By Jessica Garcia, Development Coordinator, Boston Harbor Now
This July, Boston Harbor Now had the distinct pleasure of receiving a ten-year grant from the Cummings Foundation for $750,000. This generous funding supports our mission to ensure that Boston Harbor, its waterfront, and islands are accessible and inclusive and that these special places are properly adapted to the risks of climate change.
Boston Harbor Now was selected in a competitive process that saw more than 700 applicants. Of the 150 organizations awarded, we are honored to be one of just 25 organizations chosen to receive a 10-year commitment.
“This funding is not just an investment in our organization—it’s a vote of confidence in the future we’re building with our partners and the communities we serve,” said Boston Harbor Now Chief Development Officer Janine Dailey. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Cummings Foundation for believing in the power of accessible public spaces, resilient coastlines, and inclusive programming across Boston Harbor.”
Boston Harbor Now President and CEO Kathy Abbott, Joyce Cummings, and Boston Harbor Now Chief Development Officer Janine Dailey. (Cummings Foundation)
This long-term investment comes at an exciting time for Boston Harbor Now, as we are currently in a strategic planning process. The Cummings Foundation’s support provides a powerful launching pad for our next chapter as we approach our 10th anniversary in 2026.
Joyce and Bill Cummings established the Cummings Foundation in 1986 as a way to give back to the Massachusetts communities that supported their successful real estate venture. Over the years, they gradually donated their properties to the foundation for the sole benefit of the Cummings Foundation. Today, 100% of profits from those properties go directly to the Foundation for philanthropic purposes.
The $30 Million Grant Program is not only a legacy of their vision but also serves as a robust community builder. Grants are awarded after a careful, deliberate review process led by community leaders from the public, private, and philanthropic sectors, each offering their unique perspectives. Since its founding, the foundation has awarded more than $600 million to non-profit organizations serving the greater Boston area.
In 2024, the foundation expanded its funding priorities to include the environment, supporting organizations addressing environmental education, equitable access to outdoor spaces, recycling/waste reduction, sustainable agriculture, and food systems. We are proud to be among the inaugural recipients of their new Environmental Priority Focus.
To learn more about Boston Harbor Now’s work, visit bostonharbornow.org or check out our annual report. If you’d like to support our programs and mission, please donate today.
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