2026 Program Booklet

30th

Annual

02•12•26 • 5:30-8pm WGBH, 1 Guest Street • Boston, MA

The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 30th Annual Awards Ceremony | 1

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2026 LENNY ZAKIM FUND GRANT RECIPIENTS. As one of the earliest supporters of The Lenny Zakim Fund, we are especially proud to join in celebrating its 30th Annual Awards Ceremony!

For three decades, The Fund has championed grassroots organizations advancing social, racial, and economic justice throughout eastern Massachusetts. We applaud the tireless efforts of this year’s grant recipients and the entire LZF network for continuing to create meaningful change where it’s needed most.

THE FRIEZE FAMILY FOUNDATION

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DEAR FRIENDS OF THE LENNY ZAKIM FUND, Tonight, as we gather at our 30th Annual Awards Ceremony, I am moved to think of the scale of LZF’s impact over these last thirty years. In 1995, Lenny Zakim founded this organization with a fraction of the resources we have today, but with a clear purpose: to build up the communities around him and support those doing the hard, necessary, and often unrecognized and unfunded work.

In these thirty years, The Fund has supported the mission of nearly 440 organizations with grants totaling over $13.5 million, touching countless lives in Lenny’s name.

While this last year has been a momentous anniversary year for LZF, it has also been an incredibly challenging time in our country. As efforts are made to limit the rights of immigrants and refugees, budget cuts threaten services for families living in poverty, and systemic racism continues to affect even the youngest in our communities, I have found myself struggling to find hope in these uncertain times. I fear for my neighbors, for my fellow leaders and grassroots changemakers, for families and workers across the United States.

In these moments of doubt, I find myself coming back to Lenny’s words: We must act. We can’t do it without you. We need you to help – to fight, to speak up, to counsel and comfort more victims, to mobilize more youth, to build more bridges – to believe that even one person can make a difference.

Our 2026 grant portfolio is made up of 49 incredible grassroots nonprofit organizations, whose passion, selflessness, and leadership inspire me each day. It is in hearing their stories, seeing their impact, and being able to support their missions, I feel Lenny’s legacy lives on, and I find sparks of hope.

In Lenny’s spirit, let us leave tonight committed to action. Each of you is already doing the hard work of building stronger, more just communities.

Tonight, I invite you to carry this shared energy forward—by deepening connections with one another, lifting up the stories of your peers, and continuing to stand boldly for the values we all hold. Together, our collective action ensures that this work not only continues, but grows.

In solidarity, Allison E. Picott, Executive Director The Lenny Zakim Fund The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 30th Annual Awards Ceremony | 3

PROGRAM SPECIAL LZF 30TH ANNIVERSARY VIDEO WELCOME & OPENING REMARKS Allison Picott, Executive Director, The Lenny Zakim Fund

FEATURED SPEAKERS Sandra Nijjar

Octavia Nankunda

Founder & Executive Director, East Boston Community Soup Kitchen

Co-Founder & Clinical Director, P&O Behavioral Health Initiative

SPECIAL REMARKS Josh Zakim Board Secretary, The Lenny Zakim Fund

INTRODUCTION OF 2026 LENNY ZAKIM FUND’S GRANTEE PARTNERS Access to Food, Housing, and Economic Security

Civil and Human Rights Advocacy and Support

Organizing and Support for Immigrants and Refugees

Children and Youth Development and Education

Health Promotion and Accessibility for All

Violence Prevention, Criminal Justice Reform, and Family Outreach

LGBTQIA Community Support and Organizing

CLOSING REMARKS Felicia Heywood Board Chair, The Lenny Zakim Fund

SPECIAL THANKS The Lenny Zakim Fund’s Board of Directors and staff would like to thank the following for making our 30th Annual Awards Ceremony possible: Bakers’ Best Boston Linguistics DJ Kerr and Eternal Visuals Jess Guida and WGBH Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Maureen McGoldrick and Grossman Marketing Group

Octavia Nankunda and Priscilla Rwandarugali and P&O Behavioral Health Initiative Sandra Nijjar and the East Boston Community Soup Kitchen Tammy Torrey and Gill Fishman Design

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The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 2026 Board of Directors The Lenny Zakim Fund’s Community Investments Committee The Lenny Zakim Fund’s Site Visitors

FEATURED SPEAKERS EAST BOSTON COMMUNITY SOUP KITCHEN EAST BOSTON, EBCSK.ORG The East Boston Community Soup Kitchen offers nourishment and a community space for those experiencing challenging life circumstances, such as food insecurity, addiction, and homelessness.

They hold a holistic understanding of the varied needs of their community and serve as a place of dignity and compassion for all who enter their space.

Sandra Nijjar Founder and Executive Director Sandra Nijjar, an El Salvadorian immigrant, founded the East Boston Community Soup Kitchen in 2016 after experiencing an abrupt job loss. She envisioned a sanctuary where marginalized individuals could access nutritious meals and vital services, all in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. Sandra’s sense of civic responsibility, ingrained by her community-focused grandparents, serves as a constant motivator in her enduring dedication to helping others.

P&O BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INITIATIVE, INC. MERRIMACK VALLEY, POBHI.ORG P&O Behavioral Health Initiative addresses mental health challenges and provides a safe place for persons in underprivileged and immigrant communities by offering support and integration. POBHI offers behavioral health services and coordination of resources to marginalized groups, persons with cognitive impairment, and learning disabilities so they can develop and improve life skills to the best of their abilities.

Octavia Nankunda Co-Founder and Clinical Director Octavia Nankunda is a graduate of Masters of Education from Cambridge College with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counselling. She is an avid counsellor experienced in Marriage and Family Therapy, Individual counseling, supporting clients with mental illness and developmental disabilities. With her co-founder, Priscilla Rwandarugali, she launched P&O Behavioral Health Initiative in 2020, with a mission of elevating marginalized and underprivileged communities by empowering them to achieve success — using evidence-based and culturally competent treatments.

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LZF Mission Statement The Lenny Zakim Fund works to develop deep relationships and builds bridges among people and communities to advance social, economic, and racial justice. Our mission is to listen those most impacted by inequity and provide the funding, essential resources, and support they need to create lasting change.

LZF Vision Statement The Lenny Zakim Fund envisions a more just and equitable world where communities thrive because of the contributions and leadership of grassroots organizations.

“We have the power to change things. It doesn’t take much to start a revolution of thought and spirit. It takes one person and then another.

When it works, it’s a work of art.”

– Lenny Zakim, Founder

LZF Core Values The work of The Lenny Zakim Fund is guided by the following principles: SOCIAL JUSTICE All that we do is based in our deeply held belief that social justice is equity and that the fundamental rights, well-being and dignity of all people must be recognized, upheld, and celebrated.

GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP LZF is inspired by and respects the power and ability of those most impacted by injustice to bring about change.

DIVERSITY AND BELONGING We embrace a culture of inclusion and belonging, one that seeks out and welcomes the voices of those with diverse life experiences and intersectional identities.

LEARNING We firmly believe that continuous, active and reciprocal learning is critical to promoting awareness and creating a solid foundation for change.

BRIDGE BUILDING We are committed to bridging real and perceived difference, and to creating strong and lasting relationships that are fundamental to progress.

RESPONSIVENESS Emerging challenges that impact those we serve require an acceptance of risk and an ability to adapt and respond as rapidly as possible.

LOVE Love is at the heart of philanthropy. Love and compassion motivate and sustain the spirit of those who partner with LZF and remain dedicated to justice for all.

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About The Lenny Zakim Fund The Lenny Zakim Fund strengthens grassroots organizations and community leaders through technical training, coaching and counselling, pro bono legal services, networking, and grantmaking.

The Fund is a trusted partner and convener of social justice programs and enables grassroots leaders to create powerful change in their own communities.

