The Basics on the Cummings Foundation

Editor's note: This article was revised and updated on 5/6/2021.

Funded by an impressive commercial real estate fortune, Joyce and Bill Cummings established a private operating foundation in 1986 in the working-class suburb of Woburn. With over $1 billion in assets, the Cummings Foundation is a prominent local grantmaker in the Boston area. On top of that, the foundation owns and operates two large, not-for-profit assisted living facilities, partners with Tufts University’s veterinary medicine school, and contributes to more distant causes related to justice in Rwanda and Holocaust and genocide education.

As part of the funder’s local commitment, it awards $25 million per year to approximately 140 nonprofits in the area. (Read Cummings Foundation Inc./One World Boston Inc.: Boston Area Grants). These are a few things you should know about the Cummings grantmaking program before clicking "send" on your letter of inquiry submission. 

Grantmaking is Focused on Boston and the Northern Suburbs

Nonprofits operating in and serving Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk counties are given priority for grant awards. Although this foundation awards plenty of grants inside the city of Boston, the northern suburbs are heavily favored too, especially Woburn. The purpose of the local grants is to support nonprofits in the communities where employees and clients of Cummings Properties live.

Executive Director Joel Swets said, “These local charities are doing so much for their communities, many of them with very limited staff and resources. Judging by the comments received from grant recipients, as well as their level of excitement, we believe these funds will have a meaningful impact on the organizations and the people they serve.”

Cummings Grants Are $100,000 to $500,000 Each

In the past, Cummings gave $10 million through its $100K for 100 program and then another $10 million through 10 grants of $1 million each. This resulted in around $16 million in local annual grants, some as single-year awards and others as multi-year awards with payments spread over two to ten years.

But more recently, the foundation has been giving $100,000 grants to 100 winners that are first-time and returning recipients. On top of that, Cummings gives $200,000 to $500,000 grants to 40 winners.

Cummings Doesn't Fund Everything

By and large, Cummings grantmaking is limited to programs related to underserved populations, healthcare, social justice, and education. Arts, cultural, and athletic organizations are typically never considered by this grantmaker. Since the foundation is still fulfilling its multi-million-dollar commitment to the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, animal welfare organizations are not considered for grants. Historic buildings and land preservation are also not considered for grants.

To apply for a grant, plan to submit a letter of inquiry before the deadline posted on the funder’s website, which has been between July and September lately. This inquiry period is followed by invitations to submit full applications, presentation days and a grant winner celebration in June.