Deadline: 2-Sep-22
The Lenny Zakim Fund is now accepting applications for its Grant Cycle 2023.
Funding Areas
The Lenny Zakim Fund’s primary funding areas are:
- Child and Youth Development and Education
- Access to Food, Housing, and Economic Opportunity
- Health Promotion and Accessibility for All
- Organizing and Support for Immigrants and Refugees
- Violence Prevention, Criminal Justice Reform and Family Outreach
- LGBTQ Community Support and Organizing
- Civil and Human Rights Advocacy and Support
Core Values
The work of the Lenny Zakim Fund is guided by the following principles:
- Social Justice: All that they do is based in their 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: They 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: They firmly believe that continuous, active, and reciprocal learning is critical to promoting awareness and creating a solid foundation for change.
- Bridge Building: They 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 they 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.
Funding Information
The Lenny Zakim Fund makes unrestricted grants for general operating support. Their maximum grant size is $20,000, yet first year grants typically range between $1,000 and $10,000. Organizations that are new to the Fund are eligible to receive up to five years of funding (subject to a renewal process and approval). After five years, an organization is no longer eligible to receive funding from LZF. It is out hope of that organizations will leverage their LZF support to secure other funding when LZF support has ended.
Geographic Restriction
The Lenny Zakim Fund almost exclusively supports programs in Eastern Massachusetts. If your organization serves outside of Eastern Massachusetts, please contact us prior to submitting a proposal.
Eligibility Criteria
Non-profit organizations based in Massachusetts that have an IRS 501c3 status or a documented fiscal agent that has 501c3 status are welcome to submit a proposal. They strongly encourage you attend an informational session or watch a recording prior to applying.
For more information, visit https://thelennyzakimfund.org/grants-and-grantees/#cta-anchor