From Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA)
Twelve non-profit organizations operating in South Boston will receive grants, ranging from $20,000 to $80,000, to support their programs. The awards mark the successful completion of a Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) pilot program launched in February to test a new process for allocating discretionary funding from community benefits agreements associated with development projects. The twelve South Boston grant recipients will share a total of $400,000 in funding that stems from the D Street Hotel project, which is currently under construction across from the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.
The BRA received nearly 40 applications from non-profit organizations seeking funding. BRA staff reviewed the submissions in conjunction with the Office of Workforce Development, an affiliate of the BRA with a strong track record in grant management, to determine the awardees. The grants will support an array of initiatives, from youth empowerment programs to substance abuse prevention work.
The following organizations received grants:
- Boys and Girls Club of South Boston $80,000
- Harry McDonough Sailing Center $50,000
- Massachusetts Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Heroes Memorial Fund $50,000
- Catholic Charities Laboure Center $50,000
- Gavin Foundation, Inc. $30,000
- South Boston Neighborhood House $20,000
- Joseph M. Tierney Learning Center $20,000
- Medicine Wheel Productions $20,000
- Notre Dame Education Center $20,000
- South Boston en Accion $20,000
- South Boston Collaborative Center $20,000
- Paraclete, Inc. $20,000
“We want to level the playing field when it comes to allocating funds from community benefits agreements, and that’s exactly what we’ve done,” said BRA Director Brian Golden. “In the past, there wasn’t a predictable process for awarding this funding. I’m proud that we’re able to support so many impactful organizations with an approach that lends itself to transparency and accountability.”
“I am pleased that the pilot was successful and that this strategy is being adopted as standard practice,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “This application process gives the South Boston community equal access and opportunity to receive grant money resulting from new development in and around their neighborhood. This continues our commitment to transparency, accessibility, and streamlining city government by modernizing the way we do business. I commend the Convention Center Authority, the BRA, elected officials, and the community for working with the development team to secure this important funding for South Boston.”
Given the success of the pilot, the BRA will now release the remaining $230,000 in community benefits associated with the D Street Hotel project. Non-profit organizations operating in South Boston that applied for but didn’t receive funding in the first round are eligible to reapply in round two. Applicants can request up to $25,000 in funding for this round. The second round D Street Hotel Community Benefits application is available on the BRA’s website – http://www.bostonredevelopmentauthority.org. Submissions are due Monday, July 20.
