Businesses and organizations in the Boston area form the backbone of the city’s assortment of charities and nonprofits. Today, the number of causes in Boston continues to grow just as quickly as the Boston real estate market. Business leaders, volunteers, and donors are joining up to help people locally and around the world. If you're looking for houses for sale in Boston, read on to learn more about 10 of our favorite philanthropic undertakings in the Boston area.
Top 10 causes we support in Boston
Pie it Forward
The annual Pie in the Sky Thanksgiving bake sale benefits Community Servings, an organization dedicated to providing meals for families experiencing critical or chronic illnesses and nutrition insecurity. Community Servings has paved the way for the national “Food is Medicine” campaign, and has conducted research through the National Institutes of Health to help change the way America feeds the sick.
The Pie in the Sky program is a donation-based initiative to supply meals to families over the Thanksgiving holiday. Each pie or $30 donation provides one week of medically-tailored meals to a Community Servings family or client. Tamela Roche leads a team (“Pie it Forward”) each year to raise funds for Pie in the Sky.
Children’s Miracle Network
RE/MAX Agents have given over $2,000,000 to the Boston Children's Hospital in the past 30 years to support the Children’s Miracle Network. Boston Children’s Hospital is ranked the number one pediatric hospital in the nation by US News and World Report and home to the largest pediatric enterprise, making it the primary teaching institution for Harvard Medical School.
The team at RE/MAX participates in the annual walk-a-thon in the spring to support the efforts of the hospital, which treats more children with rare diseases and conditions than any other hospital in the country.
People Making a Difference
In the last 26 years, People Making a Difference (PMD) has welcomed more than 9,300 volunteers for 142 community-based causes around Greater Boston, including many of Boston’s most popular neighborhoods. PMD operates as a small staff of officers and grant writers, but their community outreach affects tens of thousands of people — and often many more.
Every year, about 750 people ages 18–70+ volunteer for PMD’s service projects, which assist more than 16 communities in Greater Boston. PMD is committed to spreading the message of social engagement, and its volunteers welcome Boston residents to join their many charities that actively make a difference. As an organization, PMD offers hands-on projects for volunteers, especially during the holiday months, but the staff is always looking for more initiatives, which volunteers may join or start up all year.
Boston Resiliency Fund
In recent years, individuals and families around the U.S. have been disadvantaged in unprecedented ways. Improving access to food, vaccines, and safety-net programs are all at or near the top of cities' lists of concerns. The Boston Resiliency Fund was established in response to that demand.
The Boston Resiliency Fund rapidly develops strategies that connect at-risk groups with the food, outreach, and information hubs they need. So far, the Fund has raised more than $34 million and supported 250,000+ families. Guided by the principles of urgency and transparency, the Fund is an easy-to-use resource for residents of all types: elders, children, people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, low-income households, first responders, and more. In addition, the Fund directs 100% of all proceeds to these social groups; in this way, the organization ensures that donors are helping people with the most pressing needs.
St. Francis House
Located near the heart of the city in Boston Common, the St. Francis House is a leading local refuge where individuals can meet their basic needs for shelter, food, and clothing. This nonprofit, nonsectarian daytime shelter — the largest in Massachusetts — has been stabilizing people experiencing poverty and homelessness since 1984, and it continues to offer year-round services for the local population.
The St. Francis House is a wholly inclusive community that aims to transform lives and help residents live with dignity and independence through a variety of services. Every year, the nonprofit coordinates:
- More than 180,000 hot meals
- About 8,200 sets of fresh clothing, including winter wear and school accessories
- More than 10,000 medical appointments
- Workforce programs like MassHire and drop-in workshops
- Year-round recovery and sobriety support centers
New England Forestry Foundation
Boston's lush, multicolored landscapes in the spring and fall have enchanted locals and visitors for decades. Since 1944, the New England Forestry Foundation (NEFF) has been at the center of the many long-term initiatives to protect and grow the world-famous New England foliage.
The NEFF was founded on a set of core values involving the trees and forests of the Boston area. By conserving forestlands, innovating forest management practices, and reaching out to its partners to maximize its impact across New England, the NEFF functions as a hub for homegrown conservation on the East Coast. Today, the NEFF is working on several projects ranging from protecting 30 million acres in the Harvard Forest Wildlands to developing landowner outreach programs that help private forest owners sustainably manage land.
