CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 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 anniversary this year!
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
DEAR FRIENDS OF THE LENNY ZAKIM FUND,
The week before the presidential inauguration, I had the opportunity to gather with Black leaders from around the country in Montgomery, AL for a Black leadership retreat. Montgomery was specifically chosen as the location for our retreat as the city and its people have long played a central role in our country’s history of racial injustice: from the enslavement of Black people from the early 1500s to their eventual, long-overdue emancipation in the mid-1860s to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. While in Montgomery, we met with and heard from several people who shared first-person accounts of their participation in and as witnesses to moments in the Civil Rights Movement, such as 1961 Freedom Rides and the 1965 March from Selma to Montgomery. They also shared the following advice for how together we rise to meet and overcome the racial, social, and economic injustices of the present day:
Resist: Courageous moral leadership requires that individuals be able to take some risk,
Re-energize: Look to and stay rooted in history as a source of inspiration and to challenge disinformation and the re-writing of history, and
Re-arm: Find and select the most effective weapons for resistance, recognizing that the weapons used in the past (for example, the bus boycotts and sit-ins of the 1950s and 1960s), might not be as effective today. We must be thoughtful and strategic about the weapons we choose to use, knowing we are trying to appeal to a moral compass that no longer exists.
The stakes of LZF’s work, that of our grassroots partners, are perhaps the highest they have been since The Fund was founded in 1995. Knowing this, we remain steadfast in our commitment to this work and our communities.
Tonight, as we gather at our 29th Annual Awards Celebration, LZF would like to congratulate the 53 incredible grassroots nonprofit organizations who make up our 2025 grant portfolio. The nearly 400 grassroots organizations with whom The Fund has had the privilege of partnering with since 1995, are a mighty social justice force for good.
LZF is honored to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you on the front lines of this 21st Century Civil Rights Movement!
In solidarity, Allison E. Picott, Executive Director
PROGRAM
WELCOME & OPENING REMARKS
Allison Picott, Executive Director,The LennyZakim Fund
SPEAKERS AND PERFORMERS
Gratis Healthcare, Inc.
Kassandra Brandao Board President
Refugees & Immigrants
Cultural Empowerment Massachusetts (RICEMA) Dragon Dance Troupe and Fan Dance Troupe
The History Project: Documenting LGBTQ Boston
Joan Ilacqua Executive Director
INTRODUCTION OF 2025 LENNY ZAKIM FUND’S GRANTEE PARTNERS
Access to Food, Housing, and Economic Security
Children and Youth Development and Education
Civil and Human Rights Advocacy and Support
Health Promotion and Accessibility for All LGBTQIA Community Support and Organizing
Felicia Heywood
SPECIAL REMARKS
Board Chair, The Lenny Zakim Fund
Organizing and Support for Immigrants and Refugees
Violence Prevention, Criminal Justice Reform, and Family Outreach
Joyce Zakim
Board Member, The Lenny Zakim Fund
CLOSING REMARKS
Allison Picott
Executive Director, 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 29th Annual Awards Ceremony possible:
Kassandra Brandao of Gratis Healthcare, Inc.
Joan Ilacqua of The History Project: Documenting LGBTQ Boston
Dragon Dancers, Fan Dancers, Holly Ashton, Boa Newgate, and Hai Nguyen of RICEMA
DJ Kerr and Eternal Visuals
Annette Grant Photography
Tammy Torrey and Gill Fishman Design
Maureen McGoldrick and Grossman
Marketing Group
KVL Audio Visual Services
Boston Linguistics
Partners Interpreting
Royal Sonesta Hotel
The Lenny Zakim Fund’s Community Investments Committee
The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 2025 Site Visitors
The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 2025 Board of Director
FEATURED SPEAKERS & PERFORMERS
THE HISTORY PROJECT BOSTON, HISTORYPROJECT.ORG
The History Project is focused exclusively on documenting and preserving the history of New England’s LGBTQ communities and sharing that history with LGBTQ individuals, organizations, allies, and the public. The History Project is a community archives - a repository, historical society, and museum for the LGBTQ+ community’s history. THP is an independent non-profit organization founded in 1980 that holds LGBTQ+ historical records and ephemera, supports LGBTQ+ history research, and shares LGBTQ+ history through public exhibits and events.
Joan Ilacqua Founder and Executive Director
Joan Ilacqua (she/her) became The History Project’s inaugural Executive Director in January 2020. She previously served as Co-Chair of The History Project’s board of directors and as Harvard Medical School’s Archivist for Diversity and Inclusion. Joan is a graduate of UMass Boston’s Public History master’s program and earned her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Puget Sound. In her free time, Joan likes to read queer romance novels and spend time with her wife and two cats. You can learn more about Joan’s work at ilacquajoan.com
REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS CULTURAL EMPOWERMENT
MASSACHUSETTS (RICEMA)
WORCESTER, RICEMA.ORG
Refugees & Immigrants Cultural Empowerment
Massachusetts (RICEMA) uses performance art and education to preserve the culture of refugee and immigrant communities, while deepening individuals’ connection to their heritage. RICEMA also offer English as a Second Language (ESL) courses for adults and Youth Effect International Trip’s to offer global cultural experiences for youth.
FEATURED SPEAKERS & PERFORMERS
GRATIS HEALTHCARE FRAMINGHAM, GRATISHEALTH.ORG
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 Portugues and Spanish interpreters, they aim to remove barriers to basic health care and strive to connect patients to the Massachusetts health care system and community resources.
Kassandra Brandao Board President
Kassandra Brandao is the Vice President of Gratis Healthcare, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free medical services to those in need. As a former patient and Brazilian immigrant, Kassandra offers a unique perspective on the organization’s mission and operations. Under her leadership, Gratis Healthcare continues to be a trusted source for individuals seeking medical services.
In addition to her role at Gratis Healthcare, Kassandra is the Designer and owner of Pedrakut Stone Design Studio, an award-winning natural stone company based in Natick. Her diverse experiences in both nonprofit healthcare and successful entrepreneurship highlight her commitment to the community and her passion for helping others thrive. Outside of her work, Kassandra finds inspiration in art and nature, which fuel her creative spirit and deepen her connection to the world around her.