The Lenny Zakim Fund Board of Directors & Staff Leonard Zakim Founder

Felicia Heywood Chair

Mo Castillo Vice Chair

Michael Eckton Treasurer

Joa Ahern-Seronde Nick Bates Ben Echevarria Gaby Goldstein Mark Irvings Alex Leventhal Emmanuel Owusu Deborah Seidel Aprylle Wallace

Allison Picott Executive Director

Tiffany Lau Deputy Director

Carla Beaudoin Director of Development

Madelyn Vining Assistant Grants Manager

Josh Zakim

Deena Zakim

Claire Molinich

Secretary

Joyce Zakim

Program and Development Administrator

Shari Zakim-Yacouby

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THANK THANKYOU! YOU! The Lenny Zakim Fund Bridge Builders The Bridge Builders honor and recognize the contributions of our donors, volunteers, former board members, and other important friends of The Fund. The board deeply appreciates all that they do for The Lenny Zakim Fund.

Joa Ahern-Seronde Barr Foundation Nick Bates Jessica Baylor Kathy Benharris and KB Fashion Productions Brianna Boggs Keturah Brewster Hehershe Buseuego Jodi Catino and Cuyana Alan Chebot Debby Cherry Renata Coker, Claire Vail and MyBoston Columbus Hospitality Group Copley Place Amy Dominici Eastern Bank Empire Loan Entertainment Specialists

Michael Eckton Lisa Flores Linda Frieze Michael Frieze Gina Ghioldi and Cocktails in Hell Josie Greene Sharona Halpern Shifrah (Susan) Halevi and Lawyers Clearinghouse Jessica Hennessey Mark Irvings Josephine and Louise Crane Foundation Cindy Joyce Suzi Kaitz Linda King and CAMI Klarman Family Foundation Debora Konig Douglas Krupp

Judi Krupp Linguistic Systems, Inc. MassHousing Charlayne Murrell-Smith Sarah Musgrave Danielle Nihill Rory Neuner Tom Pappas Heidi Price and Heidi Price Design Elaine Sager Bobby Sager Kate Sawyer Deborah Seidel Amy Shulman Weinberg Stuart Simon Ellie Starr Paige Tatum Temple B’Nai Israel Robert Weinberg

Community Investments Committee The Community Investment Committee is critical to The Fund’s annual grant program whose responsiiblities include reading, reviewing all grant proposals, evaluating site visit feedback, and recommending grants to the board. We thank the members for their selfless dedication.

Joa Ahern-Seronde Nick Bates Mo Castillo Debby Cherry Ben Echevarria Varsha Ghosh Felicia Heywood Olu Ibrahim

Mark Irvings Tiffany Lau Alphonse Litz Amy Maizel Seeherman Hilary Maguire Emmanuel Owusu Allison Picott Betsy Rigby

Sharon Sankey Deborah Seidel Madelyn Vining Joyce Zakim Deena Zakim Shari Zakim-Yacouby Alice Zimelman

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THANK YOU! Site Visitors Site visits are “inspirational due diligence,” essential to the LZF grantmaking process. Thank you to all of our volunteers for the work, wisdom, caring and compassion they give.

Joa Ahern-Seronde Debby Cherry Ben Echevarria Varsha Ghosh

John Graham Mark Irvings Tiffany Lau Deborah Seidel

Rob Sherman Madelyn Vining Joyce Zakim

Board Members Emeriti The Lenny Zakim Fund is eternally grateful to our board member emeriti for their incredible leadership, commitment, and generosity while serving on The Lenny Zakim Fund board and beyond.

Miki Akimoto Jennifer Winn Aronson Amy Belkin Monfenson Mary Carty Former Executive Director Clementina Chery Joseph Chery Gregg Croteau Yasmin Cruz Ferrine Lilee Dethchan Beth Dill Janice Ditchek Asmaa Donahue Eric Esteves Former Executive Director Donna Latson Gittens Joseph Goodman Jude Goldman Former Executive

Director Lisa Gordon Steve Grossman Tim James Jon Jennings Angela Johnson Suzi Kaitz Caren Keller Judith Krupp Richard Krupp Celeste Reid Lee Sofia Lingos-Papaliodis Ron Marlow Peter Meade Charlayne Murrell-Smith Kevin O’Malley Joe Rodio Erika Rodriguez Gabriela Romanow

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Michael Ross Glenn Rothman Susan Rothman Elaine Sager Harold Schwartz Michael Schwartz Rob Sherman Sam Slater Jill Snider Mark Sokoll Ellie Starr Loren Van Allen Jonathan Samen In memoriam Martin E. Kantor Honorary Lucille S. Kantor Honorary

THANK YOU! For their tremendous support, The Lenny Zakim Fund board extends our eternal gratitude to:

TEMPLE B’NAI ISRAEL And special thanks to this evening’s sponsors:

THE FRIEZE FAMILY FOUNDATION And our valued Community Partners:

The Lenny Zakim Fund is deeply grateful to the following for their support to strengthen our grant recipients and nonprofit leaders through our Annual Institute, seminars and the Transformational Leadership Cohort (TLC) program: Joa Ahern-Seronde Kelly Baker Barr Foundation Nick Bates Donna Bivens Boston Linguistics Boston Women’s Fund Brianna Boggs DLA Piper Susan Donahue George Earley Michael Eckton Chris Elwell Episcopal City Mission Martin Familia Maria FernandesDominique Shifrah Halevi Haymarket People’s Fund

Hyams Foundation Mark Irvings Rebecca Jackson Chanelle John Robin Kane Rana Kannan Linda King Krupp Family Foundation Lawyer’s Clearinghouse Erin Leonard Maria Elena Letona Alphonse Litz Mass Housing Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Madeline McNeely Jaclyn Miller

Kindred Motes Danielle Nihill Abby Nguyen-Burke Tom Pappas Partners Interpreting Lisa Ramsdell Betsy Rigby Monifa Robinson Jeff Rogers Kaitlyn Sawyer EJ Seibert Deborah Seidel Sarah Shampnois Aileen Sheehan Madeleine Steczynski Aprylle Wallace Marianne Yoshioka

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2025 YEAR IN REVIEW

WE BEGAN 2025 BY AWARDING

$678,000 TO 53 GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATIONS

2/3

of whom are led by people of color

and nearly

1/2

by women

The Lenny Zakim Fund began 2025 by awarding $678,000 to 53 grassroots organizations, 46 renewal grants and 7 new grantee partners. 28 challenge match grants were awarded to our grantee partners. Two thirds of the grassroots organizations are led by people of color and nearly 1/2 by women. The average grant award was $11,150. Over the past 30 years, LZF has awarded over 1,600 grants totaling approximately $13.5 million to over 430 organizations.

In 2025, we continued offering not just financial support, but technical assistance and community building to all grantee partners. Throughout the year, LZF offered each of our grantee partners $28,600 worth of capacity-building programming, including seminars, leadership trainings, community events, and resources.

LZF Board Member Deborah Seidel hosted virtual weekly office hours, drawing upon her expertise as a non-profit executive and board member, to serve as a sounding board and resource to numerous current and former grantee partners, providing them with advice on a variety of nonprofit and leadership topics. 2025 saw the first full year of our new Catalytic Consulting Program, allowing our grantee partners to access several hours of good quality consulting at no cost to them. This kind of tailored consulting can be a gamechanger for nonprofit leaders and their organizations, in anything from leadership coaching to developing fundraising plans, to dealing with HR and Board issues.

LZF ran the fourth cohort of the Transformational Leadership Cohort (TLC) program in 2025, which included 13 leaders representing various current and former LZF grantee partner organizations. Created and launched in 2019, TLC is specifically intended to benefit small, grassroots organizations and leaders, primarily from historically excluded

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2025 YEAR IN REVIEW ( CONTINUED) populations, through executive coaching, workshop-based, skill-building trainings around leadership development, and capacity building. Our fifth TLC Cohort kicked off in December, and our 2026 leaders have begun working closely with their coaches.

To date, LZF’s TLC program has proudly supported 56 leaders representing 50 current and former grantee partners organizations through 5 cohorts.

Throughout 2025, LZF offered 12 virtual seminars to our current and former grantees focused on topics such as risk management, budgeting, cybersecurity, and strategic communications, including a seminar on grant reports hosted by Board Member Joa Ahern-Seronde. Following this seminar, Joa hosted weekly virtual office hours to assist current grantee partners in completing their year-end grant report to LZF. Submission of a grant report allows our partners to be eligible for renewal of funding.

