A group of Cambridge high school student leaders wanted to help out their community during the pandemic, so they organized, set a goal, led outreach, and, in just a month's time, raised funds for neighbors in need—to the tune of $24,500 total to 12 community organizations.
On the occasion of the launch of our new research report, local speakers shared insights that can inform follow-on conversations and help move us to collective action.
A new research report by the Foundation confirms Cambridge is a leader among the nation’s innovation cities, and through a decade of data, tells the story of how the city’s unprecedented prosperity has benefitted some residents, while others, primarily Black and low-income residents, are being left behind.
In response to sustained demands on nonprofits in Cambridge, the Cambridge Community Foundation (CCF) increased allocated funds for its spring grantmaking by 50%, supporting nonprofits involved in youth programs and education, housing, hunger, homelessness, elder services, the arts, COVID-19 relief, and racial justice.
We're soon launching a report entitled Equity and Innovation Cities: The Case of Cambridge. All community members are invited to join us in a conversation on its findings, April 7, 8:30am.
Dear neighbors, Last week, the voices of eight citizens, including six Asian women, were silenced by a white man with a gun. This devastating act changed the lives of their loved ones, raised fear among Asian Americans in communities across the nation, and elevated, yet again, the ugly face of racism in the United States. In Cambridge, a city that cherishes its diversity, we respect all cultures, religions, ethnicities, and racial groups and honor each for how they enrich our community. We stand with all communities that experience fear and prejudice. We speak out against injustice when we see it. It matters how we treat each other and how we value one another because we are not separate from our community; we are part of its voice and protectors of its values. So, as we move into another week, without those eight voices in Georgia, let’s raise ours through words and deeds. Let’s embrace tolerance and respect for one another. Let’s learn from those with lived experiences and a story to tell. Let’s do the work necessary to combat racism and expand equity in our community. We’re incredibly fortunate to have a community that is digging into this work now. Tomorrow, the Cambridge Public Library Foundation will host [...]
Ranging from $29,000 to $10,000, the grants will help local nonprofits support vulnerable populations struggling with food insecurity, housing insecurity, utility arrears, and lack of access to technology for remote work and school.
Photo by CASPAR. The Cambridge Community Foundation has awarded a new round of nine ‘surprise,’ need-inspired grants to organizations offering emergency housing and supporting people facing homelessness this winter. The $5,000 grants totaling $45,000 come from the Cambridge COVID-19 Emergency Fund, which is fueled by donations from hundreds of residents concerned about the impact of the pandemic on the livelihood and wellbeing of their neighbors. The Foundation has pledged to quickly distribute grants from the Fund to help nonprofits address emergency issues ranging from food insecurity, housing insecurity and shelter for the homeless, cash for urgent needs, access to connectivity, and emergency childcare. (To learn about our first round of need-inspired grants, which gave $40,000 to food pantries and programs last month, read more here.) This year, homelessness is on the rise in Cambridge. The Street Outreach team at CASPAR, which helps those battling homelessness, reports that, of the people they support, 80% more are sleeping outside compared to last fall. “The numbers seem to keep growing," said Julia W. Londergan, Esq., director of development. In a normal year, winter is the most challenging time for people experiencing homelessness and home-insecurity, but during the pandemic, safe beds, healthy meals, and warm, socially-distant day spaces have become hard-to-find, critical needs. At the Y2Y Shelter, where young adults aged 18 to 24 can find beds and support services, the loss of day-space is detrimental. “Some of our shelter guests are riding back and forth on the T to stay warm. The problem is it can take a toll on people’s bodies,” [...]
A spotlight on Cambridge's 2021 MLK Week of Service and Learning, led by our nonprofit partners Many Helping Hands 365 and My Brother's Keeper Cambridge.
This week, the Cambridge Community Foundation distributes $40,000 to local food pantries and programs fighting food insecurity. The grants are made possible by gifts to the Cambridge COVID-19 Emergency Fund.