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 to 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.
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
Michael Eckton Treasurer
Josh Zakim Secretary
Joa Ahern-Seronde
Nick Bates
Mo Castillo
Ben Echevarria
Mark Irvings
Alex Leventhal
Elizabeth May
Emmanuel Owusu
Erika Rodriguez
Deborah Seidel
Rob Sherman
Loren Van Allen
Aprylle Wallace
Chris Weirup
Deena Zakim
Joyce Zakim
Shari Zakim-Yacouby
Allison Picott Executive Director
Carla Beaudoin Interim Director of Development
Madelyn Vining Grants Administrator
Claire Molinich Program and Development Intern
Maggie Goldsmith Administrative Assistant
THANK 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
Asha Abdullahi
Barr Foundation
Jessica Baylor
Keturah Brewster
Hehershe Buseuego
Lina Cañon
Alan Chebot
Debby Cherry
Fracisco De La Miyar
George Earley
Naheed Esar
Lisa Flores
Linda Frieze
Michael Frieze
Josie Greene
Ellen Heller
Kalman Heller
Jessica Hennessey
Mark Irvings
Josephine and Louise Crane Foundation
Suzi Kaitz
Carol Kanin
Linda King and CAMI
Klarman Family Foundation
Krupp Family Foundation
Douglas Krupp
Judi Krupp
Liana Krupp
Amanda Miller
Community Investments Committee
Gabriella Mora
Charlayne Murrell-Smith
Rory Neuner
Heidi Price and Heidi Price Design
Shanique Rodriguez
Elaine Sager
Bobby Sager
Deborah Seidel
Amy Shulman Weinberg
Ellie Starr
Temple B’Nai Israel
Tre’Andre Valentine
Robert Weinberg
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
Carla Beaudoin
Hehershe Buseuego
Mo Castillo
Debby Cherry
Aditi Dholakia
Ben Echevarria
Varsa Ghosh
John Graham
Ellen Heller
Felicia Heywood
Olu Ibrahim
Mark Irvings
Carol Knox
Alphonse Litz
Hilary Maguire
Elizabeth May
Claire Molinich
Emmanuel Owusu
Allison Picott
Marynee Pontes
Betsy Rigby
Sharon Sankey
Deborah Seidel
Gary Smith
Lynne Smith
Madelyn Vining
Chris Weirup
Joyce Zakim
Deena Zakim
Shari Zakim-Yacouby
Alice Zimelman
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
Carla Beaudoin
Mo Castillo
Aditi Dholakia
Ellen Heller
Felicia Heywood
Board Members Emeriti
Mark Irvings
Alphonse Litz
Elizabeth May
Claire Molinich
Allison Picott
Marynee Pontes
Amy Seeherman
Deborah Seidel
Madelyn Vining
Chris Weirup
Joyce Zakim
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
Gabriela Romanow
Michael Ross
Glenn Rothman
Susan Rothman
Elaine Sager
Harold Schwartz
Michael Schwartz
Sam Slater
Jill Snider
Mark Sokoll
Ellie Starr
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 seminars and the Transformational Leadership Cohort (TLC) program:
Asha Abdullahi
Joa Ahern-Seronde
Kelly Baker
Barr Foundation
Donna Bivens
Brianna Boggs
Boston Linguistics
Boston Women’s Fund
Keturah Brewster
Ariel Brooks
Lina Cañon
Robin Carton
DLA Piper
Francisco De La Miyar
Maria DominiqueFernandes
George Earley
Ben Echevarria
Heidi Elneil
Episcopal City Mission
Naheed Esar
Martin Familia
Monifa Robinson Groover
Haymarket People’s Fund
Hyams Foundation
Olu Ibrahim
Mark Irvings
Rebecca Jackson
Josephine and Louise
Crane Foundation
Robin Kane
Krupp Family Foundation
Lawyers Clearinghouse
Elena Letona
Madeline McNeely
Amanda Miller
Annika Morgan
Partners Interpreting
Fred Ritzau
Shanique Rodriguez
Jeff Rogers
Deborah Seidel
Sachi Takahashi-Rial
Judy Tso
Tre’Andre Valentine
Aprylle Wallace
Marianne Midori Yoshioka
2024 YEAR IN
$690,000 WE BEGAN 2024 BY AWARDING
TO 60 GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATIONS
2/3 1/2 and nearly
of whom are led by people of color by women
The Lenny Zakim Fund began 2024 by awarding $690,000 to 60 grassroots organizations to 51 renewal and 9 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 $11,500. Over the past 29 years, LZF has awarded over 1,600 grants totaling approximately $13 million to close to 400 organizations.
In 2024, we continued offering not just financial support, but technical assistance and community building to all grantee partners. LZF Board Member Deborah Seidel hosted virtual weekly office hours, drawing upon her expertise as a nonprofit 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. Towards the end of last year, we expanded our offerings with the introduction 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 game changer for nonprofit leaders and their organizations, in anything from leadership coaching to developing fundraising plans, to dealing with HR and Board issues. We have provided our grantee partners with a list of LZF trusted consultants and are happy to also support their sessions with any consultants with whom they are already working.
After taking 2023 off to revamp and reimagine our Transformational Leadership Cohort (TLC) Program, LZF ran the third cohort of the TLC program in 2024 with 12 leaders representing various current and former LZF grantee partner organizations. For the first time, we welcomed co-leaders of an organization to participate in the TLC program, recognizing the benefits of each having their own executive coach – on occasion meeting together as a group – to not only support them with their own leadership growth, but their shared leadership of the organization they co-founded.
2024 YEAR IN REVIEW (
In December 2024, LZF brought together the 3rd and 4th TLC cohorts and their executive coaches for lunch as the former cohort was wrapping up their year and the latter was about to begin their year in January 2025. This opportunity for leaders and executive coaches to gather for conversation and connect with one another over a meal proved to be especially meaningful for all. Created and launched in 2019, TLC is specifically intended to benefit small, grassroots organizations and leaders, primarily from historically excluded populations, through executive coaching, workshop-based, skill-building trainings around leadership development, and capacity building. To date, LZF’s TLC program has supported 43 leaders representing 38 current and former grantee partners organizations through 4 cohorts.
