Dear Partners,
The Massachusetts Immigrant Collaborative (MIC) was just awarded the grant version of a Michelin star. I am thrilled to share that MIC was awarded an unrestricted multi-year $150,000 Cummings Grant. The Cummings Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in New England. Receiving this honor is an important milestone for MIC.
My then and now moment: What is crazy is that decades ago I used to ride my banana bike in the parking lot of Cummings Properties in Woburn. As I did ridiculous Evil Knievel stunts on my bike, Bill Cummings (founder of Cummings Properties and Foundation) used to warn me, “Son, be careful on that bike– cars may not see you.” It was surreal to take a photo with Bill and Janey.
Here are some excerpts from our press release and a photo from the Cummings Foundation Grant Winner Celebration:
MIC was selected as one of 150 nonprofits to receive funding through Cummings Foundation’s annual grant program, which awarded $35 million this year. Chosen through a competitive review process that drew a record 959 applicants, MIC, which is headquartered in Boston, will receive $150,000 over three years.
MIC Immigration Attorney, Stariska Abadi comments: “Funding from Cummings Foundation will support MIC’s immigration legal services, enabling us to expand our reach to help even more people in need. At a time when immigrants are facing immense challenges, this grant will allow us to stand with our immigrant communities and ensure they have access to the legal support they deserve.”
This year, the Woburn-based Cummings Foundation increased its annual grant program from $30 million to $35 million and shifted to fully unrestricted funding, allowing recipients to direct grant dollars where they are needed most. Since its founding, Cummings Foundation has awarded more than $650 million to Greater Boston nonprofits. Additional information is available at CummingsFoundation.org.
In solidarity,
Frank DeVito
Executive Director
