Bridging Communities
As efforts are made to limit the rights of immigrants and refugees, budget cuts threaten services for families living in poverty, and systemic racism continues to affect even the youngest in our communities, The Lenny Zakim Fund (LZF) seeks and supports people and organizations with tangible solutions that promise positive change in their very own communities.
Achieving social change and equity in our communities requires building bridges between grassroots organizations, the people they serve, donors, volunteers, and community leaders. Building these bridges is the mission and purpose of The Lenny Zakim Fund.
Help Us Grow the Grassroots
There are so many ways to get involved with The Lenny Zakim Fund. LZF isn’t self-sustaining; we rely on fundraising and generous donations to operate. Financial contributions are always appreciated, but there are other ways to get involved too. Our grantee partners don’t just receive money from LZF, they receive support in everything from leadership coaching to pro bono legal support to access to experts that can help them with the skills and knowledge needed to continue their work.
Apply for a Grant
Nonprofit organizations based in eastern Massachusetts, with operating budgets under $350,000, that have an IRS 501(c)(3) status or a documented fiscal agent that has 501(c)(3) status are welcome to submit a proposal to The Lenny Zakim Fund during our annual grant cycle.
LZF’s primary funding areas are:
- Access to Food, Housing, and Economic Opportunity
- Child and Youth Development and Education
- Civil and Human Rights Advocacy and Support
- Health Promotion and Accessibility for All
- Organizing and Support for Immigrants and Refugees
- LGBTQIA Community Support and Organizing
- Violence Prevention, Criminal Justice Reform and Family Outreach
30 Years of Partnering with Grassroots Organizations
2025 marked the 30th anniversary of Lenny Zakim’s founding of The Lenny Zakim Fund. We are pleased to celebrate this milestone anniversary by highlighting 30 of the hundreds of grassroots organizations LZF has been proud to partner with since 1995.