LZF’s semi-annual Bridge Builder is an opportunity to convene members of the nonprofit sector around a topic of common interest. We had two wonderful Bridge Builders this year and look forward to what’s to come in 2025! Both panels were moderated by LZF’s Aditi Dholakia.
On April 10th, LZF hosted “Embracing the Movement: Uplifting and Supporting Grassroots Organizing in an Election Year”. This Bridge Builder featured panelists Shanique Rodriguez, Executive Director at Massachusetts Voter Table, Tre’Andre Valentine, Executive Director at Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, and Keturah Brewster, Executive Director at I Have A Future. Panelists led a robust 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.
On October 16th LZF hosted its second Bridge Builder of the year titled, “Voices of Resilience: Immigrant Stories in Greater Boston’s Nonprofit Sector”. Panelists Asha Abdullahi, Executive Director at Somali Parents Advocacy Center for Education, Naheed Esar, Executive Director at Asian Women for Health, and Francisco Mendoza De La Miyar, Cooperative Developer at the Center for Cooperative Development and Solidarity, engaged attendees in a rich conversation about the influences of culture and heritage on the nonprofit sector, how their culture has shaped their leadership, and the ways in which philanthropy can better support and uplift immigrant-led and -serving organizations.
Throughout 2024, LZF offered numerous seminars to our current grantees, and where able, also made these learning opportunities available to our former grantee partners and more broadly to the nonprofit community. Some of those seminars included:
• Employment Law with LZF Board Members Mark Irvings and Aprylle Wallace
• HR 101 with Fred Ritzau of Northpoint Human Resource Consulting
• Board 101 with Robin Carton, nonprofit facilitator
2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
• High Quality Feedback Loops with Heidi Elneil and Sachi Takahashi-Rial from Listen4Good
• Fundraising for Challenge Match Grants with LZF Deputy Director Aditi Dholakia, LZF Board Member Ben Echevarria, and nonprofit leader Olu Ibrahim
• Board Reports with LZF 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.
In June, LZF hosted a day-long Institute for our grantee partners on board management and governance, designed to build both participants’ knowledge and confidence. The day began with a group activity on Needs and Offers, followed by a session on The Power of Storytelling, hosted by Lina Cañon, co-founder of Nur Group. Attendees spent the remainder of the day engaged in a series of roundtable discussions facilitated by LZF Board Members Deborah Seidel and Mark Irvings, George Earley of GE Campaigns and Events, Naheed Esar of Asian Women for Health, Amanda Miller of Social Capital Inc., and LZF Executive Director Allison Picott who each shared invaluable information and helpful resources on a variety of board management and governance topics.
On September 7th, The Lenny Zakim Fund (LZF) proudly hosted our inaugural annual fundraising event, Light the Night. Beneath the iconic Zakim Bridge, over 200 members of the LZF community came together to enjoy delicious food and drinks, lively dancing, and meaningful connections—all in support of our work with grassroots organizations across Eastern Massachusetts.
The evening featured incredible highlights, from spirited bidding on auction items by supporters to an electrifying opening performance by LZF grantee partner DEAFinitely dance crew, whose energy and style set the tone for a truly memorable night.
This event would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our planning and host committees. We are also immensely grateful to Boston Common Magazine for their support as exclusive print media sponsor of Light the Night.
Mark your calendars! Light the Night 2025 will take place on Saturday, September 6th, 2025, at Alcove Boston. As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Lenny Zakim Fund, we look forward to gathering once again under the glow of the Zakim Bridge for another unforgettable evening. Save the date, we can’t wait to see you there!
On November 16th, we were honored to 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 170 leaders, representing dozens of grassroots organizations doing work in cities and towns throughout New England. The day was not just about communitybuilding, but featured seminars on nonprofit leadership, healing opportunities, and dedicated breakout groups.
2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
On November 17, on what would have been Lenny’s 71st birthday, we proudly hosted our 23rd annual No Show Ball, with over 150 families and individuals joining in the celebration through their generous donations to The Fund throughout the month-long fundraising effort. 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 welcomed a new member to the board: Alex Leventhal of Brookline. Board Vice-Chair, Felicia Heywood transitioned to Board Chair, replacing departing board member Tim James. We also said goodbye to Jill Snider who completed her board service. LZF begins 2025 – our 30th anniversary year – with a 20-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!
LZF
GRANTS
2018-2025: BY FUNDING CATEGORY
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 of 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.
The goal after five years is that an organization is no longer eligible to receive funding from LZF and is able to flourish and leverage the skills and support acquired during their time with LZF to secure new and diverse areas of funding.
2Gether We Eat
365Dad, Inc.
African Community Center of Lowell (ACCL)
Boston LesBiGay Urban Foundation, Inc.
Brockton Workers Alliance (BWA)
Bryce’s Journey, Inc.
Cape Ann Art Haven
Circus Up, Inc.
City Strings United CodeSquad
Community Caring Clinic, Inc.
Cultural Exchange Through Soccer (CETS)
DEAFinitely, Inc.
DeeDee’s Cry Suicide Prevention & Family Support
East Boston Community Soup Kitchen
Eritrean American Civic Association (EACA)
Gratis Healthcare, Inc.
Heart of a Giant Foundation, Inc.
I Have A Future JOYWeavers, Inc.
KodeConnect, Inc.
Lamplight Women’s Literacy Center
Love Life Now Foundation
Mercy Meals & More
Mount Olives Community Center
My Brother’s Keeper 617 (MBK617)
Neighborhood Counseling and Community Services, Inc. (NCCS)
Neighbors United for a Better East Boston (NUBE)
New England Medical Association, Inc. (NEMA)
New Lynn Coalition
Nigerian American Multi-Service Association (NAMSA)
Open Door Immigration Services (ODIS)
Our Deaf Survivors Center, Inc.
