CiS Receives Cummings Grant
In the Spring of 2021, we were thrilled to find out that Change is Simple was chosen as one of 140 local nonprofits to receive grants of $100,000 to $500,000 each through Cummings Foundation's $25 Million Grant Program. We were chosen from a total of 590 applicants during a competitive review process are receiving $350,000 over 10 years!
We are honored to be chosen! This sustained funding allows the organization to continue the important expansion of our educational program into more under-resourced school districts throughout Essex, Middlesex, and Suffolk counties.
Read the full release below:
Change is Simple, Inc. awarded $350,000 Cummings grant
Beverly nonprofit receives 10 years of funding from Cummings Foundation
Beverly, May 28, 2021 – Change is Simple, Inc. is one of 140 local nonprofits to receive grants of $100,000 to $500,000 each through Cummings Foundation’s $25 Million Grant Program. The Beverly-based organization was chosen from a total of 590 applicants during a competitive review process. It will receive $350,000 over 10 years.
Change is Simple was founded to instill lifelong social and environmental responsibility through experiential learning that inspires action for healthy people, planet & community. They teach sustainability and climate issues to children in a way that lights them up, and shows them their own power to make a difference in their world... from their school, to their backyard, their town, and beyond.
“We are honored to be chosen by Cummings Foundation. This sustained funding will allow the organization to continue the important expansion of our educational program into more underserved school districts throughout Essex, Middlesex, and Suffolk counties.” said Co-Founder and Co-Director Patrick Belmonte
The Cummings $25 Million Grant Program supports Massachusetts nonprofits that are based in and primarily serve Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk counties.
Through this place-based initiative, Cummings Foundation aims to give back in the area where it owns commercial buildings, all of which are managed, at no cost to the Foundation, by its affiliate, Cummings Properties. This Woburn-based commercial real estate firm leases and manages 10 million square feet of debt-free space, the majority of which exclusively benefits the Foundation.
“We aim to help meet the needs of people in all segments of our local community,” said Cummings Foundation executive director Joel Swets. “It is the incredible organizations we fund, however, that do the actual daily work to empower our neighbors, educate our children, fight for equity, and so much more.”
With the help of about 80 volunteers, the Foundation first identified 140 organizations to receive grants of at least $100,000 each. Among the winners were first-time recipients as well as nonprofits that had previously received Cummings Foundation grants. Forty of this latter group of repeat recipients were then selected to have their grants elevated to 10-year awards ranging from $200,000 to $500,000 each.
“We have adopted a democratic approach to philanthropy, which empowers an impressive roster of dedicated volunteers to decide more than half of all our grant winners each year,” said Swets. “We benefit from their diverse backgrounds and perspectives; they benefit from a meaningful and fulfilling experience; and the nonprofits often benefit from increased exposure and new advocates.”
This year’s grant recipients represent a wide variety of causes, including social justice, homelessness prevention, affordable housing, education, violence prevention, and food insecurity. The nonprofits are spread across 43 different cities and towns.
The complete list of 140 grant winners, plus more than 800 previous recipients, is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.
Cummings Foundation has now awarded more than $300 million to greater Boston nonprofits.
About Change is Simple, Inc.
From the food we eat, to the energy we use and products we buy, each of our daily actions adds up to leave an impact on our world. Dozens of small changes can be made everyday to live more sustainably. Led by college mentors & STEM professionals, the Change is Simple workshops & curriculum inspire children to achieve academic success and become mindful participants in creating a healthier, more sustainable future. Learn more.
About Cummings Foundation
Woburn-based Cummings Foundation, Inc. was established in 1986 by Joyce and Bill Cummings and has grown to be one of the three largest private foundations in New England. The Foundation directly operates its own charitable subsidiaries, including New Horizons retirement communities in Marlborough and Woburn, and Veterinary School at Tufts, LLC in North Grafton. Additional information is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.
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