McGraths will enable us to maintain these programs and we are grateful for their ongoing support."
The Boston Public Library will use its grant money to help provide 18,000 homework sessions and train 120 high school mentors, while City Year, 287 Columbus Avenue, which runs a program that gives youth an opportunity to participate in community service for a full year, will utilize its newfound dollars to support a team of 160 corps members serving 1,200 students in elementary schools in Dorchester and Roxbury.
For a complete list of grantees and "Fun Fridays" visit www.highlandstreet.org.
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