OutstandingLife
P&O Behavioral Health Initiative, Inc.
Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center, Inc.
Pride Productions, Inc.
Reclaim Roxbury
Refugees & Immigrants Cultural Empowerment Massachusetts (RICEMA)
Revive in Action, Inc.
Right To The City Boston
SCIboston
Sisters Unchained, Inc.
Somali Parents Advocacy Center for Education, Inc. (SPACE)
South Boston En Accion
Teen JUST-US at Temple Israel of Boston
The Dream Network
The History Project: Documenting LGBTQ Boston
The Upward Project
Think Outside The Vox, Inc.
Translate Gender
Urban Powerhouse
Vong Tay Cha Me Viet
GRANT RECIPIENTS BY MISSION AREA
ACCESS
TO FOOD, HOUSING, & ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
2Gether We Eat
CodeSquad
East Boston Community Soup Kitchen
Lamplight Women’s Literacy Center
Mercy Meals & More, Inc.
New Lynn Coalition
Reclaim Roxbury
The Upward Project
CHILD & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION
Bryce’s Journey, Inc.
Cape Ann Art Haven
Circus Up, Inc.
City Strings United Cultural Exchange Through Soccer (CETS)
DEAFinitely, Inc.
JOYweavers, Inc.
KodeConnect, Inc.
My Brother’s Keeper 617 (MBK617)
Pride Productions, Inc.
Sisters Unchained
Somali Parents Advocacy Center for Education, Inc. (SPACE)
Teen JUST-US at Temple Israel of Boston
Vong Tay Cha Me Viet
CIVIL & HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY & SUPPORT
Neighbors United for a Better East Boston (NUBE)
Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center, Inc.
Right to the City Boston
HEALTH PROMOTION & ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL
Community Caring Clinic, Inc.
DeeDee’s Cry Suicide Prevention & Family Support
Gratis Healthcare, Inc.
Heart of a Giant Foundation, Inc.
Neighborhood Counseling and Community Services, Inc. (NCCS)
New England Medical Association, Inc. (NEMA)
SCIboston
Think Outside the Vox, Inc.
Urban PowerHouse
LGBTQIA COMMUNITY SUPPORT & ORGANIZING
Boston LesBiGay Urban Foundation, Inc.
OutstandingLife
The History Project: Documenting LGBTQ Boston
Translate Gender
ORGANZING & SUPPORT FOR IMMIGRANTS & REFUGEES
African Community Center of Lowell (ACCL)
Brockton Workers Alliance (BWA)
Eritrean American Civic Association (EACA)
Mount Olives Community Center
Nigerian American Multi-Service Association (NAMSA)
Open Door Immigration Services (ODIS)
P&O Behavioral Health Initiative, Inc.
Refugees & Immigrants Cultural Empowerment Massachusetts (RICEMA)
Revive In Action, Inc.
South Boston en Accion
VIOLENCE PREVENTION, CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM & FAMILY OUTREACH
365Dad, Inc.
I Have A Future
Love Life Now Foundation
Our Deaf Survivors Center, Inc.
The Dream Network
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.
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 next 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 2025 LZF grantee partners whose grants are funded by Temple B’nai Israel’s generosity:
East Boston Community Soup Kitchen Neighbors United for a Better East Boston
New Lynn Coalition Open Door Immigration Services
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 teaches hydroponics and uses green energy as a tool to provide healthy eating while preserving natural resources. By doing this,
2Gether We Eat teaches their communities about healthy eating habits and the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables through their youth farming and STEM program.
365DAD, INC.
BOSTON, 365DAD.NET
Empowering fathers to be positive influences and examples in the lives of their children.
365Dad empowers fathers through affirming guidance and equips them with the tools to develop and maintain loving relationships to produce personal, academic, and socialemotional outcomes that positively impact the lives of their children.
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.
BOSTON
LESBIGAY URBAN FOUNDATION, INC.
DORCHESTER, LESBIGAYURBANFOUNDATION.ORG
Fostering positive futures of LGBTQ+ youth of color.
The Boston LesBiGay Urban Foundation utilizes workshops, mentorship programs, social events, and more to improve social and emotional outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth of color. They support LGBTQ+ youth of color to dream big by connecting them with the necessary resources, security, and community support.
BROCKTON WORKERS ALLIANCE (BWA)
BROCKTON, BROCKTON-WORKERS-ALLIANCE. BLOGSPOT.COM
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 to lead the fight for their rights through the development of better local, state, and national policies to make the Brockton community and beyond a better place for immigrants to work and live.
BRYCE’S JOURNEY, INC.
BOSTON, BRYCESJOURNEY.ORG
Devoted to helping underserved kids with autism.
Bryce’s Journey provides free or lowcost services and support to inner-city Boston families with children who are living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It also provides guidance, informational resources, support groups, and workshops for parents and caregivers.
CAPE ANN ART HAVEN GLOUCESTER, ARTHAVEN.ORG
Providing high quality art education and community building to all.
Cape Ann Art Haven utilizes the powerful education of art to offset inequity inherent in their diversity society by leveling the playing field for all students through their open accessibility of art to all.
Cape Ann Art Haven offers a wide range of benefits that enhances individual learning and overall well-being to all individuals of their community.
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 people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Circus Up partners with community-based organizations and Boston Public schools to offer its youth development programs which build confidence, communication, leadership, and self-advocacy skills in children and youth.
CITY STRINGS UNITED
BOSTON, CITYSTRINGS.ORG
Transforming young lives through stringed instruments.
City Strings United inspires and challenges children, ages 6-18, from underserved communities to develop leadership and life skills and a passion for excellence through the discipline of a music ensemble. CSU was
founded on the belief that access to high-quality youth programs can create positive change and foster the social, emotional, and educational development of youth.
CODESQUAD
BOSTON, CODESQUAD.ORG
Building a pipeline of talent and stable careers in low-income communities.
CodeSquad is an intensive STEM
bootcamp and occupational skills training program that trains talented, low-income adults, particularly people of color and women, to become full-stack web developers and launch a new career.
COMMUNITY CARING CLINIC,
INC.