On April 21st, Team LZF crossed the finish line at the 129th Boston Marathon. Our 2025 runners Lucy Nash and Reynolds Graves raised awareness and funding for The Lenny Zakim Fund, touching countless lives as they ran all 26.2 miles. In 2026, two new runners will be representing LZF as they prepare to run the 130th Boston Marathon.

This Summer, our Board Chair Felicia Heywood launched her new Board Partners initiative - designed to deepen engagement with our grantee organizations and further The Lenny Zakim Fund’s mission of fostering meaningful connections and building bridges. Board Partners serve as an additional bridge, ensuring that our grantee organizations experience personal connection and feel truly supported by The Lenny Zakim Fund.

On June 12, LZF’s Annual Learning Institute was held. This year’s theme was financial management, and we programmed a day of discussions, presentations, and workshops on topics from the board’s fiduciary responsibility to making the most of your banking relationship. LZF was thrilled to convene 76 attendees at the Institute, including board, staff, and leaders from 38 current and former grantee partners. Despite all that is going on within our grantee partners’ communities, attendees were pleased to be a part of a day of learning and community building!

In August and September, the LZF staff hosted a series of socials for our current and former grantee partners. Not only was this an opportunity for us to connect with the organizations that LZF has funded over the years, but for our grantee partners to connect with each other and find partnership potential, learning opportunities, and support and solidarity amongst their peers.

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2025 YEAR IN REVIEW ( CONTINUED) On September 6th, our 2nd Annual Light the Night may not have unfolded exactly as envisioned with hailstorms and tornado warnings pushing us indoors. What was planned as an outdoor soirée transformed into a lively indoor celebration, where our grantee partner Circus Up adapted seamlessly with a memorable performance that set a joyful tone. And while we weren’t dancing under the glow of the illuminated Zakim Bridge, over 200 members of the LZF community came together inside to enjoy delicious food and drinks, lively dancing, and meaningful connections—all in support of our work with grassroots organizations across Eastern Massachusetts. This event would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our planning and host committees, as well as our incredible sponsors.

Mark your calendars! Our Annual Event will be back in 2026 with a new name, and a new location, but all for the same mission. Join us September 19, 2026 at The Grand Seaport. Save the date, we can’t wait to see you there!

On September 29th, LZF hosted a special dinner for 49 current and emeriti board members and their guests to celebrate The Lenny Zakim Fund and 30 years of building bridges. Since LZF’s founding in 1995, 62 people have served on LZF’s board, representing close to 600 years of combined service. The evening included remarks from various individuals who reflected on LZF’s rich history. We recounted the founding of LZF, recalled key moments and the people who were critical to The Fund’s evolution and many successes, and recognized the many partnerships LZF has been honored to cultivate with over 430 grassroots organizations over the past 30 years. And, of course, we remembered our founder, Lenny, through laughter, tears, and a celebratory shot of tequila.

On November 6th, we hosted Fashioning Stronger Communities: A Fashion Show to benefit The Lenny Zakim Fund. We are extremely grateful to our wonderful partners Copley Place and KB Fashion Productions for designing this incredible event and to all the models who hit the runway to raise awareness for and in honor of LZF. On November 8th, we were honored to once again co-host an annual grantee gathering in collaboration with the Boston Women’s Fund, Episcopal City Mission, Haymarket People’s Fund, Hyams Foundation, and Krupp Family Foundation. We were joined by nearly 200 leaders, representing dozens of grassroots organizations doing work across New England. The day was not just about community-building, but featured seminars on nonprofit leadership, healing opportunities, and dedicated breakout groups.

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2025 YEAR IN REVIEW ( CONTINUED) On November 17, on what would have been Lenny’s 71st birthday, we proudly hosted our 24th annual No Show Ball, with over 125 families and individuals joining in the celebration through their generous donations throughout the month-long fundraising campaign. This unique event invited participants to enjoy a quiet evening at home, free from the need for formal attire or the hassle of traffic and parking. Guests dined wherever and whenever they liked, embracing the spirit of the evening without the usual fanfare of an open bar or catered meals—making it a truly personal and meaningful way to honor Lenny’s legacy.

In December, we said goodbye to Rob Sherman, the last original LZF boardmember, to retire from the Board. We are grateful for Rob’s 30 years of service to The Lenny Zakim Fund. LZF begins our 31st year with a 16-person board.

The Lenny Zakim Fund extends our deepest gratitude to our donors for their generous support and proudly celebrates our grantee partners for their tireless efforts to advance social, economic, and racial justice within their communities. Together, we can make Lenny’s belief that extraordinary social change can be created at the grassroots level more of a reality with each year - and decade - that passes.

Thank you and onward!

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LZF GRANTS 2018-2025: BY FUNDING CATEGORY Violence Prevention, Criminal Justice Reform & Family Outreach

Access to Food, Housing, & Economic Security

10% Organizing & Support for Immigrants & Refugees

LGBTQIA Community Support & Organizing

15%

22% 26% 6%

14%

Children & Youth Development & Education

7%

Health Promotion & Accessibility for All

Civil & Human Rights Advocacy & Support

LZF ANNUAL GRANT CYCLE The Lenny Zakim Fund maintains an active portfolio of ~50 grassroots nonprofit organizations, typically welcoming 5 to 10 new grantee partners into our portfolio each year. To be eligible to receive funding from LZF, prospective grant applicants must be a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization (or have a fiscal sponsor) and be based in and serve Eastern Massachusetts.

LZF prides itself on being a practitioner of trust-based philanthropy, which is central to our work as a funder. We recognize that our grassroots communityled applicants are most knowledgeable about the challenges in their own communities and are best suited to create solutions. Accordingly, all our grants are unrestricted in nature to allow our

grantee partners to determine how best to deploy the money.

Our Community Investments Committee, which consists of LZF staff, board members, and volunteers from the community, is responsible for evaluating and making grant award decisions as part of a six-month process that includes a written grant application and site visit with a select number of applicants.

After five years, once an organization is no longer eligible to receive funding from LZF, the goal is for the organization to be able to flourish and leverage the skills and support acquired during their time with LZF to secure new and diverse areas of funding. .

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GRANT RECIPIENTS ALPHABETICALLY 2Gether We Eat African Community Center of Lowell (ACCL) Boston LesBiGay Urban Foundation, Inc. Bridge Forward, Inc. Brockton Workers Alliance (BWA)

New England Medical Association, Inc. (NEMA) New Lynn Coalition Nigerian American Multi-Service Association (NAMSA) Open Door Immigration Services (ODIS)

Bryce’s Journey, Inc.

Our Deaf Survivors Center, Inc.

Cape Ann Art Haven

OutstandingLife, Inc.

Casa Mariposa, Inc.

Pathway to Better Health

Circus Up

P&O Behavioral Health Initiative, Inc.

City Strings United Cultural Exchange Through Soccer (CETS)

Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center, Inc.

DEAFinitely, Inc.

Potencia, Inc.

DeeDee’s Cry Suicide Prevention & Family Support

Pride Productions, Inc. Queer History Boston

Do-It-Yourself-Lowell

Reclaim Roxbury

East Boston Community Soup Kitchen Eritrean American Civic Association (EACA)

Refugees & Immigrants Cultural Empowerment Massachusetts (RICEMA)

Financial Education Associates, Inc.

Revive in Action, Inc.

Gratis Healthcare, Inc.

Sisters Unchained, Inc.

Heart of a Giant Foundation, Inc.

South Boston En Accion

JOYweavers, Inc.

Teen JUST-US at Temple Israel of Boston

Lamplight Women’s Literacy Center

The Dream Network

Lives Are Meant To Be Changed, Inc.

Think Outside The Vox, Inc.

Love Life Now Foundation

Translate Gender

Mercy Meals & More, Inc.

