Highland Street Foundation Gives $100K Grants to 20 Nonprofits
JoAnn McGrath, a trustee of the Highland Street Foundation, said, “We are so pleased to be able to acknowledge and support these important organizations. We hope our efforts here today inspire others to volunteer at a local food bank, participate in a community cleanup, or help others in some way. It’s less important how we give back to our community and more important that we all do something to help especially in these difficult times.”
Lynn Margherio, founder and CEO of Cradles to Crayons , one of the grant recipients, said, “We are seeing a significant increase in the number of local families who need our help. The philanthropic leadership of the Highland Street Foundation is inspiring, especially in these difficult economic times. The funds from the Foundation will ensure that 6,000 school-age children will have the new backpacks and school supplies they need to thrive in the coming school year.”
The McGrath family was joined by Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray, Mayor Thomas M. Menino as well as representatives from the 20 organizations and ten attractions gathered at the TADpole playground, which the Foundation has supported, on the Boston Common to make the announcement.
Murray said, “At a time when so many organizations and families are struggling financially, the Highland Street Foundation is stepping up to help. 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 non-profits.”
Menino lauded the Foundation’s contributions to Greater Boston charities over the last 20 years, saying, “I have seen first hand the countless opportunities the Highland Street Foundation has offered Boston children and families. 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.”
Since it was established in 1989, the Highland Street Foundation, based in Framingham, has given $80 million to Massachusetts nonprofit organizations. It is committed to addressing the needs and concerns of children and families primarily in Massachusetts and California specifically in the areas of education, housing, mentoring, health care, environment, and the arts.
The TADpole playground is one of the more visible and public examples of the Highland Street Foundation’s philanthropic efforts.
Nonprofits receiving the $100,000 grants were:
- ACCESS
- Best Buddies
- Boston Rising
- Boston Public Library
- Boston Symphony Orchestra
- Carroll Center for the Blind
- Career Collaborative
- Children’s Hospital
- City Year
- Cradles to Crayons
- Hyde Park YMCA
- John F. Kennedy Library and Museum
- Jumpstart
- La Alianza
- Hispana
- MassINC
- Mass Mentoring Partnership
- Newton-Wellesley Hospital
- Reach Out & Read
- St. Francis House
- Youth Villages