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The Lenny Zakim Fund combines the gifts of many donors to make small and meaningful grants that support some of the most amazing and effective grassroots programs in Eastern Massachusetts. Our goal is to support these agencies in every way that we can, so we do a whole lot more. The Lenny Zakim Fund continually nurtures these organizations toward growth and sustainability by providing the resources, training and other supports that are often unavailable to small organizations, including:

Grantmaking:  LZF makes grants for program, capacity building and general operating purposes.  Grants in addition to financial assistance, LZF offer technical assistance in the form of the below.

Training and Networking:  Semi-annual Institutes and on-going seminars provide hands-on learning in management, fundraising, peer learning and networking opportunities

Counseling and Advice:  Formal and informal counseling and advice, access to experts in various business, consulting and professional fields, resources and materials

Publicity:  Publicity and exposure through the newsletter, events, and radio show

Pro-bono Legal Assistance:  Through the generosity of the law firm, DLA Piper, all current and former grant recipients are offered pro-bono legal assistance

Celebrating Together! The Fund distributes its grants annually at a joyous and inspirational Award Ceremony. This reception and brief program brings the entire LZF community--donors, community organizations and volunteers--together to honor the new grant recipients as they receive their checks.

The mission of The Lenny Zakim Fund is to identify, listen to, support and connect grassroots community organizations and programs operating "below the radar screen" of large charitable groups and government grants. The Lenny Zakim Fund provides assistance to those who demonstrate the will and potential to make a difference, but lack the necessary resources. As a reflection of Lenny Zakim’s personal ideals, The Fund is especially interested in supporting groups involved in constructive coalition building across race, religious and ethnic lines.

Every year The Lenny Zakim Fund raises all the money that it distributes as grants and to support the training and other services that it provides. The Lenny Zakim Fund provides financial support, technical assistance and networking opportunities to individuals and grassroots organizations seeking:

·       to promote secular and religious educational efforts

·       to promote the Jewish tradition of social justice and programs supporting civil and human rights

·       to combat illiteracy and poverty 

·       to support anti-violence initiatives, and 

·       to advance the causes of medical research and health care.

In 2011, we have already distributed $425,000 in grants to 58 amazing organizations, with your help we can do more – with minimal increases to overhead!

"Some foundations solely give dollars, but it's evident LZF gives inspiration!"

~Soul Brown, Mystic Learning Center/Books of Hope, grant recipient

“We come across incredible people doing incredible things with so little. Going on site visits renews your faith.  There’s a lot of people doing very special things. It feels so good to know that, and it feels good to be a part of.”
~Ellen and Kal Heller, donors and volunteers.

·       With your parents and family, become a site visitor. Help us make grant decisions by meeting the people and visiting the programs that apply for an LZF grant.

·       Host a book or school supply drive to benefit children in LZF supported programs

·       Be creative! Build a relationship between your school or synagogue with young people from an LZF program.  For example, you could do a project together or host a performance – LZF staff can help you make a meaningful connection.