Urban PowerHouse

Neighborhood Counseling and Community Services, Inc. (NCCS)

Vong Tay Cha Me Viet

Neighbors United for a Better East Boston (NUBE)

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GRANT RECIPIENTS BY MISSION ACCESS TO FOOD, HOUSING, & ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY 2Gether We Eat Bridge Forward, Inc. East Boston Community Soup Kitchen Financial Education Associates, Inc. Lamplight Women’s Literacy Center Lives Are Meant To Be Changed, Inc. Mercy Meals & More, Inc. New Lynn Coalition Reclaim Roxbury

CHILD & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION Bryce’s Journey, Inc. Cape Ann Art Haven Circus Up City Strings United Cultural Exchange Through Soccer (CETS) DEAFinitely, Inc. JOYweavers, Inc. Pride Productions, Inc. Sisters Unchained Teen JUST-US at Temple Israel of Boston Vong Tay Cha Me Viet

CIVIL & HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY & SUPPORT Do-It-Yourself Lowell Neighbors United for a Better East Boston (NUBE) Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center, Inc.

HEALTH PROMOTION & ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL

New England Medical Association, Inc. (NEMA) Think Outside the Vox, Inc. Urban PowerHouse

LGBTQIA COMMUNITY SUPPORT & ORGANIZING Boston LesBiGay Urban Foundation, Inc. OutstandingLife, Inc. Pathway to Better Health Queer History Boston Translate Gender

ORGANZING & SUPPORT FOR IMMIGRANTS & REFUGEES African Community Center of Lowell (ACCL) Brockton Workers Alliance (BWA) Casa Mariposa, Inc. Eritrean American Civic Association (EACA) Nigerian American Multi-Service Association (NAMSA) Open Door Immigration Services (ODIS) P&O Behavioral Health Initiative, Inc. Potencia, Inc. Refugees & Immigrants Cultural Empowerment Massachusetts (RICEMA) Revive In Action, Inc. South Boston en Accion

VIOLENCE PREVENTION, CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM & FAMILY OUTREACH Love Life Now Foundation Our Deaf Survivors Center, Inc. The Dream Network

DeeDee’s Cry Suicide Prevention & Family Support Gratis Healthcare, Inc. Heart of a Giant Foundation, Inc. Neighborhood Counseling and Community Services, Inc. (NCCS) 18 | The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 30th Annual Awards Ceremony

THANK YOU! A SPECIAL WORD OF GRATITUDE TO TEMPLE B’NAI ISRAEL In October 2023, The Lenny Zakim Fund (LZF or The Fund) received a very generous gift from the former Temple B’nai Israel of Revere to support LZF grantee partner organizations who are doing work to advance social, racial, and economic justice in Revere, Chelsea, Lynn, and other communities along the North Shore.

AREA

Established in 1906 in the Beachmont neighborhood of Revere, Temple B’nai Israel (TBI) has the distinction of being one of the oldest original synagogues in Massachusetts. In 2019, Temple B’Nai Israel made the decision to close its doors. Desirous to create a lasting legacy, Temple B’nai Israel chose LZF to receive the proceeds from the sale of its former temple building recognizing that the two organizations share Jewish values and a strong commitment to social justice.

TBI’s gift has been invested in a special endowed fund which will be drawn down by LZF each year over a period of 18 years (through 2041) to provide critical grant funding to LZF grassroots partner organizations in Revere, Chelsea, Lynn, and along the North Shore who share the Temple’s Jewish values and strong commitment to social justice.

The Lenny Zakim Fund is eternally grateful to the congregants of Temple B’Nai Israel for their belief in The Fund and our work with grassroots organizations.

The Fund congratulates the following 2026 LZF grantee partners whose grants are funded by Temple B’nai Israel’s generosity:

Casa Mariposa

New Lynn Coalition

East Boston Community Soup Kitchen

Open Door Immigration Services

Neighbors United for a Better East Boston The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 30th Annual Awards Ceremony | 19

2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

2GETHER WE EAT WORCESTER, 2GETHERWEEAT.COM

Providing food, education, training, and employment using hydroponics to help fight the food crisis in food deserts across our communities.

2Gether We Eat is a youth farming program that targets community food deserts. The organization uses hydroponic farming to feed, train and employ the youth in the community, while providing and donating produce to our youth, local food banks, and community.

AFRICAN COMMUNITY CENTER OF LOWELL (ACCL) LOWELL, ACCLOWELL.ORG

Helping to foster a welcoming and inclusive community for African immigrants and refugees in the Greater Lowell area.

African Community Center of Lowell’s mission is to equip African immigrants and refugees in the Greater Lowell area with resources to be actively engaged community members, through educational, social, and cultural initiatives. Since 2016, ACCL has assisted more than 2,000 immigrants make a strong and healthy start in the Greater Lowell area.

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

BOSTON LESBIGAY URBAN FOUNDATION, INC. DORCHESTER, LESBIGAYURBANFOUNDATION.ORG

Fostering positive futures of LGBTQ+ youth of color.

Boston Lesbigay Urban Foundation, Inc. increases awareness of and support for Boston’s QTBIPOC community through education and the curation of spaces with integrity and pride. BLU seeks to break the cycle of dysfunction in marginalized communities by making medical and mental health awareness a priority and uplifting the voices of LGBTQ+ leaders

BRIDGE FORWARD, INC. BOSTON, BRIDGEFORWARD.ORG

Helping MA residents build financial stability through connection, trust, and real support.

Bridge Forward is an economic mobility organization founded and led by people of color. It is designed to help individuals and families experiencing financial hardship and affected by the racial wealth gap, with multi-year financial and coaching support to propel their journey towards stability and wealth building.

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

BROCKTON WORKERS ALLIANCE (BWA) BROCKTON, BROCKTONWORKERSALLIANCE.ORG

Empowering immigrant workers to lead the fight for their rights.

Brockton Workers Alliance educates, supports, organizes, and empowers immigrant workers to confront long-term workplace abuses and exploitation and to lead the fight for their rights through the development of better local, state, and national policies.

BRYCE’S JOURNEY, INC. BOSTON, BRYCESJOURNEY.ORG

Devoted to helping underserved kids with autism.

Bryce’s Journey, Inc. provides free or low-cost support to low-income inner-city families who have children with Autism and ADHD. The organization also provides guidance, informational resources, support groups, and educational workshops for parents and caregivers.

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

CAPE ANN ART HAVEN GLOUCESTER, ARTHAVEN.ORG

Providing high quality art education and community building to all.

Cape Ann Art Haven’s mission is to ensure that every child on Cape Ann has access to the wideranging benefits of arts education by removing barriers like cost and transportation to make arts learning truly accessible. By supporting the next generation of Cape Ann artists, the organization is carrying forward the community’s rich tradition of creativity and culture into the future.

CASA MARIPOSA, INC. LYNN, CASAMARIPOSA.ORG

Providing a safe and affordable home for families in need..

Casa Mariposa is a safe and affordable home for families in need where residents can find a supportive community and a sense of belonging. The organization provides culturally inclusive, responsive and respectful education and subsidized housing to marginalized immigrants and their families as they navigate adjustment to life in Lynn.

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

CIRCUS UP, INC. BOSTON, CIRCUSUP.COM

Using circus arts and skills to create stronger, kinder, and more resilient communities.

Circus Up uses circus arts to overcome social barriers and build community with students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Based in Boston, Circus Up is part of an international “social circus” movement that uses circus arts and skills to create stronger, kinder, and more resilient communities. Circus Up partners with community-based organizations and Boston Public schools to offer youth development programs that build confidence, communication, leadership, and self-advocacy skills.

CITY STRINGS UNITED BOSTON, CITYSTRINGS.ORG

Transforming young lives through stringed instruments.

City Strings United was founded on the belief that access to high-quality youth programs can create positive change in economically-strained communities and foster the social, emotional and educational development of its youth. CSU provides free cello lessons and unique performance opportunities to four-year-old through eighteen-year-old students primarily from urban Boston with a focus on discipline, teamwork, respect, listening and accountability.

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS CULTURAL EXCHANGE THROUGH SOCCER (CETS) WORCESTER, PSNNC.ORG/ YOUTH-OPPORTUNITIES

Empowering youth from diverse communities to play, share, and teach soccer and to become leaders to improve Worcester.

