“e” inc. has been selected as one of 150 nonprofits to receive funding through Cummings Foundation’s annual grant program, which awarded $35 million this year. Chosen through a competitive review process that drew a record 959 applicants, the Charlestown-based organization will receive $75,000 cumulative over three years.
“e” inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting science literacy and environmental stewardship among children and youth, particularly those from low-income backgrounds across Boston and Cambridge.
“The support of the Cummings Foundation is incredibly impactful to our small non-profit. “e” inc. provides STEM-based scientific programming to Greater Boston youth (primarily K-6th grade) at low or no cost to our partner organizations. We sincerely appreciate the Cummings Foundation’s longer-term commitment to science education allowing “e” inc.’s programs to thrive in this challenging fundraising environment, said Paul Coakley, Executive Director.”
This year, the Woburn-based Cummings Foundation increased its annual grant program from $30 million to $35 million and shifted to fully unrestricted funding, allowing recipients to direct grant dollars where they are needed most.
Foundation executive director and trustee Joyce Vyriotes noted that the changes reflect growing concerns among Greater Boston nonprofits about rising costs, increased demand for services, and sustained uncertainty around public funding.
“Nonprofit professionals are closest to the challenges facing their communities, making them best positioned to determine where and how new funds will drive the greatest impact,” said Vyriotes. “By providing increased, flexible funding, we hope to strengthen organizations’ long-term stability and help them respond to evolving community needs.”
This year’s grant recipients represent a wide range of causes, including housing and food insecurity, education, workforce development, healthcare, mental health services, social justice, immigrant support, and youth programming. Since its founding, Cummings Foundation has awarded more than $650 million to Greater Boston nonprofits. The complete list of this year’s grant recipients, along with additional information about the Foundation and its grant programs, is available at CummingsFoundation.org.
“e” inc., a non-profit organization established in Charlestown in 2002, is dedicated to promoting science literacy and environmental stewardship among children and youth, particularly those from low-income backgrounds across Boston and Cambridge. We achieve this through hands-on, STEM-based programs that engage students in active learning and empower them to take action to protect the planet. “e” inc. provide students in grades K-6 with robust science education and meaningful action projects, while boosting their self-esteem.
“e” inc.’s current programming takes place in day schools and after-school programs in the neighborhoods of East Boston, Chinatown, Dorchester, Mattapan, Roxbury, Charlestown, and Cambridge. “e” inc. also offers a popular (and sold out!) Summer Science Discover Program in August at our donated (courtesy of Mass General) warehouse space along the Charlestown waterfront.
“e” inc. educators focus on teaching about beings, biomes, resources, and systems that drive the planet. “e” inc. aims to create science-literate “doers” who can make positive changes in their communities and beyond. Learn more about “e” inc.’s programs at: https://einc-action.org/.
Woburn-based Cummings Foundation, Inc. was established in 1986 by Joyce and Bill Cummings of Winchester, Mass., and has grown to become one of the largest private foundations in New England. In addition to its annual grant program, the Foundation directly operates two not-for-profit retirement communities: New Horizons at Marlborough and New Horizons at Choate, in Woburn. Additional information is available at CummingsFoundation.org.