Woburn-Based Cummings Foundation Expands Grant Program

WOBURN, MA - The Woburn-based Cummings Foundation will distribute money to 150 organizations primarily in Middlesex, Essex and Suffolk counties next year as part of its annual grant program.

The grants will total $30 million. That will mark an increase of $5 million while adding 10 new individual grants compared to previous years, according to a press release from the foundation.

The foundation will also increase some grant sizes, with first-time winners now receiving up to $300,000. Award sizes for first-time grantees had previously been capped at $100,000. The maximum award for prior grant winners will climb from $500,000 to $1 million.

“The foundation recognizes the new challenges that face local nonprofits,” Cummings Properties’ Chairman and CEO Dennis Clarke said in a recent press release. “Between the costs of inflation and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, they are being asked to do more with less. We increased our giving to help bridge that gap.”

Also new this year, the foundation will open its grants to area K-12 schools.

The Cummings Foundation is a charitable organization sprung from the Cummings Properties real-estate firm. The foundation owns properties throughout the region, including sites in Wakefield, Stoneham and Burlington. Over the years, it has distributed roughly $375 million in grants to various organizations, according to its website.

Upcoming grants will be divided, with 125 organizations receiving three-year grants and 25 receiving 10-year grants.

Organizations seeking a Cummings grant need to apply before 5 p.m. on Sept. 9. Winners will be announced in May of next year. Interested organizations can learn more about grant specifics through the Cummings Foundation website.