Beginning as a neighborhoodbased community building program, CETS empowers youth through soccer, using the sport as a tool for leadership, cultural exchange, and community building. Through their programs, including the Annual Worcester World Cup, CETS fosters personal growth, inclusivity, and social connection, planting seeds for a more united and vibrant future.

DEAFINITELY, INC. BOSTON, DEAFINITELYINC.COM

Changing the paradigm for deaf and hard of hearing youth.

DEAFinitely empowers Deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, deaf-disabled and hearing youth through mentorship, performing arts, and American Sign Language (ASL).

DEAFinitely youth learn to communicate and work together as a team, expressing positive messages through dance and ASL. Through Deaf-to-Deaf mentoring, youth engage in regular ASL-rich outlets to deepen connections and develop fundamental skills to interact in the world.

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS DEEDEE’S CRY SUICIDE PREVENTION & FAMILY SUPPORT DORCHESTER, DEEDEESCRY.ORG

Providing resources on suicide prevention and loss & mental health education.

DeeDee’s Cry supports families impacted by suicide through the provision of suicide prevention and loss resources, and mental health education. The organization is creating a safe space for conversation and lifting the stigma on suicide and mental health within BIPOC communities. DeeDee’s Cry offers event programs, projects, and activities within BIPOC communities focusing on family, mental health, and suicide prevention.

DO-IT-YOURSELF LOWELL LOWELL, DIYLOWELL.ORG

Connecting people with ideas to funding, technical assistance, and to one another.

Do-It-Yourself Lowell is dedicated to helping community members make small-scale projects and events happen together. Their mission revolves around three key goals: building lasting, exciting civic improvements, building civic engagement skills, and building a diverse community.

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

EAST BOSTON COMMUNITY SOUP KITCHEN EAST BOSTON, EBCSK.ORG

Providing nourishment in all forms to those facing adversity.

The East Boston Community Soup Kitchen offers nourishment and a community space for those experiencing challenging life circumstances, such as food insecurity, addiction, and homelessness. They hold a holistic understanding of the varied needs of their community and serve as a place of dignity and compassion for all who enter their space.

ERITREAN AMERICAN CIVIC ASSOCIATION (EACA) BOSTON, EACABOSTON.COM

Promoting civic engagement, community organizing, social and cultural interactions among Eritrean-Americans.

The Eritrean American Civic Association aims to support migrant communities through language training, workforce development, cultural programming, civic engagement, and professional networks. EACA develops programs that respond to the needs of Eritrean and other immigrant communities from Africa and helps increase awareness about refugees and immigrant issues locally and statewide.

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

FINANCIAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATES, INC. BOSTON, MONEY-CLASSES.COM

Providing high-quality Homebuyer and Financial Education seminars and consulting services.

Financial Education Associates’ (FEA) mission is to serve Massachusetts residents by providing unbiased homebuyer education to help them achieve their dream of homeownership. FEA has graduated over 20,000 people since its inception in 2001. The organization also provides financial education seminars, online homebuyer classes, online landlord classes, classes for new homeowners and counseling for our graduates.

GRATIS HEALTHCARE, INC. FRAMINGHAM,

Removing barriers to basic health care and striving to connect patients to the Massachusetts health care system and community resources.

In recognition of the growing need for access to basic health care for those communities that are uninsured or underinsured in the MetroWest and Greater Boston area, Gratis Healthcare provides free medical and mental health services to those in need. By using volunteer clinicians in multiple specialties with Portuguese and Spanish interpreters, the organization aims to remove barriers to basic health care and strive to connect patients to the Massachusetts health care system and community resources.

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

HEART OF A GIANT FOUNDATION, INC. BOSTON, HEARTOFAGIANT.ORG

Empowering communities to prevent and address chronic heart conditions.

The Heart of a Giant Foundation addresses the disproportionate burden of heart disease in underserved communities. The organization improves early detection, diagnosis, and management of cardiac risk factors through culturally responsive education, empowerment, and care coordination.

JOYWEAVERS, INC. CAMBRIDGE, JOYWEAVERS.ORG

Celebrating joy, learning, and the wonder of childhood.

For families affected by trauma, disability, or school challenges, JOYweavers offers accessible programming for children, work experiences for teens, advocacy and resources for caregivers, and community for all to feel welcomed, known and valued. Through their five-week summer camp and year-long family support and community building programming, JOYweavers promotes social-emotional development, learning and joy.

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

LAMPLIGHT WOMEN’S LITERACY CENTER ARLINGTON, LAMPLIGHTLITERACY.ORG

Providing adult education programs to support the advancement of women with limited incomes.

Lamplight Women’s Literacy Center partners with women of limited economic resources, encouraging them to envision ambitious futures and responding with tailored educational programs that support their goals. Lamplight’s programs advance students’ English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while providing them with career advising, job search assistance, and referrals for other social service needs.

LIVES ARE MEANT TO BE CHANGED, INC. BOSTON, LIVESAREMEANTTOBE CHANGED.ORG

Driving health, wellness, and prosperity for men of color and their families Lives Are Meant To Be Changed empowers men of color who are returning from a period of incarceration who are facing the challenges of substance abuse, mental health issues, and societal reintegration. The organization supports them and provides access to essential services and resources to aid their journey towards self-sufficiency and well-being.

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

LOVE LIFE NOW FOUNDATION AVON, LOVELIFENOW.ORG

Supporting survivors of domestic violence through year-round initiatives and direct assistance to domestic violence programs.

As a global awareness and education organization, Love Life Now Foundation provides resources to those seeking help regarding domestic violence through educational workshops, panels, presentations, and year-round awareness. Love Life Now Foundation also provides direct assistance to domestic violence shelters.

MERCY MEALS & MORE NEW BEDFORD, MERCYMEALSANDMORE.COM

Providing a nutritious beginning to the day for neighbors in need.

Mercy Meals & More provides free meals, clothing, and foot care to those in need while simultaneously cultivating friendships and building a stronger community. Offering a hot breakfast program Monday through Saturday, Mercy Meals & More treats their guests with dignity and respect.

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

NEIGHBORHOOD COUNSELING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC. (NCCS) SOMERVILLE, NEIGHBORHOODCOUNSELINGSERVICES.ORG

Improving the quality of life of anyone who feels vulnerable.

NCCS provides much-needed accessible and affordable counseling for individuals, children, adolescents, adults, families and groups in Somerville, Medford, Malden, Everett, and Chelsea. NCCS seeks to improve the quality of life of anyone who feels vulnerable and is looking for ways to better the relationship they have with themselves, their families, and their communities.

NEIGHBORS UNITED FOR A BETTER EAST BOSTON (NUBE) EAST BOSTON, NUBEASTBOSTON.ORG

Envisioning a community where neighbors co-exist, support, and encourage each other.

Neighbors United for a Better East Boston (NUBE) works to build community power and participatory democracy through organizing, advocacy, leadership development, and civic action to create a better and more just East Boston and beyond. NUBE believes that abundant leaders, who intentionally engage in social, economic, and political life, will help create alternative systems and structures that promote social transformation.

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

NEW ENGLAND MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, INC. (NEMA) BROOKLINE, NEMA-NMA.ORG

Mobilizing the Black physician community to shape a just future for medicine.

The New England Medical Association connects Black physicians in the New England area who are passionate about combatting healthcare inequality. NEMA members advocate to eliminate health disparities while building community power through career development, mentorship programs, and community-based projects.

NEW LYNN COALITION LYNN, NEWLYNN.ORG

Organizing working class people into a unified, permanent, political, and economic force.

The New Lynn Coalition is made up of community, faith, and labor activists who organize all sectors of working-class people into a unified, permanent, political, and economic force that is union and non-union, and transcends racial, linguistic, ethnic, citizenship, faith, and gender boundaries. It seeks to redress/address the extreme income inequality that comes from lack of power for working people.

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

NIGERIAN AMERICAN MULTI-SERVICE ASSOCIATION (NAMSA) BOSTON, NAMSA.ORG

Dedicated to promoting and preserving the culture and heritage of all people of Nigerian ancestry.

