2012 Report on Foundation Activities

In 2012, the Foundation continued both its capital and community-based grant making, fulfilling pledges made to large institutions and making some new grants to smaller organizations. It completed its 4-year commitment to its College Scholarship Initiative, celebrating the graduation success of all 18 of the Shapiro Family Scholars.

The Foundation disbursed a total of $12,327,500 in grants in 2012, benefitting 57 organizations. While the largest share of dollars went to fulfill pledges made primarily to Boston health, education and cultural institutions, funds were also distributed to over 30 organizations through the Foundation’s Youth in the Arts and Access to Opportunity Initiatives. In addition, an RFP for the Foundation’s Disability Inclusion Initiative was sent out late in the year, with grants projected to be made in the first quarter of 2013.

In 2012, the Foundation invested significant time and effort in the review and refinement of its strategy in each of its Initiative areas. Changes are described on the corresponding Initiative web site pages. In addition, for the first time since 2008, the Foundation invited a number of new organizations to apply for Initiative funding, consistent with the strategic refinements in these areas. Beyond its grant making, the Foundation continued to offer support to Greater Boston Access to Recreation (GBAR), a group of organizations that has come together with goals to improve the field of adaptive and therapeutic sports and recreation. also, in concert with the J.E. and Z. B. Butler Foundation, the Foundation convened a Disability Task Force of nonprofit leaders several times over the course of the year to share information and collaborate on issues of common interest in the field of disability services. The Foundation worked collaboratively with other Boston area funders in disability, youth arts, youth development and the adult education fields to share information and funding strategies.

The Foundation was pleased to host a Proteus Fund Diversity Fellow in the second half of 2012. The Diversity Fellows Program aims to expand diverse leadership in philanthropy by identifying, recruiting and cultivating emerging practitioners of color and offering them training, support and a strong community.

Finally, in the fall of 2012 the Foundation lost the quiet inspiration and generous benevolence of its co-founder, Ruth Shapiro, when she passed away at the age of 95. Ruth’s spirit continues to inspire the values of the Foundation as it continues its work to improve the quality of life for residents in Greater Boston.