The Boston Foundation’s competitive grantmaking is supported by the Permanent Fund for Boston, which has been built by hundreds of donors since 1915 to meet the changing needs of our community. The Permanent Fund for Boston continues to receive gifts and bequests from those who want to ensure that Greater Boston has a permanent endowment.

In September of 2009, the Boston Foundation announced a newly articulated set of goals and objectives that place a strategic focus on the people and places of Greater Boston. Through these goals and objectives we seek to have a profound impact on important areas of community life – including dramatic improvements in education and wellness; safe and vibrant neighborhoods; robust arts and cultural opportunities; and a regional economy that enables everyone to thrive.

A Strategic Focus on People and Place

The Foundation focuses its efforts on two overarching goals, five related objectives and nine specific strategies:

Greater Boston residents are successful and thriving:

• Improve outcomes for Boston’s residents across the education pipeline;
  • Accelerate structural reform and promote innovation in public schools in Boston.
  • Increase the 2- and 4-year college graduation rate for low-income, minority and first-generation college students from public schools in Boston.
  • Promote the career advancement and economic security of low-income individuals.
    
    
• Increase the health and wellness of Greater Boston residents.
  • Encourage healthy behaviors among Boston residents and increase access to healthy food and opportunities for physical activity.

Greater Boston neighborhoods and communities are vibrant, safe and affordable:

• Increase the livability, affordability and safety of Greater Boston neighborhoods;
  • Increase neighborhood stability and the production and preservation of affordable housing for vulnerable populations.
  • Reduce the incidence of violence in Boston neighborhoods, especially among youth.
    
    
• Enhance civic and cultural vibrancy in Greater Boston;
  • Strengthen and celebrate the region’s diverse audiences, artists and nonprofit cultural organizations.
    
    
• Increase job growth and economic equity and competitiveness in Greater Boston.
  • Invest in strategies that increase Greater Boston’s competitiveness, prosperity and efficiency, and create vibrant urban neighborhoods with opportunities for all residents.
  • Enhance the long-term vitality of the Massachusetts nonprofit sector.

Download a PDF of the new strategic framework.