Dear Friends, The headlines aren’t getting any better lately, but every day, LZF’s grantee partners remind me that our vision of a more just and equitable world is still attainable. These 60 grassroots organizations are breaking cycles of violence, feeding the hungry, supporting the marginalized, speaking out against hatred and racism, and mentoring a new generation of compassionate leaders.    They do the hard work because they can’t not respond to the suffering at their doorsteps. And by supporting their neighbors, as well as one another in this nonprofit ecosystem, they reinforce our highest values: respect, justice, peace, and love.    I extend my thanks to you and them for helping us build the bridges necessary to unify our communities. Please read on to learn more about our grantee partners, bridge building, and upcoming opportunities to come together.   In solidarity, Allison E. Picott Executive Director

LZF Grantee Partner Spotlight: Helping Hands for Haitian Immigrants at Mount Olives Community Center

The Haitian community in greater Boston has grown tremendously in the past year, following an increase in federal immigration limits from Haiti. Dr. Joel Piton and the Mount of Olives Community Center (MOCC) are meeting this crisis with passion and experience, mobilizing their Hyde Park community to assist newcomers with everything from clothing to computer courses. Click here to read the full MOCC spotlight and learn how their many programs for immigrants and refugees are helping to ensure a safe and welcoming landing for these new residents.

LZF's Upcoming Bridge Builder to speak on Uplifting and Supporting Grassroots Organizing in an Election Year

Register to Join Us!

The Lenny Zakim Fund extends an invitation to the members of our community to join us for our semi-annual Bridge Builder event: Embracing the Movement: Uplifting and Supporting Grassroots Organizing in an Election Year.  When: Wednesday, April 10, 2024, 9 to 11 am Where: Barr Foundation (2 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02110)

For generations, communities and their leaders have utilized movement building and grassroots organizing as tools to reclaim power and work toward impactful social change. Movement and organizing work is vital to breaking through harmful systems and successfully advocating for the rights of historically excluded communities.  Join us for a panel discussion about the state of movement building and organizing in the nonprofit sector, how the election year impacts this work, and how philanthropy can better support organizers to reach their goals. Our panelists for this event are:   Gabi Mora, Vice President of Programs + Strategy, Krupp Family Foundation Shanique Rodriguez, Executive Director, Massachusetts Voter Table Tre'Andre Valentine, Executive Director, Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition Keturah Brewster, Executive Director, I Have A Future **ASL and Language Interpretation can be made available upon request with reasonable advanced notice.**

LZF Says Goodbye to Long-Time Staff Member and Passionate Social Justice Advocate: Dominique Ramos

It is with mixed emotions that The Lenny Zakim Fund says good-bye to Program Officer Dominique Ramos, who recently accepted a position with another organization after nearly five years with LZF. “There will never be a mission I loved more than LZF’s,” Dominique says, “and I’m so lucky to have had the opportunity to support the grassroots organizations making real change in the world. The LZF community is one of the most welcoming out there, and I’m grateful to everyone I’ve met at this stop on my journey.”  “Dominique always approached her work with a can-do attitude and a smile," recalls LZF’s Executive Director Allison Picott. She brought to her work a deep and unwavering commitment to social justice, as demonstrated by her eagerness to build relationships among members of the LZF community, and her dedication to advancing The Fund’s mission and realize our founder’s vision for a more just and equitable world for all. Thank you, Dominique, and we’ll look forward to seeing the good you continue to do in the world.

About The Lenny Zakim Fund Established in 1995 by the late civil rights leader Lenny Zakim, The Lenny Zakim Fund continues to reflect his work and ideals by providing financial support, education, technical assistance and networking opportunities to small, community-based organizations and individuals who are passionate about social, racial, and economic justice and determined to become vehicles of critical change. The Lenny Zakim Fund knows grassroots leadership is integral to ensuring that programs are successful, culturally relevant, effective, and meet the needs of affected people. Social justice at The Fund is about more than just grantmaking – it is about coming together in partnership to support leaders and the grassroots in their work against systemic oppression and their fight for equity. LZF is a 501(c)(3) public, nonprofit organization that relies 100% on the generosity of our donors to support our annual operating budget, which includes our annual grants program. Over the past 29 years, The Fund has awarded nearly $13 million in grants to nearly 400 grassroots organizations throughout eastern Massachusetts. For more information about The Lenny Zakim Fund, visit www.thelennyzakimfund.org.