Stone House
In 1974, Stone House opened in Boston as a safe and nurturing environment for victims of domestic abuse. For more than 40 years, Stone House has sheltered adult and child survivors of domestic abuse. An alternative to institutionalization, Stone House and its facilities epitomize its mission. In 2021 alone, about 2,400 survivors received support, 16 families found shelter in emergency hotel rooms, and more than 4,300 meals were shared. Stone House remains a guiding light for locals in need, having recently opened a multi-use complex and expanded its Family Center in Roxbury.
Homes For Our Troops
Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) was established to build and donate custom homes for severely injured post-9/11 veterans throughout the U.S. Since 2004, HFOT has led communities around Boston to get veterans back on their feet. Given that Boston, Mass., real estate has skyrocketed recently, HFOT is a favorite cause in real estate circles, supporting and bringing housing equality to every sector of the local economy.
Nearly 90 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to program services, which already have built more than 320 adapted homes around the country. HFOT also received an A rating from Charity Watch and a perfect four-star assessment from Charity Navigator, which testify to the cause’s commitment to its donors and veterans. Likewise, 65% of donations originate from private individuals, showing how integrated and well-respected HFOT is with local fundraisers.
Boston Partners in Education
Across the Boston area, Boston Partners in Education provides public school students with the skills, mentorship, and support necessary to reach their full potential. The following highlights explain the program's universal acclaim:
- 100% of its families recommend BPIE to others
- 97% of its families vouch for their children's improved in-school performance
- 94% of teachers say that BPIE mentoring programs boost classroom participation
Mentorship has proven to be an effective way for Boston Public School students to renew their love of learning and reach new heights in their educational journeys. Boston Partners in Education has several ways for donors to get involved, from volunteering directly as academic mentors to nominating teachers who would benefit from additional funding. The staff at Boston Partners in Education is always eager to welcome new supporters who are passionate about the next generation of students.
Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy
Photo Courtesy of City Parks AllianceLocally dubbed “The Greenway,” the Rose Kennedy Greenway is one of Boston’s most magnetic outdoor attractions. Beer and wine gardens for any taste, public fountains and landscapes for family play, and a huge variety of seasonal food trucks dot this hot Boston landmark. The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy was made so that the Greenway could continue to welcome new visitors into a vibrant gathering place for all.
The Conservancy manages every aspect of the Greenway. Even in Boston, an area famous for its local parks, the Greenway stands out thanks to the year-round efforts of its conservators. Its programs maintain public gardens, program live events, improve the green space, and much more. The organization's mission is to launch the Greenway as a leading U.S. urban park and give visitors an open space in the center of the city, a place where they can test new ideas and enjoy public art showcases all year round.
Ellen Gifford Sheltering Home
The Ellen Gifford Sheltering Home (also called “Gifford”) is America’s first free-roam, no-kill animal shelter for cats. Serving Greater Boston, Gifford consistently ranks as one of the most highly-regarded animal rescue causes on the East Coast. Whether you’d prefer to volunteer time at their year-round open facility, donate funds, or adopt a cat of your own, Gifford is committed to supporting local felines and cat-lovers the world over.
Steppingstone Foundation
Trends in higher education across Boston indicate that less than a third of public high school grads go to a four-year college. Since 1990, the not-for-profit Steppingstone Foundation has committed to opening new pathways for high school students so that, with the community's help, they can make the most of their futures and graduate from college. Steppingstone scholars commit to the program in 4th or 5th grade and follow a rigorous academic plan with their current and future success in mind.
The foundation’s results show just how effective this cause’s programs truly are. Currently, 99% of Steppingstone scholars graduate high school, 92% enroll in college, and more than 80% earn a four-year degree. Civic leaders familiar with the foundation are determined to find solutions that address issues with Boston public schools. By donating to or volunteering with the Steppingstone Foundation, locals can help guide Boston youths toward roles in community leadership or higher education, a cycle that will continue to strengthen the voices of under-represented groups.
Reach out to a local real estate agent today
Interested in learning more about the Boston area and the communities that make it one of the nation’s leading sites for local causes and charities? Reach out to RE/MAX Destiny today to learn more!
