New Community Fund

OVERVIEW: The New Community Fund supports children and youth, progressive infrastructure, the arts and shifting gender roles in Boston, Massachusetts and beyond.

FUNDING AREAS: Children and youth, progressive infrastructure, the arts, shifting gender roles

IP TAKE: This is a progressive funder that prioritizes the city of Boston, especially the needs of Bostonian women and youth. Despite its interests, it’s not an accessible funder, preferring to scout it’s own grantseekers to fund. Get on their radar by networking with its previous grantees or call them to learn how it chooses grantees.

PROFILE: Established New Community Fund (NCF) is a family foundation based in Boston, Massachusetts. This is the foundation of Charles Rodgers and Fran Sussner Rodgers. Charles Rodgers is the president of NCF and affiliated with many organizations in Boston, including the West End House Boys & Girls Club of Allston-Brighton and the Institute of Contemporary Art. He formerly led the consulting firm, WFD, and held leadership roles with State Street Bank & Trust Company. Francene Sussner Rodgers, a NCF chair, founded WFD and is known as a pioneer in labor relations for women. The foundation is committed to "initiatives that generate sustainable social and political change and to institutions that improve the lives of people and the communities in which they live.” NCF funds local efforts for children and youth, progressive infrastructure, the arts and shifting gender roles.

The New Community Fund supports innovative ideas and is willing to take funding risks. It funds programs and organizations that work to change society in positive ways and promote great leadership. Interests of this foundation include changing public opinion, supporting an active civil society and promoting a progressive and inclusive government. It often funds research on changing gender roles and family dynamics. This is a collaborative funder that supports progressive political groups, such as the Democracy Alliance and the Pipe Fund to promote clean elections.

Grants range between about $5,000 and $75,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking largely focuses on Boston, Massachusetts; however, NCF awards some grants nationally and in selected areas abroad as well. Past local grantees include Spaulding Hospital Boston, Big Sister Association of Boston and the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University.

This foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. Direct general questions to the staff at info@newcomfund.org or 617-266-5560.

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