The Nigerian works to provide a supportive environment through education, networking opportunities and other services that help people adapt and thrive. Celebrating the contributions of Nigerian Americans and helping new immigrants integrate into American society, NAMSA aims to promote inclusive and lasting socioeconomic progress in their community and beyond using advocacy and philanthropy.

OPEN DOOR IMMIGRATION SERVICES (ODIS) BEVERLY, ODISMA.ORG

Guiding immigrants through the complex journey of the immigration system.

Open Door Immigration Services is a Department of Justice (DOJ) accredited legal services organization that provides affordable and no-cost legal service for immigrants navigating the challenges to obtaining legal immigrant status. ODIS prioritizes delivery of these services to the underserved low-income immigrants in their community.

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

OUR DEAF SURVIVORS CENTER, INC. WORCESTER, ODSCMA.ORG

Empowering survivors and strengthening support for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing communities Our Deaf Survivors Center serves individuals impacted by domestic and sexual violence in Deaf communities by providing culturally sustaining resources and services. ODSC aims to create a compassionate community that centers individual self-determination of every person who has been or is currently affected by domestic and sexual violence.

OUTSTANDINGLIFE ROXBURY, OUTSTANDINGLIFE.ORG

Disrupting social isolation of LGTBQ+ elders through virtual community.

OutstandingLife addresses the unique challenges of LGBTQ+ elders through connection building, leading them to live more empowered and joyful lives. OutstandingLife’s online community offers LGBTQ+ elders a virtual space where they can combat loneliness and benefit from educational programming thereby deepening their connections within the community.

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

PATHWAY TO BETTER HEALTH LOWELL, APATHWAYTOBETTER HEALTH.COM

Providing access to highquality, compassionate healthcare for all.

Pathway to Better Health (PTBHealth) provides compassionate, stigma-free, gender affirming care to Queer members of the community with a focus on those who have traditionally been stigmatized and marginalized by the healthcare system. The organization believes healthcare is a basic human right, and everyone deserves access to high-quality healthcare and support, regardless of their HIV status, gender identity or substance use history.

P&O BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INITIATIVE, INC. MERRIMACK VALLEY, POBHI.ORG

Elevating marginalized and underprivileged communities by empowering them to achieve success.

P&O Behavioral Health Initiative addresses mental health challenges and provides a safe place for persons in underprivileged and immigrant communities by offering support and integration. POBHI offers behavioral health services and coordination of resources to marginalized groups, persons with cognitive impairment, and learning disabilities so they can develop and improve life skills to the best of their abilities.

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

PLEASANT STREET NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORK CENTER, INC. (PSNNC) WORCESTER, PSNNC.ORG

Fostering a culture of empowerment, selfdetermination, and community-driven change.

Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center is an agent for positive, and collective change through community organizing in the Pleasant/Piedmont area of Worcester. This grassroots, resident-led coalition was built on the need for representation, advocacy, and collective action. Since its founding, PSNNC has remained dedicated to addressing systemic disparities and uplifting the voices of those most impacted by these challenges.

POTENCIA, INC. MALDEN, POTENCIAINC.ORG

Reimagining language learning to be accessible, human, and empowering.

Founded by two immigrants, Potencia is dedicated to empowering adult immigrants to gain upward mobility through personalized, scalable English language tutoring. Since their launching in 2022, the organization has provided affordable, personalized English tutoring to those who find traditional English classes challenging to access. Their belief is simple: Learning English shouldn’t be a luxury for adult community members. It should be accessible, human, and empowering.

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

PRIDE PRODUCTIONS, INC. WORCESTER, PRIDEPRO.ORG

Creating platforms for individuals to express their stories and showcase their talents.

With an overall mission to inspire confidence and ambition in young people, Pride Productions offers programs for youth to engage in multimedia creation and production. Their programs offer unique opportunities that are not often accessible to youth and help to inspire young people to explore different paths and passions with career development and mentorship.

QUEER HISTORY BOSTON BOSTON, QUEERHISTORYBOSTON.ORG

Documenting, preserving, and sharing the history of New England’s LGBTQ communities.

Queer History Boston works to document, preserve, and share the rich and diverse histories of New England’s LGBTQ+ communities by maintaining a community-driven archives, supporting research, and creating public programming that brings history to life. As one of the largest independent LGBTQ archives in the nation, Queer History Boston is a community archives that contains more than 250 collections and more than one million documents from organizations and individuals.

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

RECLAIM ROXBURY ROXBURY, RECLAIMROXBURY.ORG

Building a more prosperous and resilient Roxbury.

Reclaim Roxbury is dedicated to improving the quality of life and economic wealth for Roxbury residents by preventing displacement and supporting economic development. The organization works to ensure that Roxbury residents are actively involved in the democratic process and have a voice in community planning.

REFUGEES & IMMIGRANTS CULTURAL EMPOWERMENT MASSACHUSETTS (RICEMA) WORCESTER, RICEMA.ORG

Promoting and empowering the importance of cultural arts.

RICEMA is a performance arts and education community center focusing on preserving the art and culture of refugees and immigrants through education and performing arts, connecting a rich cultural identity to the community and contributing to the American experience.

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

REVIVE IN ACTION, INC. WALTHAM, REVIVEINACTION. ORG

Providing transformative programs that inspire economic growth, educational excellence, and community engagement.

Revive In Action is a community-based organization committed to empowering and revitalizing urban communities by fostering a generation of resilient, compassionate, and purpose-driven leaders. Through training programs, workforce development training, and ESOL Training, Revive in Action has equipped refugees, asylees, and underserved residents with the skills, confidence, and resources to thrive.

SISTERS UNCHAINED, INC. BOSTON, SISTERSUNCHAINED.COM

Fostering autonomy, love, and growth in our relationships with ourselves and our communities.

Sisters Unchained is a prison abolitionist non-profit organization dedicated to supporting girls, young women and nonbinary youth whose loved ones are currently or formerly incarcerated. Sisters Unchained provides a refuge space where young women can focus on loving and improving themselves and their communities in the way they see fit.

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

SOUTH BOSTON EN ACCION SOUTH BOSTON, SBEACCION.ORG

Empowering community members in South Boston to create positive change.

South Boston en Accion’s works to relieve poverty, combat community deterioration, advance civic education and engagement, promote social welfare and justice, and inspire leadership from within the low-income population of South Boston. SBEA develops community grassroots leadership by helping residents to access knowledge and other resources to achieve their goals and develop as leaders to take collective action for improvements to social and racial injustices.

TEEN JUST-US AT TEMPLE ISRAEL OF BOSTON (TEEN JUST-US) BOSTON, TISRAEL.ORG/ TEEN-JUST-US-BOSTON/

Providing a substantive and meaningful opportunity for teens who are eager to make a difference in the world.

Teen JUST-US Boston is a unique summer internship experience for Jewish teens entering 11th and 12th grade who are committed to making a difference in their own communities.

Participants pursue their passion and purpose through direct engagement with local agencies and organizations that work to make the world a better place students with mentors for a mutually productive experience for all to access.

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS THE DREAM NETWORK LAWRENCE, THEDREAMNETWORK.ORG

Forming a collective vision of social justice and mobility.

The Dream Network helps to form a collective vision of what social justice and mobility should look like in Lawrence through collective power, tangible connection, and shared experiences to build community credibility and capital. The organization works to develop transformative processes that measurably impact poverty and to shift culture by addressing systemic inequities in our educational, economic, environmental, social, and carceral systems.

THINK OUTSIDE THE VOX, INC. LITTLETON, THINKOUTSIDETHEVOX.ORG

Increasing disability and cultural access in the arts community.

Think Outside the Vox provides arts access consulting and training that centers on antiableist/anti-racist disability culture for arts institutions. Vox focuses on widening the breadth and scope of accessible programming by facilitating the hiring of disabled and marginalized artists and experts. The organization aims to make measurable system-wide change in the field through the facilitation and planning of how art institutions can make their spaces more accessible and inclusive.

