New Community Fund
OVERVIEW: The New Community Fund supports efforts to promote progressive policy and protect democratic institutions in Boston and throughout the United States.
IP TAKE: This private, family funder is highly directed in its progressive grantmaking though it is not accessible. It prefers to scout its own grantees to fund. Grantseekers should also note that it awards very few grants each year. Note that while the foundation prioritizes Boston for most of its grantmaking areas, it funds democracy efforts nationally. This funder is responsive and open-minded.
PROFILE: The New Community Fund was established in 2003 by Boston philanthropists Francene Sussner Rodgers and Charles Rodgers, co-owners of WFD consulting. The foundation’s mission is to “help mold and change public opinion in order to generate more support for a progressive and inclusive government and an active civil society,” with an emphasis on “changing gender roles and family dynamics.” Its current focus areas include youth and children, progressive infrastructure, the arts, family dynamics and gender roles, and international community development.
Grants for Civic and Democracy
The New Community Fund conducts grantmaking for democracy and civic engagement primarily through its progressive infrastructure focus area, which supports “the basic building blocks of a progressive agenda in the area of ideas development, media, leadership development, and civic engagement.” It also participates in funding collaboratives such as Democracy Alliance. Other past grantees include the Proteus Fund, American Prospect, Voices for Progress, Media Matters, the Brennan Center for Justice, and the Campaign for America’s Future.
Grants for K-12 Education and Youth
The New Community Fund’s programs for youth and children generally support organizations that provide “opportunities to women, youth and families from disadvantaged circumstances.” Grantees include the Big Sister Association and the West End House Boys & Girls Club of Allston-Brighton.
Grants for Global Development
The New Community Fund’s grants for international community development supports global development initiatives in Mexico and Burkina Faso. It strongly prioritizes programs that advance women’s rights and economic opportunity. Grantees include the Cambridge Foundation for Peace. Grantees in Burkina Faso include Lambs for School and Save the Children.
Grants for Women and Girls
The New Community Fund’s grants for shifting family dynamics and gender roles seek to “expand and influence the larger public debate about the real lives of families today” and support organizations that “advance women’s equality and leadership.”
Grants for Arts and Culture
The New Community Fund’s grants for the arts generally prioritize contemporary works that present “new ways of conceiving and presenting current experience,” as well as projects that promote outreach and engagement with local communities. One major grantee is the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston.
Important Grant Details:
Grants generally range from $25,000 to $100,000. Tax filings do not reveal a great deal about the foundation’s past grantmaking habits.
The New Community Fund does not accept unsolicited proposals or requests for funding.
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