BOSTON, COMMUNITYCARINGCLINIC.ORG
Holistic care to promote and strengthen the mental, spiritual, and physical health of the community.
Community Caring Clinic provides cost-effective behavioral and mental healthcare services to children, young people, families, and individuals through counseling, education, social skills training, motivation, and access to treatment.
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 neighborhood-based community building program, CETS has grown to provide youth leadership development through soccer. Mentoring and training primarily immigrant youth, CETS aims to produce a pool of young leaders with the tools for a successful life and community.
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.
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 by 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.
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.
GRATIS HEALTHCARE, INC.
FRAMINGHAM, GRATISHEALTH.ORG
Removing barriers to basic health care and strive to connect patients to the Massachusetts health care system and community resources.
Gratis Healthcare acknowledges the expanding need for access to basic health care within communities that are uninsured or underinsured in the MetroWest and Greater Boston area. Gratis Healthcare provides free medical and mental health services while offering Portuguese and Spanish interpreters.
HEART OF A GIANT FOUNDATION, INC.
MILTON, HEARTOFAGIANT.ORG
Empowering people to become active agents in their healthcare and well-being and improve their quality of life and health outcomes.
The Heart of a Giant Foundation amplifies patient voices to receive better health education, care plans, and greater community involvement. Focusing on improving health outcomes and preventing chronic heart diseases, Heart of a Giant Foundation fosters better health outcomes on a global level.
I HAVE A FUTURE
STATEWIDE, IHAVEAFUTUREMA.US
Empowering the next generation of community organizers.
I Have A Future is a statewide community of youth organizers and allies building power to ensure that every young person has an opportunity to thrive by increasing youth jobs and ending mass incarceration through transformational leadership development, direct public action, and policy change.
JOYWEAVERS, INC.
CAMBRIDGE, JOYWEAVERS.ORG
Celebrating joy, learning, and the wonder of childhood.
JOYweavers offers families affected by trauma, disability, or school challenges, accessible programming for children, work experiences for teens, advocacy and resources for caregivers, and most importantly, 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 provides community, mentoring relationships, and programming that promotes social-emotional development, learning and JOY.
KODECONNECT, INC.
BROCKTON, KODECONNECT.ORG
Inspiring a generation of problem solvers, collaborators, and innovators.
KodeConnect’s mission is to Expose and Engage underserved youth in dynamic STEM learning experiences so that they Envision themselves as problem solvers, collaborators, and innovators. It works to systematically break down existing barriers to underrepresented students in STEM, foster creative learning environments, and ultimately increase minority presence in the critical fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
LAMPLIGHT WOMEN’S LITERACY CENTER
ARLINGTON, LAMPLIGHTLITERACY.ORG
Providing adult education programs to support the advancement 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.
LOVE LIFE NOW FOUNDATION
AVON, LOVELIFENOW.ORG
Supporting survivors of domestic violence through year-round initiative 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 participates and holds events that aid 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 creating an atmosphere 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.
MOUNT OLIVES COMMUNITY CENTER
HYDE PARK, MOCCENTER.ORG
Providing opportunities to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.
Mount Olives Community Center provides computer literacy classes, financial literacy services, and parent education programming to Boston’s Haitian community to help families create a nurturing, stable, and culturally-diverse family environment.
MY BROTHER’S KEEPER 617 (MBK617)
BOSTON, MBK617.ORG
Providing opportunities for new experiences, connections, and community. MBK617 creates a community network group for youth by mentoring and building community relations and exploring other environments. Through this, MBK617 aims to decrease the number of young boys who join gangs, provide them with the necessary skills to become successful, and empower them to reach their full potential.
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. It 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.
NUBE develops abundant leaders who support social transformation and shifting political power by organizing and advocating for inclusive democratic processes and just public policies to create a vibrant economy and environment for all East Boston.
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 is an organization that 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 and directly address white supremacy in organizing and educational activities.
NIGERIAN AMERICAN MULTI-SERVICE ASSOCIATION (NAMSA)
BOSTON, NAMSA.ORG
Dedicated to promoting and preserving the culture and heritage of all people of Nigerian ancestry.
NAMSA works to create a support environment through education, networking opportunities, and other services to help people adapt and thrive. Celebrating the contributions of Nigerian Americans and helping new immigrants integrate into American society, NAMSA aims 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.
OUR DEAF SURVIVORS CENTER, INC.
WORCESTER, ODSCMA.ORG
Providing culturally affirmative support services to Deaf victims/survivors of sexual and domestic violence and promoting awareness of cultural and linguistic considerations.
ODSC is a sister agency to Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services as it offers sexual and domestic violence services to Deaf victims/survivors in Massachusetts. Through education, empowerment, and advocacy, ODSC hopes to uplift and provide a platform for its community.
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 are able to combat loneliness and benefit from educational programming thereby deepening their connections within the community.
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. It 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.
WORCESTER, PSNNC.ORG
Creating a safe, attractive, and livable community with people of various means and backgrounds.
Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center serves to bring people together to bring awareness and prioritize issues in which collective action can create effective change. Forging new partnerships among all individuals within the Pleasant-Piedmont neighborhood and highlighting the unique talents of all, PSNNC aims to achieve and sustain their vision.
PLEASANT STREET NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORK CENTER, INC. (PSNNC)
PRIDE PRODUCTIONS, INC.
WORCESTER, PRIDEPRO.ORG
Providing opportunities for youth to engage in media production. 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 not often accessible to youth and help to inspire young people to explore different paths and passions, including career development and mentorship opportunities.
RECLAIM ROXBURY
ROXBURY, RECLAIMROXBURY.ORG
Improving the quality of life and economic wealth for Roxbury residents by preventing displacement and supporting economic development.
Reclaim Roxbury works to ensure that Roxbury residents are actively involved in the democratic process and have a voice in community planning. Through education and advocacy, Reclaim Roxbury’s mission is to build a more prosperous and resilient Roxbury.
2025 GRANT RECIPIENT
REFUGEES
& IMMIGRANTS
CULTURAL EMPOWERMENT
MASSACHUSETTS (RICEMA)
WORCESTER, RICEMA.ORG
Preserving the culture of refugee and immigrant communities through performance art and education.