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS TRANSLATE GENDER NORTHAMPTON, TRANSLATEGENDER.ORG

Generating community accountability for individuals to self-determine their own genders and gender expressions.

Translate Gender is a trans-led, consensus-run organization building communities that are more equitable and just for trans and gender creative individuals, especially youth. Translate Gender leads efforts to fight gender oppression and educate communities on specific concerns to trans, gender-expansive, and/or gender nonconforming individuals. The organization holds workshops and facilitations of discussions, as well as offer a range of youth programs focused on community building, leadership development, and joyful expression for trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive young people.

URBAN POWERHOUSE HYDE PARK, URBANPOWERHOUSE.ORG

Bringing empowerment and self-growth to those in Boston’s urban centers through strength & power sports.

Urban PowerHouse is the first nonprofit strength-training facility supporting underserved populations in Boston and neighboring areas. They work to increase the exposure and participation of underserved youth and adults in strength sports through training, information access, and financial support and make powerlifting and weightlifting attainable for everyone, thereby keeping the sport diverse and inclusive for years to come. .

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2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

VONG TAY CHA ME VIET DORCHESTER, VTCMV.ORG

Providing culturally and linguistically appropriate support and resources to Vietnamese-speaking families of children with disabilities and autism.

Vong Tay Cha Me Viet, also known as The Circle of Vietnamese Parents, supports Vietnamese-speaking parents of children and youth with disabilities and autism.

Led by parents of children and youth with disabilities and autism, the organization provides emotional support and educational resources that are culturally and linguistically appropriate for Vietnamese speaking families. Their bilingual and bicultural materials are accessed at no cost nationwide and beyond.

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SAVE THE DATES Please mark your calendars and join The Lenny Zakim Fund for:

130th Boston Marathon Monday, April 20, 2026 Team LZF Runners: Becca Kinsella and Itamar Shevach

The Zakim Light: Saturday, September 19, 2026 (7-10pm) at The Grand, Seaport The Lenny Zakim Fund’s annual fun and festive fundraiser featuring great food and drink, dancing and fun

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 2026

The Lenny Zakim Fund’s

•

25TH Annual

The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 30th Annual Awards Ceremony | 45

Congratulations to all the Lenny Zakim Fund award recipients and thank you to the Lenny Zakim Fund for the amazing work it does to help organizations of all kinds grow and flourish in our community.

-DAVID AND BEN GROSSMAN

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25TH ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY | 35 |

2025 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS The Lenny Zakim Fund bridges gaps between need and resources in communities; between donors and individuals striving to make better lives; between complementary organizations otherwise unbeknownst to each other; and between you and your ability to create positive impact in your neighboring communities at risk.

We are deeply grateful to the following donors for making this important work possible.

THANK YOU. Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge ($50,000 & Over)

Cable Bridge ($5,000-$9,999)

Judith and Douglas Krupp

Eastern Bank Foundation

Anonymous

Goldberg Family Multigenerational

Scarlet Feather Fund

Meads Bay Hotel Group

The Klarman Family Foundation

Mr. Owl Foundation Rob Sherman & Joan Lenington

Cantilever Bridge ($25,000-$49,999)

Ellie Starr The Elevate Leadership Group

Suzi Kaitz & Jonathan Katz

Tao Jones Charitable Foundation, Joseph Deitch

Joseph Savage Temple B’Nai Israel

Amy Shulman Weinberg & Robert Weinberg

Arthur Winn

Joyce Zakim & Peter Greenspan

Bowstring Bridge ($10,000-$24,999)

Arch Bridge ($2,500-$4,999)

Michael and Manisha Eckton Frieze Family Foundation

Anonymous

Jamie Golden

Ed Belove & Laura Roberts

Mark and Susan Irvings

BLINK

Jackson and Irene Golden 1989 Charitable Trust

Boston SMB Law Associates

John and Sonia Lingos Family Foundation Alexander and Lianne Leventhal Tim Mackey & Carol Lee Rawn Glenn and Susan Rothman The Slater Foundation

Jay and Christy Cashman Eversource Energy Foundation, Inc. Focus Financial Partners Heidi Price Design Ellen and Kalman Heller Thomas Hemnes

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2025 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS Ellen Bruce Daniel Caine & Claire Socolovsky Caine Moris Castillo & Haide Bolanos Beth Dill & Eric Enge Kate Dineen & Alex Lawton Janice Ditchek & Glenn Rosenbloom Betsy Feldman Lisa Flores Laura and Richard Flynn Chad Freitas

Arch Bridge ($2,500-$4,999) continued Meghan and Michael Houle Carol Knox & Phillipe Paul Scot and Lorraine Miller Premier Dermatology Miguel Rosales & John David Corey Nick and Elizabeth Rossi Janet Spillane Larry Stifler & Mary McFadden Maarten and TT Wensveen Josh and Grace Zakim

Todd Fryatt Julia Gittleman & Tom Mendelsohn Ronald Halterman Jessica Hennessy & AJ Marini Sharon Hennessy Sandy and Roz Hollander Emily Hunnewell Ralph and Janice James Howard Jones Deborah Kay Lori and Eric Lander Celeste and David Lee Max Levine

Double Decker Bridge ($1,000-$2,499)

Michael Loconto

Christine and Ernie Adams

William McPherson

Bob and Helen Alkon

Microsoft Employee Match Program

Jason and Lucy Amello

Robert and Leslie Ogan

Anonymous

Allen Palmer & Nancy Feingold-Palmer

Arco, LLC.

Anonymous

Martha Bacigalupo

Raymond James Charitable

Maureen Barrett

Renaissance Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Impact Community Giving & Carla Beaudoin

Bob and Gabriela Romanow

Joan and Steve Belkin

Melissa McCarthy

Jacob Rosenberg

48 | The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 30th Annual Awards Ceremony

2025 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS

Double Decker Bridge ($1,000-$2,499) continued

Dayl Cohen

Deborah Seidel

Krishna Dasanatha

Marc and Margie Seligman

Rachel DeGrande

Risa Shames & Neil Silverston

Bruce and Mady Donoff

Steven Shulman & Debra S. Yanofsky

Megan Dunn

David Stein & Elizabeth March

Sheryl Faye & Anthony Miniscalco

Trust 1 Services, LLC.

Colleen Galle

Andrea Wheeler

Jude Goldman & Ed Braverman

Michael Whouley & Sally Kerans

Ronni Goldsmith & Joe Donelan

Eric Wolkoff

Gaby and Adam Goldstein

Covered Bridge ($500 - $999)

Cuyana - Jodi Catino

Carol Goss Reynolds Graves

Lorrie Anderson

Saundra Hall & Judah Weathers

Jim and Clara Batchelor

Sharona Halpern

Diane and Fred Berk

Jessica Jacobs & Michael Culver

Sibel Bessim

Richard Kaitz

Stephanie Binder

Mark Katimy

Joseph Brandt

Tomas Kindler

Charnice Burns & Todd Mazer

Hillary and David Kohler

Kendin Carr

Richard Lapchick & Ann Pasnak

Brian and Mary Carty

Indira Maini

Lawrence and Martha Casazza

Lilly Marcelin

Terri and Alan Chebot

Dan Matthews & Genevieve Hammond Lauren Michaels

The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 30th Annual Awards Ceremony | 49

2025 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS Covered Bridge ($500 - $999) continued Vincent Moschella Charlayne Murrell-Smith Timothy and Jody Nash National Financial Services Matthew and Anna Noon Masaya Okashi Kevin O’Malley & Ester Trillo Allison Picott & Michael Goldstein Maureen and John Pistorio

Swapna and Nate Vantzelfde

Robin and Bruce Polishook

Aprylle and Eric Wallace

Kurt and Arlene Pressman

Anki Wolf & Mark Geer

Scott Price

Betsy Woolf & Clifford Wolf

Taylor Rijos

Deena Zakim & Jesse Chebot

Joseph and Ciara Rodio

Shari and Phil Zakim-Yacouby

George Schnee & Clara Silverstein Schnee

Cristian Zigni

Beth Segers William and Ruth Shelley Fredi and Jack Shonkoff Lara Shuqom Tom and Anne Snyder Mark and Marjie Sokoll Someone Else’s Child, Inc. Urban PowerHouse Loren Van Allen

