Women's Foundation of Boston 2020 Annual Report

OUR 2020 GRANTS * The Big Sister Association of Greater Boston ignites girls’ passion and power to succeed through positive mentoring relationships with women and enrichment programs that support girls’ healthy development. $150,000 for 3 years: Our Big Futures Program provides coaching, support, and resources to girls who have aged out of the program and who seek support to achieve financial independence, and make college and career decisions. WFBoston’s grant covers the salary of an additional coach to assist the post-secondary success and financial independence of 50 young women per year. $10,000 COVID Grant: WFBoston provided general operating support to secure a match for the Social Distancing Is Not Emotional Distancing virtual program which included a virtual book club, virtual volunteer training, coaching for enhanced support of Little Sisters, and program staff who support all 1,175 Little sisters with virtual tool kits. Budget Buddies helps low-income women become more economically self-sufficient and transform their lives by teaching them core money-management skills and pairing them with personal financial coaches. $135,000 for 3 years for Boston Expansion: WFBoston’s funding supports Budget Buddies’ expansion into Boston, including one employee’s additional hours, particularly leveraging her extensive connections to develop partnerships and ensure a consistent presence for Budget Buddies in Boston. $20,000 COVID Funding: An additional grant in 2020 supported the creation of Navigating Financial Uncertainty, an online platform with workshops, mentoring, and a hotline for clients. $160,000 Sector: Leadership & Mentoring Target Population: Women Mother Caroline Academy and Education Center is a private, tuition-free school for girls in grades 4–8, whose families have limited financial means. The school serves students of all faiths, race, and cultures from Boston neighborhoods. $120,000 for 2 years for Dedicated Outreach Coordinator: WFBoston is funding Mother Caroline Academy’s new outreach and admissions coordinator to boost enrollment, improve diversity, and reach the broader community. $10,000 Sponsorship: WFBoston sponsored Mother Caroline’s main fundraiser in early 2020 and helped secure a match. $5,000 COVID Funding: WFBoston’s grant enabled Mother Caroline Academy to secure a match for pandemic expenses such as increased PPE, cleaning, additional staff and nursing including a mental health expert. * Year one awards of the 2020 Grant Cycle were funded by the COVID Response Fund. $155,000 Sector: Career Planning & Financial Empowerment Target Population: Women $135,000 Sector: Education Target Population: Girls