Refugees & Immigrants Cultural
Empowerment Massachusetts uses performance art and education to preserve the culture of refugee and immigrant communities, while deepening individuals’ connection to their heritage. RICEMA also offer English as a Second Language (ESL) courses for adults and Youth Effect International Trip’s to offer global cultural experiences for youth.
REVIVE IN ACTION, INC.
WALTHAM, REVIVEINACTION.ORG
Empowering marginalized, low-income, and underserved communities to 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. From youths seeking guidance to migrants, refugees, and asylees in search of support, their initiatives extend a helping hand in diverse ways. Revive in Action has become a cornerstone of hope and assistance for those navigating challenging circumstances.
RIGHT TO THE CITY BOSTON BOSTON, RIGHTTOTHECITYBOSTON.ORG
Uplifting the voice of grassroots organizations and residents across the City of Boston.
Right to the City Boston is a multiissue-based alliance of grassroots organizations representing low-income, POC/immigrant communities working together for social justice under platform of value and principles: the right to stable community, the right to economic justice and good jobs, the right to democratic participation, the right to public good, and the right to a healthy environment.
SCIBOSTON
GREATER BOSTON, SCIBOSTON.ORG
Supporting the newly injured through their post-injury journeys.
SCIboston offers hope to individuals and families affected by spinal cord injuries or disorders through one-on-one support, peer mentoring, support groups, social connectedness, and educational programs to help the newly injured and their families, transition back into the community and lead fulfilling lives.
SISTERS UNCHAINED, INC.
BOSTON, SISTERSUNCHAINED.COM
Creating space for young women of color to love and improve themselves and their communities.
Sisters Unchained is a prison abolitionist organization dedicated to the collective leadership, healing, and creative expression of young women affected by incarceration. It supports young women and girls, with incarcerated or formerly incarcerated parents, by focusing on radical education, alternative forms of healing, organizing, and art.
SOMALI PARENTS ADVOCACY CENTER FOR EDUCATION (SPACE)
GREATER BOSTON, SPACEMA.ORG
Engaging Somali families more actively in the lives and education of their children.
SPACE supports, educates, and empowers Somali families at all levels so that they can successfully access the resources and services in the larger community, and be better advocates for their children in school, in health care, and in their own community.
SOUTH BOSTON EN ACCION
SOUTH BOSTON, SBEACCION.ORG
Empowering community members in South Boston to create positive change.
South Boston en Accion’s mission is 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. It develops grassroots leadership from within the community 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 offers a six-week, non-residential, immersive social justice experience for a cohort of rising high school juniors and seniors. Participating in internships across the Boston area while offering Jewish leadership development, Teen JUST-US matches its students with mentors for a mutually productive experience for all to access.
THE DREAM NETWORK
LAWRENCE, THEDREAMNETWORK.ORG
Making connections between incarceration, racism, and social justice.
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. Its mission is to develop transformative processes that measurably impact poverty, and its goal is to shift culture by addressing systemic inequities in our educational, economic, environmental, social, and carceral systems.
THE HISTORY PROJECT: DOCUMENTING LGBTQ BOSTON
BOSTON, HISTORYPROJECT.ORG
Documenting and preserving the history of New England’s LGBTQ communities and sharing that history with others.
As one of the largest independent LGBTQ archives in the nation, The History Project contains more than 250 collections and more than one million documents from organizations and individuals. The History Project offers various outreach activities such as film screenings or exhibitions to engage anyone interested in LGBTQ+ history.
THE UPWARD PROJECT
BOSTON, THEUPWARDPROJECT.ORG
Guaranteeing first-generation students access to competitive opportunities.
With upward mobility as the end goal, The Upward Project is a career development program working to ensure that 1st-generation, low-income, high-achieving college students are well-positioned to enter and succeed in the most competitive career fields. It is a five-year wrap-around program that provides extensive career coaching, internship placement support, cultivation of professional networks, financial resources, and more.
THINK OUTSIDE THE VOX, INC.
LITTLETON, THINKOUTSIDETHEVOX.ORG
Increasing disability and cultural access in the arts community. Think Outside the Vox focuses on combatting ableist marginalization between disabled patrons, BIPOC/AAPI/ marginalized access providers, and art institutions through individual consulting, webinars, referral services, and training programs. They aim to make measurable system-wide change in the field by facilitating and planning ways art institutions can make their spaces more accessible and inclusive.
TRANSLATE GENDER
NORTHAMPTON, TRANSLATEGENDER.ORG
Generating community accountability for individuals to self-determine their own genders and gender expressions. As a collective-based consensus-run organization, Translate Gender has led efforts to fight gender oppression and educate communities on specific concerns to trans, gender-expansive, and/or gender nonconforming individuals. Translate Gender holds workshops, consultations, mediations, and facilitations of discussions in various settings to accomplish their mission.
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.
VONG TAY CHA ME VIET DORCHESTER, VONGTAYCHAMEVIET.COM
Providing culturally and linguistically appropriate support and resources to Vietnamese-speaking parents of children and youth 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.