Stone Bridge ($250-$499) Laura Baldini Jay Blitzman & Sandra Jaffe Brianna Boggs & Sean Best Dea Coka Rich and Debby Cole Gloria Coleman Kenda Coleman Tanya Copeland Allen and Carole Davis Frank and Nancy Dimella Carl Doebler Brian Donahue Kierst Doolittle Sharon Durkan Ben Echevarria

50 | The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 30th Annual Awards Ceremony

2025 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS

Stone Bridge ($250-$499) continued

Sherry Pagoto

Laura Elkman

Bill Poznik & Jane Adolph

Frank Friedman & Sarah Kianovsky

Kenneth Preuss

Mitchell A. and Barbara S. Glazier

James Rapoport & Susan Carty Rapoport

Ray Reynolds Graves

Franklin and Rachel Ross

Johee Han

Rick Rostoff

Mei Hung

Glenn Rothfeld & Margaret Ann McKinnies

Drew Hyman

Dan Salera

Elena Ibushova

Elizabeth Saltonstall

Sol and Jackie Israel

Bjoern Seynsche

Peter and Maddy Jacobson

Carla and Kent Smalling

Siri Kazilionis

James and Susan Snider

David and Elayna Kirschtel

Alan and Laurie Starr

Isabella Kredlow

Joel and Felicia Vargas & Felicia and Joel

Harris and Paul Krupp

Kenneth Weill & Joanna Cataldo

Jonathan Lee

Lesley Weiss

Luba Levin

Ted Wetterau

Neil McKittrick

Ben Whipple & Carol Gladstone

Cynthia Medeiros

Jerry Wishnow & Pei Pei Wu

John and Leah Morris

Alexandra Zafris

Joshua Pinnolis & Rebecca Redner

Jennifer Musso Kelly & Matthew Kelly

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2025 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS Foot Bridge ($100-$249) Lindsey Aborn Malina Amand Tina Aronson Jay Ash Carl and Andrea Axelrod Sandra Bachman Suzanne and Arthur Back Alice and Michael Baker Sidney Baptista Elizabeth Barbosa Ben Barlow Bruce and Katie Barnett Mari Barrera Kathryn Bender Benjamin B. and Natalie O. Levin Foundation Karen and David Binder Derek Bird Louise Blanchard Mike Boardman Marjory Bohlin Michael Book Michael and Megan Bowhers Manikka Bowman Eric and Sandy Brenman Andrew Bunnell Brendan Byrne Elizabeth Cahn Mara and Rich Calame David Caldwell Martin and Judy Charns Ted and Robin Clark Jessica Clarke Jonathan and Elizabeth Coffman

Keith Cooper Ray and Lisa Craver Jeanne Cutrona Damond Dampier Angela Davies Liv Davies Marco De Paula Martha Diezemann Ed and Sheila Doctoroff Maggie Donahue Kevin Donius Garrett Douglas Regina Dugan Marvin and Marilyn Eichner Peter and Maria Eliopoulos Toni Elka Thornton Ellis Yvonne England Kristen Erb Nancy Falchuk Michelle Fallon Abigail Fennelly Janet Fennelly Joni and Reid Fishman Jennifer Fonte Deborah Frank Lisa Gallerano Danielle and Kevin Galligan

52 | The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 30th Annual Awards Ceremony

2025 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS

Foot Bridge ($100-$249) ) continued

Anthony Komaroff & Lydia Villa-Komaroff

Jordan Gilman

Matthew Langston

Mark and Janet Gottesman

Gene and Katherine Lee

Tiffany Grace

Caleb Letourneau

Sally Greenberg

Roselle and Howard Levy

Danny Hackett

Dennis Limon

Brandon Hagen

Carl and Naomi Lopkin

Nicole Hammond

Donald and Candice Malkin

Helena Hartnett

Sara McCabe

Laura and Douglas Henry

John McDonald

Pauline Ho Bynum

Judith Meirowitz Tischler & Arthur Tischler

Neil Hodes & Beth Neiman

Adriana Mendes-Sheldon

David Hurwitz

Bruce Miller

Jake Hurwitz

Jason and Jennifer Morgan

Ira Jackson

Bryan Morrison

Austin Jenkins

Dr Keith Motley

Tavish Johnston

Edmund Mroz & Celia Shapiro

Robert Kagan

Stacy Munroe

Cassidy Lane

Elisabeth Keller

Neighborhood of Affordable Housing

Brian Kelley

Tracy Nicholson

Kaitlin Kelly O`Neill

Charles Nicholson, Jr.

Amir Ketabi

Sabrina and Mark Particelli

Vallery Koenig

Marion and David Pollock

Rebecca Kolias

CTD Productions, LLC. The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 30th Annual Awards Ceremony | 53

2025 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS

Foot Bridge ($100-$249) ) continued

Steven Sunmonu

Andrea Ramirez

Carla Szymanski

Janice Reagan & Wally Taylor

Stephanie Taubin

Michael Redding

Elizabeth Tishler

Lauren Reynolds

Keith and Susan Tornheim

Thomas Rogerson

Tia Trottier

Sandra and Allan Ropper

UBS Financial Services, Inc.

Suzan Rothschild

Kelly Vest

Terry and Susan Rushfirth & Terry

Rabbi Moshe and Anne Waldoks

Jeffrey and Cheryl Sacks

Noreen Walsh

Abdul Sada

Jordan Whisenton

Dr. Jonathan Sarna & Dr. Ruth Langer

Shelley White-Picott

Danny and Haley Sax

Bill and Jean Whitney

Jon Sax

James and Margery Wieder

Neal Schreckinger

Matt Wilder

Amy Seeherman & Leslie Brody

Dianne Wilkerson

Jill and Brian Setian

Glen Williamson

Zoe Silver

Scott and Carrie Williamson

Samuel Silverman

Todd Williamson

Gary and Lynne Smith

Jeffrey and Robyn Winik

Robert and Elizabeth Smith

Mike and Kristine Wise

John Sneath

Barbara Wolf

Jonathan Spillane

Jill York

Kerin Stackpole

Lydia and Jack Zakim

Larry Sternberg

Stu Zakim

Remy Stressenger

Thomas and Lisa Zappala

Chandler Sullivan

Julia Zheng

Neil and Denise Swidey

Carrie Sunde

54 | The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 30th Annual Awards Ceremony

2025 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS

In-Kind Donations

In Memory Of

Anonymous

Merilyn Fishman Bartolacci

Carla Beaudoin

Dr. Kenneth H. Falchuk

Boston Ballet

Penny Hurwitz

Boston Center for Plastic Surgery

Soon Lee and Toy Lee

Chuck Carignan & Mike Cerruti

Brian Padilla

Columbus Hospitality Group

Marc Rosenfeld

Cocktails in Hell

Helene Lucille Shafran

Copley Place - SIMON

Lenny Zakim

Corey Rosales Foundation Empire Loan Charitable Foundation Greydon Hotel Group Ron Halterman Himmel Hospitality Meghan Houle Hyatt Hotels and Resorts Institute of Contemporary Art Tiffany Lau & Jon Gonda Ezra Lovesky Meads Bay Hotel Group Nantucket Craft Cocktails Omni Hotels and Resorts

In Honor Of David and Judy Bell Crestwood Advisors Jane and John Daniels Jessica Hennessy Charlayne Murrell-Smith Allison Picott Betsy Rigby Glenn Rothman Robert Sherman Ellie Starr Amy Weinberg

Heidi Price Providence Bruins Roffi Salon Salon Capri The Block at Woods Hill The Lighthouse Preservation Society Tito’s Handmade Vodka Tuscan Brands White Elephant Resorts World Ocean School Xenia Greek Hospitality

The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 30th Annual Awards Ceremony | 55

Partners in justice.

At DLA Piper, we are proud to be a partner for justice in our communities. In collaboration with The Lenny Zakim Fund, we are helping to expand access to justice in Boston.

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