The Lenny Zakim Fund’s • 24TH Annual MONDAY NOVEMBER 2025
2024 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)
Anonymous
Barr Foundation
The Klarman Family Foundation
Krupp Family Foundation
Cantilever Bridge
($25,000-$49,999)
Josephine and Louise Crane Foundation
Scarlet Feather Fund
Suzi Kaitz & Jonathan Katz
Temple B’Nai Israel
Bowstring Bridge
($10,000-$24,999)
Anonymous
The Estate of Charlotte Kaitz
Michael and Manisha Eckton
The Frieze Family Foundation
Jamie Golden
Mark and Susan Irvings
John and Sonia Lingos Family Foundation
Tim Mackey & Carol Lee Rawn
Glenn and Susan Rothman
The Slater Foundation
Stephen and Jane Williamson
Arthur Winn
Cable Bridge
($5,000-$9,999)
Risa and Steven Aronson
Eastern Bank Foundation
Goldberg Family Multigenerational
Ellen and Kalman Heller
Integrated Builders
Alexander and Lianne Leventhal
The Estate of Phyllis Marino
Meads Bay Hotel Group
Mr. Owl Foundation
Elaine and Bobby Sager
Joseph Savage
Rob Sherman & Joan Lenington
Ellie Starr
Tao Jones Charitable Foundation, Joseph Deitch
Joyce Zakim & Peter Greenspan
Arch Bridge
($2,500-$4,999)
Anonymous
Brian and Mary Carty
Crestwood Advisors
Elizabeth De Lima & Bobby Alter
Carol Knox & Phillipe Paul
Mark and Ashley Ohanian
2024 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS
Arch Bridge
($2,500-$4,999) continued
Ben Stepansky
Larry Stiffler & Mary McFadden
Gillien Todd & Kingsley Taft
Amy Shulman Weinberg & Robert Weinberg
Robert White
Josh and Grace Zakim
Double Decker Bridge
($1,000-$2,499)
Anonymous
Ernest and Christine Adams
Miki Akimoto
Bob and Helen Alkon
Jason and Lucy Amello
Joan and Steve Belkin
Ed Belove & Laura Roberts
The Boston Foundation
Ellen Bruce
Daniel Caine & Claire Socolovsky Caine
Carte Blanche Careers
Moris Castillo & Haide Bolanos
Bob and Kathy Curley
George Deangelis
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston
Betsy Feldman
Richard and Laura Flynn
Debra Fox
Gaby and Adam Goldstein
Barbara and Steven Grossman
Ronald Halterman
Heidi Price Design and Heidi Price
Thomas and Carole Hemnes
Jessica Hennessy & AJ Marini
Sandy and Roz Hollander
Paul Holtzman
Lori and Eric Lander
Richard Lapchick & Ann Pasnak
Celeste and David Lee
Blake McLaughlin
William McPherson
New England Legal Foundation
Allen Palmer & Nancy Feingold-Palmer
Allison Picott & Michael Goldstein
Scott Price
Bob and Gabriela Romanow
Deborah Seidel
Risa Shames & Neil Silverston
Fredi and Jack Shonkoff
David Stein & Elizabeth March
Aprylle and Eric Wallace
Maarten and TT Wensveen
Michael Whouley & Sally Kerans
Mindy Wright
Deena Zakim & Jesse Chebot
Edward and Judi Zuker
2024 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS
Double Decker Bridge
($500 - $999)
Lorrie Anderson
Martha Bacigalupo
Jim and Clara Batchelor
Mark and Margaret Batten
Alexandra Bean
Diane and Fred Berk
BLINK and Stacy Coen
Michael and Megan Bowhers
Charnice Burns & Todd Mazer
Robert and Emily Carroll
Lawrence and Martha Casazza
Anabell Cazariego
Terri and Alan Chebot
Jonathan and Elizabeth Coffman
Dayl Cohen
Anne Cowie & Amy Graves
Shade Cronan
Christine and Lee Roy Dixon
Catherine Donaher & Robert Hollister
Bruce and Mady Donoff
Lisa Flores
Chad Freitas
Marta Garcia Daneshvar & Daniel
Daneshvar
Julia Gittleman & Tom Mendelsohn
Richard Goldsby & Barbara Osborne
Saundra Hall & Judah Weathers
Sharona Halpern
Felicia Heywood & Hilary Maguire
Barbara Howard & Jonathan Kaufman
Jamie and Jessie Husid
Drew Hyman
Impact Community Giving and Carla Beaudoin
Rachel Israel & Jason Heiser
K. Weill Consulting Group
Sharon Kaitz & Jonathan Wilson
Richard Kaitz
Dennis and Carol Kanin
Alexandra Karasic
Harris and Paul Krupp
Lizbeth and George Krupp
David McCarthy
Jordan Michaels
Jennifer Musso Kelly & Matthew Kelly
Andrew and Sara Myerson
Thomas Neenan & Mih-Ho Cha
Matthew and Anna Noon
2024 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS
Double Decker Bridge
($500 - $999) continued
Robert and Leslie Ogan
Andrew Ott & Charan Devereaux
Sabrina and Mark Particelli
Maureen and John Pistorio
Poduska Family Foundation
Alison Roche
Joseph and Ciara Rodio
Jake Rosenberg
Franklin and Rachel Ross
Terry and Wayne Rusch
Harold and Linda Schwartz
Beth Segers
William and Ruth Shelley
Shulman Family Fund
Madelyn Terbell
Armani Thao
Loren Van Allen
Swapna and Nate Vantzelfde
Christopher Walsh
JoJo and George Wetterau
Andrea Wheeler
Anki Wolf & Mark Geer
Shari Zakim-Yacouby and Phil Zakim-Yacouby
Stone Bridge
($250-$499)
Laura Baldini
Benjamin B. and Natalie O. Levin Foundation
Josh Biren
Jay Blitzman & Sandra Jaffe
Brianna Boggs
Stephen and Joanne Camer
Kendin Carr
Julie Catalano
Rich and Debby Cole
Kendra Coleman
Cuyana – Jodi Catino
Kate Dineen
Suzanne Dodakian
Seth Dugal
Megan Dunn
Katie Durant
Toni Elka
Leila El-youssef
Bob and Iris Fanger
Joseph Giso
Mitchell A. and Barbara S. Glazier
Ronni Goldsmith and Joe Donelan
2024 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS
Stone Bridge ($250-$499) continued
Johee Han
Sol and Jackie Israel
Jessica Jacobs & Michael Culver
Peter and Maddy Jacobson
Matthew Kaplan
Lisa Kessler
Jonathan Lee
Arlene and Richard Levin
Lauren Levy
Ann May
Sara McCabe
Lauren Michaels
Greg and Kristen Mucci
Charlayne Murrell-Smith
Tania Phillips & Jeffrey S. Dover
Joel Piton
Bill Poznik & Jane Adolph
Kurt and Arlene Pressman
Kenneth Preuss
James Rapoport & Susan Carty Rapoport
Sandra and Allan Ropper
Ed Rossi
Rick Rostoff
Suzan Rothschild
Jasper Rubino
Terry and Susan Rushfirth
Tom and Anne Snyder
Mark and Marjie Sokoll
Matthew and Dana Starr
Aland and Laurie Starr
Jonathan Stepansky
Wat Tyler
Laura Van Zandt
Rabbi Moshe and Anne Waldoks
Graham Walters
Kenneth Weill & Joanna Cataldo
Ben Whipple & Carol Gladstone
Susan Whitehead
Foot Bridge ($100-$249)
Anonymous
Carl and Andrea Axelrod
Alice and Michael Baker
Kathleen and Bruce Barnett
Bob and Marlise Bickel
Karen and David Binder
Derek Bird
2024 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS
Foot Bridge
($100-$249) continued
Neil Birnbaum & Ruth Barnert
Joseph Blau
Pam and Richard Bliss
Martin and Judy Charns
Henry and Mary Chidgey
Paul Cooperstein
Senator Cynthia and Mr. Harvey Creem
Jeanne Cutrona
Allen and Carole Davis
Catherine Dawson
Frank and Nancy Dimella
Ed and Sheila Doctoroff
Marea and Marty Donohue
Emily Driscoll
Benjamin Duker
Marvin and Marilyn Eichner
Peter and Maria Eliopoulos
Nancy and Kenneth Falchuk
Bruce and Kathie Fieldman
Gerald Fink
Deborah Frank
Frank Friedman & Sarah Kianovsky
Colleen Galle
Jude Goldman & Ed Braverman
Charlie Gomes
Mark and Janet Gottesman
Helena Hartnett
Laura Henry
Nancy Hill
Neil Hodes & Beth Neiman
Kuotai Jack Huang & Jenny Chow
Janet Kahan & Stan Shulman
Sherry Katz & Mark Farmer
Paul and Jan Kearns
Deborah Keegan
Elisabeth Keller
Elayna and David Kirschtel
Rebecca Kolias
Anthony Komaroff & Lydia Villa-Komaroff
Rachel Kulhawik
Ryan Kulkarni
Steve Lang
Gene and Katherine Lee
Josh Levin-Scherz
Roberta and Alan Leviton
Carl and Naomi Lopkin
Kristen and Sean Lucht
Dan Matthews & Genevieve Hammond
Elizabeth May
Susan McCoy
Neil McKittrick
Cynthia Medeiros
Sue and Bill Melaugh
Christian Meuser
Aaron Michlewitz
Edmund Mroz & Celia Shapiro
Barbara Palant
Miriam and Gary Paluba
Susan Paresky
Marion and David Pollock
Janice Reagan & Wally Taylor
Peter Rublin
2024 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS
Foot Bridge ($100-$249) continued
Peter Rubino
Richard Rubino
Joyce Rubino & Bob Stepansky
Sam Russell
Joseph and Jean Sabatini
Dr. Jonathan Sarna & Dr. Ruth Langer
Kate Sawyer
Linda Schwabe
Amy Seeherman & Leslie Brody
Deborah Shalom
Mark and Judy Shankman
Sherri and Steve Sigel
Samuel Silverman
Gary and Lynne Smith
Jonathan Spillane
Toni and Laurence Spitzer
Jack Starr
Alan and Elissa Stepansky
Deane Stepansky
Larry Sternberg
Andrew Suskin
Neil and Denise Swidey
Donna Tehel
Keith and Susan Tornheim
Ethan Underhill
Joel and Felicia Vargas
May Vaughn
Shelley White-Picott
Bill and Jean Whitney
James and Margery Wieder
Matt Wilder
Jeffrey Winik
Jerry Wishnow & Pei Pei Wu
Jeff Wulfson & Melissa Langa
Jill York
Mariann Youniss
Jack and Lydia Zakim
Wayne Zarozny
Alice Zimelman
Patricia and John Zucchi
In-Kind Donations
A Street Hospitality
Above All Transportation and Boston Car Service
Kendin Carr
Bar Mezanna
Beacon XV
2024 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS
In-Kind Donations continued
Cocktails in Hell – Gina Gluoldi
Columbus Hospitality Group – Lisa Flores
Cuyana
Douzo Sushi
Michael Eckton
Empire Loan
Empire Loan Charitable Foundation
ESHospitality
Percy Fortini Wright
Galley Beach Restaurant
Ari Hauben
Meghan Houle
Jessica Diaz Wellness
Legendary Restaurant Group
Linens on the Hill
Meads Bay Hotel Group
MIDA
New England Development
Allison Picott & Michael Goldstein
Ashleigh Pizzaloto
Heidi Price
Salon Capri
SPIN Boston
Stay Gold Images
Tata Harper Skincare
Tavistock Restaurant Collection
The Urban Grape Boston
Total Wine & More
Wasik’s Cheese Shop
Xenia Greek Hospitality
In Memory Of
Jon Bonsall
Paula “Penny” Hurwitz
Soon and Toy Lee
Robert and Raynee Price
Miriam Reinharth
Marc Rosenfeld
Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji
Jonathan Zakim
Lenny Zakim
In Honor Of
Sharon Diamond
Beth Dill
Leslie Dimella & Marc Hammarlund
Steven J. Diner
Andrew Dreyfus
Ben Echevarria
For Kids Only
Suzi Kaitz
Judi Krupp
Light the Night
Gene and Joan Masse
Melissa McCarthy
Emmanuel Owusu
Allison Picott
Kurt and Arlene Pressman
Glenn Rothman
Sitters for Scholars
Harold Schwartz
Ellie Starr
Ben Stepansky
Amy Shulman Weinberg
Joyce Zakim and Peter Greenspan
Roberta Zimman
Save The Dates
Please mark your calendars and join The Lenny Zakim Fund for:
129th Boston Marathon Monday, April 21, 2025
Team LZF Runners: Lucy Nash & Reynolds Graves
The Lenny Zakim Fund’s
Saturday, September 6, 2025
A Festive Fundraiser to Benefit The Lenny Zakim Fund
